Best of All: GiGi’s Kitchen Adult Participants!

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe in the power of growth, teamwork, and personal achievement. Our very first GiGi’s Kitchen Adult session has been a shining example of these values! Whether they came in with years of kitchen experience or were brand new to cooking, our participants have embraced every lesson, every challenge, and every new skill with enthusiasm and determination. Here are just a few of the ways our incredible chefs have made this class a success:

Aaron is always looking for a way to help. Having gained experience working in a kitchen, he knows that every task contributes to a smooth-running kitchen. From washing produce and cleaning dishes to teaching the whole group the best way to cut an avocado, Aaron’s contributions are truly appreciated!

Carson is impressively engaged throughout class. While he enjoys starting and ending his time at GiGi’s Playhouse with a quick nap on the couch, when it’s time to work, he’s all in! Carson knows exactly where he wants to sit and which color knife he prefers—and he’s done a great job of politely advocating for himself.

Olivia comes to class each week ready to roll up her sleeves and learn something new. She even arrived on the first day with a list of suggested recipes! Olivia also gives valuable feedback on each dish, helping us refine and improve our recipes for the future.

Jake volunteers at the Playhouse every week, so he knows the kitchen inside and out! His meticulous organization skills help ensure that everything is in its proper place. Jake loved GiGi’s Kitchen Adult so much that he made our very first recipe—Pineapple Avocado Chicken Salad—for his family the very next night from memory. Way to go, Jake!

Elizabeth may be our youngest adult participant, but she brings confidence and enthusiasm to every class. She’s always the first to volunteer for a task, and we can’t wait to see her continue to blossom throughout the session. Just put a little country music on and she’ll be a happy camper!

Jason joined us for his very first program at GiGi’s Playhouse this past January, and his presence has been a joy. With his strong cooking background, we set the bar high for Jason, and he has risen to the challenge, taking feedback and refining his skills beautifully.

Isaac has impressed us with his willingness to take on any task. One area where he has truly grown is in his knife skills—learning the fine motor control and safety techniques necessary for chopping different foods. His improvement has been incredible to watch!

Jon has made huge strides since his first class. While he loves chatting about movies (especially horror films!), he’s done a fantastic job of staying focused on cooking tasks to ensure a safe and productive kitchen. His favorite knife skills tip? Grip the knife like a hammer, not like Michael Myers!

Rebecca is always on the move! She actively participates in every aspect of cooking and, when there’s a break, she keeps herself active by getting in some steps—while keeping an eye on the kitchen, of course. She also takes great care in filling out every section of her recipe book page.

Teamwork, Growth, and Personal Choice

Beyond individual accomplishments, our entire GiGi’s Kitchen Adult class has improved in essential skills like handwashing, teamwork, and making personal choices in the kitchen. This group’s enthusiasm and dedication remind us that learning is a lifelong journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of them!

Our GiGi’s Kitchen programs are designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants engage in hands-on activities that promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills, self-confidence, and social skills—all while preparing and enjoying a shared meal.

GiGi’s Kitchen is truly life-changing. Participants motivate one another as they work toward their personal best in health and wellness. The program increases healthy eating habits by helping participants develop a positive relationship with food, understand the importance of a balanced diet, recognize hunger cues, and explore basic nutrition concepts. It increases kitchen safety awareness by teaching safe food handling techniques and helping participants recognize common kitchen hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. Food preparation skills are strengthened by focusing on the fine motor, cognitive, math, and literacy skills needed to use utensils, measure ingredients, follow recipes, and master basic cooking techniques. Self-confidence and social skills grow through activities that promote responsibility, good manners, and peer-to-peer interaction, including working together on cleanup. Most importantly, the program enhances quality of life by helping participants share learned skills at mealtime, create lasting memories, build meaningful relationships, and apply nutrition and wellness knowledge for a healthier lifestyle.