Central Market Cooking School Volunteer Program

Volunteered for Sunday’s Sushi class… it was awesome. The staff is so nice and helpful… ate more fish than a freshly freed Willy and brought home more dead swimmers than a 3 mile island pet shop owner and the prop coordinator for Jaws combined.
My fellow volunteers were awesome, as usual… and 5-​times-​a-​week volunteer Nancy made and brought red velvet cupcakes that would make Sugar Mama flush and frisky.
Felt like my own Little Mermaid birthday bash but instead of befriending sea creatures, I ate them and then had cupcakes.

First of all, I have to give much needed props to Don P. for writing this review against his better judgment. As soon as I read it, I went to the website and found nothing. Ah, this is super secret stuff. Even more grateful that he shared. When I called to inquire, it was three days prior to their next quarterly orientation. Just in time.
The orientation was about an hour, and you have to go before you volunteer. They will advise you that you will shadow volunteers the first two times, and this will ease your mind. This is a lie. You will be thrown in and a chicken with your head cut off. This is worth it.
Don hit the nail on the head: I would easily give 5 stars if it weren’t for the one staffie who wishes you to know that you are not, and never will be, on par with her standards, even if you are Florence Freakin’ Nightingale outside of this place. When she makes you feel stupid instead of teaching you, just call me and I will build you back up. Trust me again, this is worth it. I am old, so it was easy for me to laugh her off and wish her Mom had been nicer to her.
Morning, weekend classes work best for me. You have to be there at 8 am and get out anywhere from 12:30 to 2:30, depending on the class. The time flies and you meet some very interesting people. There is no time to leave or eat a full meal, but you are certainly given ample leftovers (depending on the chef that day), chocolate, and the daily menu pickings to keep you satisfied.
I have volunteered twice now and earned my coveted first, free class. The best part, though, is everything I have learned. I have worked with Vance and Cynthia, so far, and both are so willing to answer questions and take you under their wing. Cynthia indicated yesterday that she teaches a Knife Skills class once a year to the volunteers. It should be coming up soon. They are easy going and really enjoy their work. It’s great to have that rubbed off on you some.
There doesn’t seem to be much worry right now about too many volunteers. I am constantly getting e-​mails that they are still in need for various classes that week. Just don’t take my weekend mornings. Got it!