Shayne Weinstock, Chef & Kitchen Coach

I am passionate about food! Throughout my childhood, when most kids were "picky" and didn't stray from the usual kid's menu fare, I was more than willing to explore the wonders of food and various tastes of the world.

It was clear that my path would somehow end up in the food arena so I decided to go to culinary school to make my dreams a reality. I graduated Summa cum Laude from New York Institute of Technology with a dual degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

After graduation, my work experience was varied within the industry while I found my niche. I worked at a classic French pastry shop on Long Island, Page Two Bakery, where I was one of only two pastry chefs, baking all traditional pastries, specialty cakes and tarts. Next, I managed the famed Sullivan Street Bakery and then went on to the corporate hospitality side of the culinary world by working as a Catering Manager at one of Mandarin Oriental's premier hotels, The Mark, New York. There, I planned and organized all corporate and social events. Finally, I added to my culinary experience working at The French Culinary Institute in Soho, where I worked alongside students and well respected chefs as an Assistant Director of Admissions. I was immersed in my mission to shape and prepare students to start their own culinary journey while I increasingly prepared myself with more knowledge of the industry. Working alongside Master Chefs, like Jacques Pepin (my culinary idol), I was inspired to further my education while honing my skills and craft of cooking by partaking in many of the well respected classes at FCI.

After a successful career in both the culinary and hospitality industries, I have now decided to teach what I know practically by launching my at-home cooking lessons as The Small-Kitchen Coach.

My love continues to grow for all things edible and I am thrilled to bring my passion, knowledge and techniques of simple cooking in any kitchen to all those who have the desire to learn.