Chef Mary Pagan, combining her extensive management background, ability as a Chef and her love of teaching, has developed the Culinary Center of Monterey to share her love of the Culinary Arts with others.
         
After several years in Corporate Management, Mary enrolled at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where she graduated with honors.  She worked in the capacity of Executive Chef in several locations before finding herself in beautiful Monterey, California.  After a very short time, Mary knew this is where she wanted to stay and build her dream.
         
Her concept, to develop a food and wine resource complex.  To provide the finest hands on culinary instruction to the general public, as well as experienced chefs and those interested in a career in the culinary arts.
         
Since the opening of the Culinary Center in February of 2001, there have been many changes.  The hands-on cooking classes have grown to become well known across the country, as well as the Corporate Teambuilding’s, Parties and Special Events. 
         
In January of 2005, The Culinary Center received State Certification for the 12 month, 1500 hour Culinary Arts Program.  The students receive state-of-the art training from an excellent staff of Executive Chef Instructors, and also frequently work on the many large scale events such as the AT&T at Pebble Beach, The Concours d’Elegance, Masters of Food & Wine, and Cooking for Solutions.  They have even had the honor of cooking for and meeting President Bill Clinton.  With 100% placement of graduates since the schools beginning, we are proud to report that our students are working in many high-end restaurants here on the peninsula as well as prestigious positions in Idaho, Florida, Hawaii and Texas.
         
Chef Mary has recently begun a new program called “Growing the Future”.  In this healthy eating program, she will work with other Chefs, Doctors, Nutritionists, Schools and parents to combat the childhood obesity problems we are now facing.  These classes will be free to the public, sponsored by The Monterey Culinary Arts Foundation. 

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Annette, a native of Brisbane, Australia, comes to the Central Coast with her husband Alan, a Lieutenant stationed at the Naval Post Graduate School here in Monterey.  Annette was formerly a member of a Flight Crew for Gulf Air, taking her to exotic places such as London, Paris and Singapore where she developed a palate for international flavors and a love for cooking. 
         
In her position as Executive Assistant to Chef Mary, Annette is very knowledgeable when it comes to “what’s happening at the Culinary Center”.  When you need information, to register for a class, purchase a Gift Certificate, or just want to ask questions, Annette is the person to talk to!
You can reach her at the Culinary Center Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, at (831) 333-2133 or annette@culinarycenterofmonterey.com 

annette@culinarycenterofmonterey.com

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Hallie has an extensive background in education, having been a teacher here in the U.S. and also in France, but followed her dream to become a Corporate Jet Pilot.  After her retirement, many years of flying around the world and eating in the best restaurants, her love of food and wine brought her to the Culinary Center.  Her knowledge of education and her extensive knowledge of the culinary world has made her a valuable and
Dedicated asset to our State Certified Culinary Arts Program.
         
For more information regarding the one year, 1500 hour program, you can contact Hallie at...
Hallie McGonigal
Culinary Arts School Registrar
(831) 333-2141
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00 pm
hallie@culinarycenterofmonterey.com

Hallie McGonigal Bio See Our California Culinary School Web Site

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Teri Copas, Event Planner

Teri, being a California native, has extensive knowledge of the activities here on the Monterey Peninsula as well as the many activities offered here at the Culinary Center.  She comes to the Center after 13 years with The Pebble Beach Company where she was the Communication Supervisor.  When you’re ready to create a corporate event that is especially prepared for your group, Teri will work with you to make sure it’s an event that will be enjoyed by all and long remembered.
         
For more information on Corporate Teambuilding, Parties, Fundraisers, or just a day of cooking and eating together, give Teri a call at…..

Teri Copas,
Culinary Center of Monterey Event Planner
(831) 333-2130
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00 pm
teri@culinarycenterofmonterey.com

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Lola Pagan
Web Manager/Sales/One-Day Classes
(831) 333-2134
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00 pm

lpagan@culinarycenterofmonterey.com

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