Baking and Pastry School: Meet LCI Student Celli McDonald

Celli McDonald has always enjoyed cooking and creating, which is what led her to Louisiana Culinary Institute in August of 2023. When she enrolled in the Advanced Baking and Pastry program at LCI she knew she wanted to learn from the best. “When I looked into culinary schools I simply typed in ‘best culinary schools’ and I found LCI,” remembers Celli.

“I’ve always known that I could cook. I knew I wanted to be a chef when I saw how creative I could be by doing something that I love!” The most rewarding part about her culinary experience so far has been having the opportunity to live out her dream of becoming a pastry chef. But culinary school is not without its challenges. “The most challenging part has been not cutting my hands in knife skills.”

Before enrolling at Louisiana Culinary Institute Celli worked in the restaurant industry for three years. “My favorite thing about culinary arts is the versatility of techniques and highlighting prominent cultural ingredients,” says Celli.

Celli has big plans after graduation. “One of my goals after graduation is to establish myself as a professional pastry chef. I would like to build up my repertoire and clientele.” Her passion, drive, experience, and new knowledge and skills will take her far.