New cooking school for kids opens

Newton — In 2003, Julie Fabing Berleson and Suzy Vinson Nettles founded Young Chefs Academy. Their mission was to teach kids more than just the how-to’s of cooking. Later, with the help of Gary Findley (former president of Curves International), the academy began selling franchises and have now over 100 locations throughout the country. Thanks to the vision and effort of Anna Levien, there is now one in Sussex County. Levien, a Sparta resident for almost four years, graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant management and began her career in the hospitality industry. She says, “My passion for food really began as a young adult.” A self-proclaimed “foodie,” Levien spent a lot of time in the 1980’s going to different restaurants all over the five boroughs with a foodie friend of hers, and they would submit reviews to Zagat’s restaurant guide. In exchange for these reviews, they would get coupons and vouchers to different restaurants which would help further their outings. Eventually, Levien realized she wanted to be a part of the food industry. While working at a corporate job full time in New York City, Levien attended a few French cooking classes and realized, “This isn’t for me. I wanted to be artful, so I went and took classes to earn my certificate in pastries.” After achieving her certificate and doing small jobs here and there, she decided it wasn’t enough. Levien saved up, and went back to school full time at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan to become a pastry chef. Ten years later, now married, living in Sparta with her husband and 6 year old son, Levien sought a way out of her corporate job - the hours and commute keeping her from spending the time she wanted with her family. After searching online for the right fit and taking some business courses, Levien came across the Young Chefs Academy’s Web site. It was a perfect match, combining her passion for food with a business that gave her the freedom to choose her location. Levien’s Newton location of Young Chefs Academy focuses mainly on the 7-14 year old age range. The kids are taught more than just the basics of cooking. The curriculum is theme based, with a different topic each week. The recipes are all from the YCA organization, and have been “kidafied.” “Our cooking classes are not just recreation, though we are categorized as such,” explained Levien. The classes, which are 1 1/2 hours long, begin with a lesson of where the recipe came from. Then the children learn about the different ingredients involved with the recipe. One fall class theme is gourds, and the recipe to made is Calico Squash Casserole. The lessons also include math skills. The students build a recipe collection to keep, as well. Each recipe is taken home, with the hope that the child will make it for/with their family. With classes already in session, Levien is already looking to the future. She plans on having adult cooking classes up and running by this winter. She also plans on having team building workshops for area businesses. Young Chefs Academy is located at 55 Mill St., in Newton. hours and fees call 973-300 7931.