Whether you’re looking to raise your culinary cred in a hands-on class or relax with a Wine & Dine Demonstration, our talented chefs are here to educate and inspire. Publix Aprons® cooking classes are a unique way to spend time together as a family or enjoy a special night out.
While our cooking schools are all about sharing new food experiences, we want our guests to feel comfortable while wining and dining with our expert chefs. For questions regarding specific COVID-19 and social distancing policies, please call us at (863) 646-5769.
We are conveniently located at Publix Super Market at Lake Miriam Square in Lakeland, Florida.
Our experienced chefs are here to educate and inspire. Get to know the culinary experts who bring flavor and fun to our cooking school’s interactive learning environment.
Gene Gelb believes that having fun in the kitchen is key to creating a successful dish whether it’s bacon and eggs or a Baked Alaska. A Polk County native, Gene's an expert in a variety of cuisines including modern American upscale dining, tapas, and Italian cooking in restaurants across the Tampa Bay area including Fly Bar and Restaurant and Good Food Catering. Upscale dining is his specialty, but Gene’s true passion is grilling and smoking food. He enjoys sharing different methods with his students and challenging them to experiment with aromatic herbs, marinades and searing techniques.
Jeff Conley has a special appreciation for the way food brings people together. A native of Orlando, Jeff grew up helping his mom cook breakfast so their busy family could eat together. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and worked at The Boca Raton Resort and Club where he began cooking for large group events. Jeff developed his skills cooking Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine at Timpano Italian Chophouse in Tampa and Hudson Valley Fois Gras in Great Neck, N.Y. After returning to Florida, he worked in several positions including pasta maker and butcher at JW Marriot Primo Italian Restaurant in Orlando.
