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ACI JOURNAL

Real Stories

From The Kitchen

Industry insights, student spotlights, chef interviews

and career updates from Arizona Culinary Institute.

Featured Story

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Welcomes New Senior Sous Chef

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has announced the appointment of Dominique St. Pierre as its new Senior Sous Chef, marking an exciting new chapter for the hotel’s acclaimed culinary program. In this leadership role, St. Pierre will oversee daily operations at Carcara, the hotel’s signature restaurant celebrated for its Sonoran-inspired dishes and locally sourced […]

7 Classic Pastries Every Baking Student Should Master

Precision meets creativity in the Baking & Pastry program at Arizona Culinary Institute. Here are seven classics students master: 1. Croissants 2. Éclairs 3. Tarts 4. Puff Pastry 5. Choux Pastry 6. Buttercream Techniques 7. Laminated Dough Repetition builds confidence.Technique builds careers. Ready to create what you love? Schedule a […]

Inside a Professional Culinary School Kitchen

The sound of pans hitting burners.The rhythm of knives on boards.The call of “Yes, Chef.” This is daily life at Arizona Culinary Institute. Students train in: This isn’t theory. It’s hands-on industry preparation. See it for yourself. Book a campus visit.

The 5 Mother Sauces Every Culinary Student Must Master

In every professional kitchen, sauces are the foundation of flavor. At Arizona Culinary Institute, students begin their culinary journey by mastering the five French mother sauces — the building blocks of classical cuisine. Understanding these sauces isn’t just tradition. It’s technique, precision, and confidence on the line. 1. Béchamel A […]

Mastering Classic French Knife Cuts: Brunoise, Tourne, and Bâtonnet

French cuisine has shaped professional kitchens around the world — not just through exquisite flavors, but through precision, technique, and discipline. At Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI), we train aspiring chefs in these timeless culinary fundamentals, starting with the foundation of professional knife skills. Whether you’re chopping vegetables for a classic […]

From Flour to Finish: What Happens in an 8-Month Culinary Program?

Choosing culinary school is a big decision. So what actually happens during an 8-month diploma program at Arizona Culinary Institute? Here’s what students experience from day one. Knife Skills & Foundations Students begin with: Precision builds speed. Stocks, Sauces & Flavor Development Mother sauces, reductions, seasoning techniques — students learn […]