Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor Chef Instructor Chef Instructor
Cookshop on 8th is the brainchild of Chef Carolyn. She spent 37 years in professional kitchens of San Francisco, Langue d’Oc region of France, Sonoma, and the Gold Country of Northern California. Carolyn was voted “Best Foodie to Learn How to Cook From” by Sacramento Magazine when she was the Executive Director of East Bay Restaurant Supply’s Culinary Center, where she managed the cooking class program. She owned the award-winning Charlotte’s Bake Shoppe in El Dorado, Ca., which featured wood-fired, artisanal cooking and baking. She was executive chef at Mighty Tavern and Renwood Winery. She owned and operated Vendage & Co. Catering serving the 140 wineries in Amador and El Dorado Counties. Let’s talk about food and wine pairing experience. Carolyn is also a recipe developer and has received numerous awards for her prize winning recipes. She returned to Kansas to be close to family and her alma mater, KU. Carolyn got her culinary start at the Casbah Deli in Lawrence! It is now called the Casbah Burger Stand. She is a long time member of Slow Food & Les Dames d’Escoffier. Carolyn is passionate about cooking and loves to share her knowledge, recipes and tips. After years of running and growing the cooking school, she successfully trained the next generation and passed the business into their capable hands. Now happily retired in France, she spends her days enjoying delicious food, discovering wonderful (and wonderfully affordable) wine, and embracing the French way of life.
She still makes the occasional return to the cooking school to teach a class, share her experience, and stay connected to the culinary community she helped build. Her newest adventure is developing culinary tours to France, combining her love of cooking, food, wine, and French culture into unforgettable experiences for others.
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Kim
Cookshop on 8th welcomes Kim Louie, Kim is a hospitality professional, food enthusiast, and community builder with a lifelong connection to the culinary world. Her passion for food began at a young age, growing up around her family’s catering company, established in 1995, where she watched her uncle make pizza dough and her grandmother and mother prepare family recipes like sauce, meatballs, and lasagna. Kim spent 10 years in New York City building extensive experience in food presentation, event coordination, hospitality, and team management, and also taught children about growing and preparing food at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Now based in Lawrence, Kansas, Kim has spent the past two years creating cooking classes, parties, and memorable food experiences alongside Kimsa Olliso. As a partner in Cookshop on 8th, she is passionate about bringing people together through food, education, and hospitality while contributing to the vibrant Lawrence community she is proud to call home.
Chef Natasha
COOKshop on 8th welcomes Natasha, a passionate, experienced and dedicated manager to lead our culinary team. Natasha is excited to bring her diverse background in agriculture, culinary studies at JCCC, 14 years of corporate business management, and devote culinary passion to our tables. With deep appreciation for fresh, high-quality ingredients and a strong foundation in running successful operations, she commits to supporting COOKshop on 8th in its continued growth and success. Natasha is driven by her love for food and teaching others the joy of cooking–especially her two, young daughters, who she encourages to get creative in the kitchen. She founded “The Lawrence Cookbook Cub” where food lovers connect, share recipes, and experiment with new dishes. This experience has fueled her desire to inspire others, and led her to accept the exciting challenge of managing COOKshop on 8th. She brings that same energy and enthusiasm to COOKshop on 8th, where every class is an opportunity to learn, explore, and build a community centered around food. With Natasha’s leadership, the school is set to expand its reach and inspire a new generation of food enthusiasts, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor Chef Instructor Chef Instructor
Lisa Sharpe Elles is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of Kansas. Her love of chemistry started as a young 4-H kid learning how to cook, bake, and preserve foods for her fair projects. As much as possible, she spent time trying new recipes and wondering about why certain ingredients are important. In chemistry classes she began to learn and see new connections to cooking that gave her the courage to experiment even further in the kitchen. She has learned a lot through her experiences and research and has found that sharing this knowledge with others is one of her favorite things to do. She will teach you about the four food molecules and how they are involved in some of your favorite foods such as ice cream, pasta, pizza, and cheese. By knowing a little chemistry about these foods, you can have success in the kitchen with recipes you may have never tried before. Lisa previously taught culinary classes at The Culinary Center of Kansas City. We welcome her to Cookshop on 8th. The fire extinguishers are fully charged!
Guest Chef
Guest Chef
Guest Chef
Guest Chef Guest Chef Guest Chef
COOKshop on 8th partners with Jaime Gillespie, the female founder behind Somm-ish, to create custom, guided wine pairing experiences.
Jaime is a Lawrence-based wine concierge and WSET Level 2 certified wine professional who makes wine feel approachable, personal, and just the right amount of elevated. Through Somm-ish, she brings thoughtful wine experiences into the Lawrence community with guided tastings and collaborative events.
On our calendar, events noted as “Wine Pairing” include Jaime’s guided wine selections and pairing education throughout the cooking experience. Somm-ish services can also be added to private bookings to complement the food, vibe, and occasion.
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Catie
Embark on a culinary journey with Chef Catie, a passionate and skilled Culinary Instructor Chef. Holding a Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and an Associate's degree in Occupational Studies of Culinary Arts from the prestigious Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Chef Catie brings a world of flavor to the classroom. Inspired by cuisines from across the globe and enriched by experiences ranging from the bustling kitchen line at the historic Eldridge Hotel to crafting exquisite displays for catered banquets, Chef Catie is dedicated to sharing the art and joy of cooking with students of all levels. Currently completing an externship as a Culinary Instructor at the Cookshop on 8th, Chef Catie is excited to guide you in creating delicious and diverse dishes.
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Mark & Chef Zoe
Mark Camenzind and Zoe Chan are avid home cooks based in Lawrence, Kansas. As active members of the Lawrence Cookbook Club, they love testing new recipes and cooking for family and friends. While they enjoy exploring cuisines from around the world, they have a special love for the bold, comforting flavors of Korean and Malaysian food. Together, Mark and Zoe are excited to share their love of food with the local community through culinary exploration.
Fun facts about the couple: Zoe has lived in France, and Mark first started cooking when he was 12.
Chef Instructor
Chef Instructor
Chef Jesua
Jesua Moreno is an enthusiastic home cook based in Lawrence, Kansas. Born in the beautiful city of Leon, Guanajuato Mexico. She began cooking in her early teen years to help her single mom as she worked more than one job and supported a sister in college and her two other sisters at home. Her passion is Mexican cuisine and is proud to learn with her husband by her side teaching her cuisine from Mexico City-El D.F.
She enjoys sharing her recipes with her two children and close friends. She hopes to share her passion and beautiful culture with those who can truly appreciate it.