Super Secret Lunch: Culinary School Restaurants

One of the best-kept gourmet lunch secrets anywhere is Culinary Arts programs at our local colleges and trade schools. Many of these schools have programs that turn our kids into chefs - really good ones - and also teach baking and pastry, restaurant management, and wine studies. If you've never eaten at a culinary school, you're really missing out on some great food at an astonishing price.

One thing you have to know about these restaurants is that they are only open on certain days, at certain times and often closed due to the academic schedule. Due to the pandemic, some facilities are temporarily closed for the duration. However, when they are open, they are really, really great. You can get an exquisite gourmet lunch for under $20. (Not that we're cheap, but who doesn't love to help kids learn and get a great meal at the same time?) Many of these schools host 5-course meals on certain dates.

With the closure of The Art Institutes (which gave us locations in Hollywood, Santa Monica, and other nearby locations), the number of Casper-like locations has diminished, but their value has not. That being said, some of these spots may be far-flung, but it's an inspiring experience if you plan on being in the neighborhood.

Information on these secret restaurants is very hard to find, but we think it was worthy of our attention. We've taken the time to research where to find information on these schools and their open-to-the-public eateries, so you don't have to bump around the web finding dead ends and missing pages. We did our best. Here are the results:

  • The Garden Room at Los Angeles Trade Tech: 400 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles. The Garden Room is a French restaurant run by the students at LATT. It's close, accessible, and very good. Reservations: (213) 763-7000 http://www.lattc.edu/academics/pathways/ca/cafeteria The website is hit-or-miss for information.

  • Captain's Table at Orange Coast College: 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. The Captain’s Table is a casual-upscale restaurant run by students from the Culinary Arts and Food and Beverage Management programs, serving a variety of cuisine types from a rotating weekly menu. They are open for lunch and dinner every Thursday beginning the third week of the semester. Reservations are highly recommended; Reserve Online with OpenTable or via email at captainstable@occ.cccd.edu. The website has information on location and parking, schedule, and menu. http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/student_life/foodservices/captains-table/Pages/default.aspx

  • iCUE Café at College of the Canyon's Institute for Culinary Education: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Thursday Luncheons are what you're looking for. Culinary arts students will prepare and serve a prix fixe menu (usually around $20!) in the institute’s unique glass-walled dining room. Seating is available between 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Book reservations https://www3.canyons.edu/departments/CULARTS/reservation_request_form.asp (This page is down, but give it time, they'll probably revive it once the pandemic gives up.) For any questions, call (661) 362-3620 or email icue.restaurant@canyons.edu.

  • LBCC Bistro at Long Beach City College, Building V, 4901 E Carson St, Long Beach. The Bistro, run by students in Culinary Arts, offers food at a fine-dining standard and features a revolving prix fixe menu with a choice of appetizer or salad, entrée, and dessert for $15, tax included. The menu changes bi-weekly and a vegetarian option is usually available. Each week the Bistro focuses on cuisine from a different region, such as Asia, the Mediterranean, West Coast, Southern, Latin America or French. The Bistro seats up to 50 people, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are accepted via email only. To make a reservation, please email us at bistro@lbcc.edu. https://www.lbcc.edu/bakery-and-bistro

  • Falcon Room Restaurant at Cerritos College, 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk. The Falcon Room restaurant is the best kept secret in the community. Along with the Cerritos College staff, faculty and administration, members of the community can enjoy formal dining at affordable prices while culinary students hone their culinary and hospitality skills in a real-world restaurant environment. Menus are planned, prepared, and served by the college’s award-winning Culinary Arts Program. https://www.cerritos.edu/culinary-arts/Falcon-Room/default.htm

Don't just use this information in Los Angeles. Culinary schools are everywhere! Whenever we plan a vacation, we look into what schools with restaurants might be in our path. The experience always adds joy and fun to the trip. Bon Appétit!

Cecilie Korst/, secret lunch, culinary schools