Carol Cotner Thompson

Teaches at The Gourmandise School

Chef Carol Cotner Thompson was greatly influenced by her grandmother’s cooking and attention to the fine details that make up an extraordinary meal. This attention to detail and love of good food has been a common thread throughout her career. She understands fundamentally that amazing food begins with amazing ingredients. Carol has worked as a culinary professional for over 30 years. Since graduating from the California Culinary Academy professional cooking and pastry programs in 1985, Carol has developed a substantial resume as a pastry chef, private chef, consultant, food stylist, caterer, blogger, on-camera chef, recipe developer and marketing consultant for print and on-camera productions. What she has found to be most rewarding has been her work in culinary education. For the past 24 years, Carol has worked as chef/instructor at The Epicurean School and L’Academie de Cuisine, and as culinary director of the New School of Cooking. Carol has been featured in The Los Angeles Times Food section, KCRW’s “Good Food,” NPR’s “Weekend America,” and The Hollywood Reporter. Her love of travel takes her once a year, as guest chef, to Raison D’Art culinary retreat in southwest France.