Tokyo

My dream came true when I opened my own food startup ProntoChef in Brazil, a weekly dinner kit delivery service where clients receive recipes and all ingredients measured and ready for cooking at home.

The highlight during my time at Le Cordon Bleu was meeting all the experienced chefs and being able to learn from them the very classics of French Pastry with my classmates from around the world. The chefs at Le Cordon Bleu possess a great wealth of knowledge and being able to learn from them was both an honour and a privilege.

The reason why I chose Japan is because I believe the Japanese food industry is unique there, especially its culture of elaborate and attentive customer service. However, my Japanese wasn’t proficient enough. Le Cordon Bleu Japan was great because they provided classes in English, so I was able study at this famous institution in Japan without any language barriers.

Ask as many questions as you can to the teachers. They have such a wealth of knowledge in their area of expertise, and they are more than happy to explain things to you. I was nervous at first to ask ,but I learned not to be shy. If you are passionate about cooking, Le Cordon Bleu can help you build a foundation that will benefit you in the working world.

Completing the Diploma in Boulangerie course in Le Cordon Bleu and having a book published were two of the key highlights in my life. Follow your heart and devote to work out what you love, I believe these are the keys. 

The speed of the general class and the tight schedule. Overcoming it comes to your dedication and love for what you are doing. When one does what he loves doing, I believe one is able to persevere and tackle any challenges without getting bored and giving up. Never get stressed, gauge the extent of your own abilities and focus on doing the little things correctly. Speed comes naturally but techniques are to be mastered.

Le Cordon Bleu Japan attracts students from everywhere. It allowed me to interact with people from different nationalities and expanded how I think about cuisine. I was born in the United States, but my mother is French–American and my father is Japanese. Having a tri-cultural background, I believe I really impart that into my cooking. After meeting so many different people at school, my view on cuisine is now so much broader.

I applied to Le Cordon Bleu Japan to pick up the skills necessary to make it as a professional chef. The shared goal of my family and myself is to eventually inherit, operate, and expand the operations of our family restaurant business. Everything I learned at the school, I can apply to the business; they are skills that high level professionals employ.