I attended this program and was very disappointed with them. I received very little training/book work that they say I would have. The chef's their are very rude, they screamed and yelled at the students with disrespect, and kick students out whose dealing with barriers. This school only focus on their own monetary gain when dealing with the public and what makes them look good. Stay away. and DO NOT DONATE TO THIS SCHOOL IS A FRAUD
My company used Community Kitchen Pittsburgh for a catering event, and we were extremely satisfied. The service was great, and logistics of the delivery went smoothly. We, as well as our attendees, were very satisfied with the quality of the food, as well as the offering. I will use Community Kitchen Pittsburgh again for our catering needs, and would definitely recommend it to others.
A few months ago, I purchased a sandwich at a Crazy Mocha coffee shop. The sandwich was delicious and I found out that it was made by Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. In learning about their wonderful mission, I also found out that they do catering. I have since used them twice for events and have been very pleased with the quality of the food and the service. I will continue to use them for my catering needs and I am also considering volunteering some of my time to one of the many projects that they are involved in.
Our clients have been referred to this organization over the past year to aid in establishing the skills to succeed in the food industry. All reviews from our clients have been exemplary. I am impressed at the mission of this organization as well as the tenacity of its employees to achieve this mission. I wish that I would have known of this organization years ago so that I could have referred many more clients to CKP! What a wonderful organization! Thank you for all that you do for our clients!
We first learned of CKPgh a year or so ago and was so moved by their mission that we had them cater a few of our events last Fall. We were extremely impressed with the quality and service provided. Since then, we've learned a ton more about their education programs and the impact they are making in area schools. We were so impressed that we now have one of our program participants completing their AmeriCorps term of service with CKPgh in the education department. So excited about this wonderful partnership with this amazing organization.
Last year, some of our 7th-8th graders at Propel McKeesport's Afterschool Program and 9th graders at Propel Braddock Hills High School competed in Community Kitchen Pittsburgh's Project Lunch Tray Competition. Tom from CKPgh worked with our students on food safety and the components of a healthy school lunch. Chef Tod was paired up with the McKeesport team and helped them to prepare their recipe of Spiced Apple Quesadillas and Shredded Blueberry BBQ Chicken. The students had an amazing experience going to the Public Market to prepare their recipe with Chef Tod. During the second part of this contest, our students went to the Farm to Table Conference and presented their healthy lunch to a panel of local celebrity judges. Project Lunch Tray was a wonderful hands-on learning opportunity and we look forward to being involved again this school year. We appreciate Community Kitchen Pittsburgh organizing this experience for our kids. Tom and Tod did an excellent job working with our students!
I had the pleasure of working alongside CKP for a cooking demonstration in my school garden space. Not only was the food delicious -- it was highly sensitive to the food allergy and cultural sensitivities of my diverse student body, and it was prepared to the highest degrees of freshness and safety. I have hosted many chefs in my gardens before, and I have to say, this was one of the greatest experiences imaginable for both me and my students. The staff at CKP were friendly, helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable. They were highly prepared for the event, and not only did they put on a fantastic cooking demonstration, but they tied in many elements of food education - from history, to nutrition, to culture and agriculture. The experience from start to finish was exemplary, and I would highly recommend this organization to anyone.
My experience in the culinary training at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I have learned a lot, and I am very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity for this training, especially at the café. The instructors were very very patient with me and that meant so much to me, especially since I am a “slower-paced” learner.
Being at the CK 9th Street Café and working through classes was wonderful! – And It took me a lot further than I even thought I could get to before the culinary training.
I wish I could give 10 stars!
We have been partnering with CKP since it's creation to serve healthy meals to kids K-8 at the Environmental Charter School. CKP is unlike any other food service provider in the region of Pittsburgh. When it comes to navigating the challenges of a school lunch program, too frequently schools are faced with choosing companies that do not provide creative meal collaboration or offer "real food". However CKP offers meals cooked 80% from scratch and the services for our school to edit and change menu items to suit our students needs. In doing so, CKP is filling a huge void in Pittsburgh for schools, and on top of that, offering other inventive services to our school community.
One of the things CKP and ECS focus on is the importance of food education. Their food education department works with our food service team and teachers to promote trying new foods, special events, meal feedback and cooking competitions. Last year our middle school students competed in a program called Project Lunch Tray where local chef's sponsored a school, helped them develop a meal, and cooked together as a team. Our team worked with chef Keith Fuller of ROOT 174 and our students had the freedom to drive the entire program. CKP then cooked the same meal for our school lunch program and the students were radiant on that school day because they got to share their expertise as chefs with all of their peers.
Additionally, CKP has a tremendous work force culinary training program which teaches those with barriers to employment how to cook. It feels really good as a partner with this organization to know we are not only having our needs met as a school, but supporting a larger mission.
In the three years I have worked with CKP I have seen how fiercely they believe in their mission, how dedicated they are to their culinary students and their creativity in creating a new kind of food service company.
Regards,
Kelsey Weisgerber
Food Service Director
Environmental Charter School
Began a partnership with CK last March and have had nothing but positive feedback from our customers. CK has succeeded our expectations as far as service and product are concerned. Their food is delicious and affordable! It's great to have a locally-owned business focus on strengthening our community.
I have eaten at the CK 9th St. Cafe several times. The food is very good. I was especially impressed by the interns that help to prepare the food. Community Kitchen is helping these people, who have problems that make it difficult for them to find employment, to become contributing members of our society. We should all stand behind these organizations that make a difference for all of us!
Unfortunately, PCK far underserviced us a client and put our entire operation at great risk. They failed to inadequately staff, provide for food safety, did not provide menus in advance, disregarded food allergy issues, and maintained very poor sanitary conditions. This was our experience as well as the case for a partner of ours. Much work is needed to be able to trust this organization.