This program is designed for the novice in the kitchen, or for someone who wants to brush up on their culinary skills. Basic Food Preparation concentrates on tips & techniques. How to select and prepare the very best ingredients so that we get a recipe that works every time we make it. Learn how to cut, chop, slice, dice, mince, julienne, blanch, clean, debone, braise, roast, sautee, boil, fry, poach and more! These are the basics, the foundations of cooking, which you can adapt to a variety of different situations. Gaining knowledge of basic methods combined with practice and experience will result in success in the kitchen. Learn how to select and prepare fruits & vegetables, cook chicken several different ways, how to pan sear a steak, many ways to prepare eggs, sauces & even homemade mayonnaise. The preparation is what’s important... how we actually do things and the steps involved gives the viewer a better understanding of what goes into a delicious meal, which will lead to success in the kitchen. Executive Chef Tom Small’s culinary expertise has been acquired at some of the finest restaurants in California & Washington including Smitty’s Grill, TAPS Fish House, San Antonio Winery & Armondos. He also spent several years cooking on private vintage rail cars traveling all over the country. Tom Small grew up in Southern California, where he received his inspiration for cooking from his mom. Originally, he pursued a piano performance degree and though he continues to play the piano and sing regularly, he was drawn into the restaurant business thru his love of food and a passion for entertaining. Tom has a diverse culinary background including education, development and journalism in addition to his management in the kitchen. He teaches a number of cooking classes and writes frequent culinary articles. He has a passion for local and seasonal products as well as a firm foundation in technique and classical cuisine.