FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Confidence built in the kitchen. Our student stories.

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James Portman 

“Before joining the French Cooking Academy, I had a solid foundation in general cooking but lacked confidence in classic French techniques. Since enrolling, my skills have been transformed: I now approach sauces, knife work, and plating with precision. Learning traditional methods has given me a greater appreciation for the artistry behind French cuisine.

The French Cooking Academy has changed the way I think about food. I’ve become more patient and detail-oriented, understanding the importance of layering flavours and proper technique. It has also made cooking a more immersive, enjoyable experience, turning everyday meals into something special”.

FCA MEMBER since 2020

CANADA

A smiling woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a dark jacket and a pearl necklace, standing in front of a light-colored wooden background. 

Judith Graham  

I started with the first of Stephane's YouTube videos and worked my way through them all, in order. Stephane's style wasn't intimidating; while very experienced, he was still a student at heart. His teaching was grounded in research and tradition and yet fun, easy to understand and to replicate.

Taking the FCA courses has vastly improved my knowledge and my skills and I feel so much more confident in my abilities to tackle recipes I would not have prior to FCA. So many recipes I thought were outside my abilities have become very doable under Stephane's tutelage.”

FCA MEMBER since 2023

North Carolina, USA

A woman with blonde, shoulder-length hair, wearing a black and white outfit with a decorative bow, smiling slightly, in an indoor setting with other people. 

Ellada D 

“I made up my mind to enrol at the FCA after a family gathering where I had prepared Côtes de porc à la Normandie (FCA) and it was such a big hit with everyone! I remember making my first post (Potage Cultivateur), sending it out to the FCA community and wandering ‘Who is out there?’  It was so great to receive immediate response and encouragement from both the FCA and the other club members.  From the start, I felt comfortable and part of an enthusiastic group of people who thoroughly enjoyed cooking and wanted to learn about the French Cuisine as much as I did. Since then I believe that I have learned quite a lot about French food. I am proud that I have executed challenging recipes like Galette des Rois andPomme Pavê, learned how to cook fabulous  family dishes like Navarin d’ Agneau and Braised Short Ribs with Port Wine, Star Anise and Cinnamon and I have enriched my family’s daily cooking repertoire with simple but delicious recipes.

It has been an amazing and oh, so delicious a journey and I wholeheartedly thank Stéphane, Kate and FCA for it!”

FCA MEMBER since 2023

Cyprus

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STRAIGHT FROM THE KITCHEN…..COURSE FEEDBACK

Quote about a cooking course by Rick Tantlinger from 'Get Started with French Cooking' with a white background and stylized text.
Testimonial quote about a French cooking course by Lisa Stockinger, praising the course as thorough, informative, and inspiring, with a note about her experience watching YouTube videos.
Quote from Ed Shapoff about his appreciation for video-based culinary courses, describing them as all-encompassing and outstanding.
Quote about a beginner course on French cooking, emphasizing the usefulness of basic techniques and prompt answers to questions, attributed to Cal MJ.
Testimonial quote about a French cooking course by Christoph Buchihrl from a website or brochure.
Quote from Mats Bergstrand, a Swedish home chef, praising a cooking course for filling gaps in his kitchen knowledge and enjoyment.
Quote from Adrian Waddington praising a cooking course for making good sauces, mentioning South Korea and plans to revisit Australia.
A quote about a cooking course, praising its value and the knowledge gained, with the name 'Way Fountain' and the phrase 'Cooking Potatoes Like a Chef' at the bottom.
Quote about a cooking course and choux pastry by Terry Prescott
Quote by Hannah Lucas about cooking and making time to relax, with her name and mention of mastering French sauces at home.
Quote about the impact of cooking courses on understanding natural flavors and French cuisine, attributed to Benjamin Meir Khalife, with a note about starting with French cooking.
Book cover for 'Get Started with French Cooking' by Nancy Latimer, featuring a quote about the course's quality.
Quote about learning to cook and gratitude to instructor, with a title 'Get Started with French Cooking'.
Quote praising Stephane and Kate for their teaching techniques and recipes, attributed to Ed Shapoff from The Chef's Plate.
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FROM OUR INBOX. MESSAGES that made our day.

  • I love the course! Game changer one: The many YouTube videos you and Kate have made. Many updated, creative ways of making French dishes, some I've not had in many years. It is such fun, it's like reconnecting with old friends! Game changer two: Your creative and effective communication in teaching the techniques to make the dishes is really wonderful, it's these updated techniques that have been so helpful. I like your emphasis on not only how, but why, and the effect the changes will have in the finished dish. My adorable husband has been having a great time testing all my newly crafted dishes.

    Tricia Weber 

    FCA MEMBER

    Phoenix, Arizona, USA

  • I’m having a terrific time going through and cooking through many of the courses. To date I have completed the following: Mastering French Sauces at Home, The Gastronomad Journey, Cooking Potatoes Like a Chef and The Chef’s Plate. All of the courses have rekindled my interest in fine dining in general and as I near retirement it has renewed my desire to cook more.

    Chip Wright

    FCA MEMBER

    New Port Richey, Florida, USA

  • I am just sinking my teeth into your French sauces course. I am so impressed with how professional, detailed and complete it is. Stephane I’ve been watching you for years, since you first appeared on YouTube. So happy to see your meteoric rise and hard-won sucess. You do everything with such commitment and earnestness. It’s a privilege to having been learning from you all these years, and to now explore your beautiful on-line courses. You have inspired me not only in the kitchen - but I just signed up for a “French Culture Through Film” course at my local college! Vive la Stephane & Kate!

    Elizabeth West

    Student, Master French Sauces at Home

    USA

5 Stars on Google ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Home cooks around the world have rated the FCA Club 5 stars and it’s not just the recipes they love. From complete beginners to seasoned foodies, our students rave about the step-by-step lessons, the confidence they build in the kitchen, and the friendly, passionate community they get to be part of. It’s more than just cooking, it’s connection, support, and lots of delicious fun.

Screenshot of a Google review from Hannah Lucas giving five stars, describing her positive experience with a cooking course, mentioning clear instructions, engaging demonstrations, tested recipes, and a supportive online community.
Screenshot of a five-star review for FCA, mentioning online courses, recipes, and Sauces, written by T.A. Weber.
Screenshot of a Google review written by Michelle East for a cooking course, mentioning mastering French cuisine through online video lessons.
Customer review on a kitchen or culinary course website, five-star rating, written by James P about an experience with a chef named Stephane.