New Year, New Skill: Knife Skills workshop with Steven Gao

New Year, New Skill: Knife Skills workshop with Steven Gao
Date: Friday January 30th
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: Institute of Culinary Education

Sharpen your most essential cooking competency — Knife Skills! — in this hands-on workshop that teaches precision, efficiency, and professional techniques. Designed for cooks of all levels and taught by Steven Gao, Per Se alum and the content creator behind @stevenmotocooks, the workshop covers starter to more advanced executions in an approachable, real-world setting.

You’ll start with fundamentals that support consistency and control. These include grip, stance, safety, and economy of movement.

Steven will then demonstrate the core cuts used in professional settings, after which, you’ll roll up your sleeves and practice yourself – with fresh ingredients and personal guidance.

You’ll also enjoy light bites and a selection of mocktails and cocktails, followed by a Q&A with Steven, wherein you’ll get cooking tips and insights to working in professional kitchens.

This workshop is ideal for home cooks looking to build confidence; aspiring home chefs developing core skills; and anyone interested in better understanding professional culinary standards. This workshop offers a focused environment grounded in technique, clarity and practical application — because great food starts with knife skills.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steven Gao is a professional chef and content creator, known online as @stevenmotocooks, dedicated to making professional culinary techniques accessible to home cooks. His journey spans from formal culinary education to working in Michelin-starred kitchens, where he honed the discipline, precision, and decision-making skills required at the highest level.

Through stevenmotocooks, Steven demystifies professional cooking, breaking down technique, process, and kitchen logic so that others can cook with confidence and intention. He believes that great food begins with understanding—and that knowledge should empower, not intimidate.

The Institute of Culinary Education, established in 1975, is one of America’s leading centers for culinary learning, with campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, and robust online programs. The school is renowned for its career training programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management, which can be completed in as little as eight months. Beyond professional training, the school hosts an extensive menu of recreational cooking, baking, beverage, and mixology classes that invite food lovers of all levels to explore and expand their skills. The school is also a popular special event venue for anyone looking to host a unique and memorable hands-on cooking event. Learn more at or connect with us on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook at @iceculinary.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Institute of Culinary Education