Teaching and Lecturing
Franck’s teaching career started in 2007 when he was approached to give a lecture and a demonstration about party food, terrines and charcuterie at London culinary school Le Cordon Bleu. Although this was something totally new , he excelled as a mentor, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found the teaching process very natural. Since then, Franck has regularly taught and given demonstrations for leading cookery schools in the country.
Franck has given lectures at UK's oldest private cookery school Tante Marie Culinary Academy, owned by Gordon Ramsay.
Since 2009, Franck has been judging the UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year Competition organized by Grimsby Institute, where he is to become an honorary professor later on in 2013.
Franck's teaching career
Franck is passionate about food and sharing his skills and knowledge, regardless of the level of students he is teaching or the subject matter covered.
Throughout his career, Franck has given courses on a vast array of subjects, from pastry for beginners to charcuterie, working with fish, butcher work or banqueting training for a more advanced audience.
He has given inspirational talks and demonstration at the Norwich City Academy and provides private masterclasses at home too.
Teaching milestones
| 2013 | Inspirational talks at Norwich City Academy: students are encouraged to cook with Franck and demonstrate their skills. |
| 2012 | Cooking with micro-cresses: Franck gives a demonstration at Westminster College with Koppert Cress. |
| 2011 | Franck gives his first masterclass at home. Service best suited to groups of 6 to 10 people and available throughout the UK. |
| 2010 | Franck gives an exclusive course on the art of terrines and verrines at Tante Marie Culinary Academy. |
| 2009 | Franck judges Grimsby Institute’s UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year Competition for the first time. |
| 2008 | Franck starts giving courses at The Smart School of Cookery. |
| 2007 | Lecture and demonstration at Le Cordon Bleu in London. |
Grimsby InstituteFranck has worked for leading cookery schools and some of the most influential people in culinary education. Each teaching contract has been unique, exciting, challenging and incredibly fulfilling. Here are some examples of what Franck’s done:
Franck at Tante Marie Culinary AcademyFranck gave a series of lectures and demonstrations for students of all levels covering butchery work, charcuterie and banqueting. Students were given the chance to participate through hands-on demonstrations.
"Franck’s unique experiences as a chef, combined with his impressive ability to entertain and educate at the same time have made him a valuable asset to Tante Marie Culinary Academy. Franck is one of those very rare chefs who have the right temperament to be an incredible teacher. He always inspires our students and is able to adapt his training to suit any requirement."
The Smart School of Cookery is a private school offering students of all levels insiders’ tips and tricks of the trade from specialist celebrity and professional chefs.
Franck offers bespoke courses based around the menus he designs for specific requirements at the time.
"I have been privileged to work with Franck Pontais since 2008 at The Smart School of Cookery in Essex and London.
Franck has been, and continues to be, involved in the development of the success of cookery school hosting Master classes to discerning clients from all over the UK. His professionalism is paramount to the enormous pleasure everyone gains from Franck's classes.
I look forward to a continued working relationship with Franck."
Franck with students at the Smart School of Cookery