Bronx Arena Students Step Into the Kitchen at Allie’s Place Students from Bronx Arena High School (BAHS) in Soundview recently participated in a weeklong Culinary Essentials cohort at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, accompanied by their Assistant Principal, Ethan Knecht. Bronx Arena High School is a transfer school serving under-credited students by supporting them as they re-engage with their education through flexible curriculums, group counseling, and paid Learn-to-Work internships. This collaboration at Allie's Place provided students with the opportunity to explore hands-on culinary training in a professional environment. Throughout the week, students worked closely with Chef Instructor Danny, Lead Chef Instructor Jayda,

Guest Seminars Connect Culinary Students with Industry Experts Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment has hosted several guest seminars featuring professionals from across the culinary industry. These sessions give students at the Center an opportunity to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and explore a range of possible career paths as they seek new employment in the culinary and hospitality fields. Entrepreneur and photographer Brendan Miller taught a Food Photography seminar at the Center, speaking with students and graduates about culinary storytelling and building a creative career in the culinary field. During the session, he drew connections between food, photography, nutrition, sports, and other fields. Students also paired up for a storytelling exercise—interviewing

Culinary Graduate Eric Thomas Featured in The NYCHA Journal for Black Business Month We are proud to recognize Eric Thomas, graduate of Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, for being featured in The NYCHA Journal’s Black Business Month spotlight. Before enrolling at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, Eric completed NYCHA’s 10-week Food Business Pathways program. At the time, he was unemployed and referred to the Culinary Center through NYCHA-REES. Eric quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated student, completing Culinary Essentials, Pastry Arts, Hospitality, and numerous workshops—including Caribbean Baking—in early 2025. He went on to further his education through Ancient Song Doula Services and the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center before

Meet Culinary Intern Angelica Vega Angelica Vega first arrived at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment after seeing an advertisement for the Center displayed on a city bus. She had years of experience managing fast food restaurants—including McDonald's, Checkers, and several mall-based eateries—but she knew she wanted something more hands-on in the culinary world. “I actually sent [the ad] to my brother because he is a Pastry Chef, but then I thought ‘I will try it and see,’” Angelica said. Angelica began taking classes in early 2024 and quickly stood out to the Culinary Team for her curiosity, attention to detail, and strong

Cooking Up Careers: Culinary Students Gain Industry Insights at NY Restaurant Show Students from Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment recently attended the New York Restaurant Show alongside the Culinary Team, gaining firsthand exposure to the many facets of the restaurant and hospitality industries. The event provided an opportunity for students to meet industry professionals, explore innovative technology, and consider career paths beyond the traditional restaurant setting. “We wanted our students to experience how vast the culinary industry is, and that there are many professionals from a lot of industries [who] work with us to make operations run,” said Gabriel Rodriguez, Director of Culinary Education. “Whether they are distributors of food, glassware or kitchen tech, we