About Us

With over 20 years in the food industry, Jody and Kirstie have turned their passion for cooking into a thriving culinary education platform.

Grown from a mutual respect over perfectly cooked calamari, The Culinary Studio is a partnership between Red Seal trained Chefs Jody O’Malley and Kirstie Herbstreit.

Jody & Kirstie have been in the food industry for over 20 years (although you wouldn't think so!). After both completing University degrees, they set off to culinary school, in Stratford & Calgary respectively to feed their need to cook.

After restaurant apprenticeships and college-level instruction, they came together to open Kitchener-Waterloo's Premier Recreational cooking school.  After 10 years of in-person teaching, The Culinary Studio evolved into a global online cooking class platform in 2020. 

Jody & Kirstie quickly learned that there are no boundaries to share their knowledge, their humour and of course their love of food & time honoured cooking techniques.  Recipes taught are tried and true with absolutely no sacrifice in flavour.  You will be amazed and empowered with what you create in your own home kitchen!   The Culinary Studio motto: no cook is left behind! 

The Jody & Kirstie guarentee:  The Culinary Studio online cooking classes educate, entertain, and guarantee you restaurant results in your own home kitchen!

Meet Your Red Seal Chefs

With decades of experience and a shared passion for teaching, Jody and Kirstie have dedicated their careers to making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.

CHEF | CO-FOUNDER

Kirstie Herbstreit

Chef Kirstie Herbstreit started her cooks training at SAIT in Calgary, after completing a 4-Year Degree in History and Religion at Wilfrid Laurier University.

She began her apprenticeship under Chefs Michael Noble and Hyato Okimesku at Catch in Calgary. Born and raised in Waterloo, she returned here to complete her apprenticeship at various restaurants in Kitchener-Waterloo. After completing her Red Seal qualification, Kirstie began teaching people how to cook out of her house, at other people's homes and many other places in the community.

She met Jody teaching at the college level, and the rest is history! After a freelance home-based business, Jody and Kirstie opened The Culinary Studio, Kitchener-Waterloo's first recreational cooking school.

CHEF | CO-FOUNDER

Jody O'Malley

Red Seal qualified Chef Jody O'Malley started her chef training at Stratford Chef's School, after completing her 4-Year Sociology Degree at the University of Waterloo.

Her love of cooking and culture began in Europe where she lived and travelled in Germany, Spain and Ireland. Her cooking career brought her back to restaurant work from Toronto to Kitchener. Her love of the science behind cuisine started her teaching path from the high school level to teaching at Conestoga College.

Jody bonded with Kirstie over properly cooked calamari and the rest is history, as the doors of the Studio opened to teach the masses how to properly cook!

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We offer live and on-demand cooking classes that reach aspiring chefs around the world.

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Recipes & Articles

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  • Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake: A Twist on Your Classic Pumpkin Pie

    Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake: A Twist...

    When fall rolls around, it’s all about cozying up with comforting flavours, and pumpkin is always at the top of that list. This year, why not swap out your traditional...

    Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake: A Twist...

    When fall rolls around, it’s all about cozying up with comforting flavours, and pumpkin is always at the top of that list. This year, why not swap out your traditional...

  • Curried Turkey, Apple & Almond Salad

    Curried Turkey, Apple & Almond Salad

    Looking for a fresh way to use leftover turkey? Our Curried Turkey, Apple & Almond Turkey Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and flavourful! With toasted almonds, a hint...

    Curried Turkey, Apple & Almond Salad

    Looking for a fresh way to use leftover turkey? Our Curried Turkey, Apple & Almond Turkey Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and flavourful! With toasted almonds, a hint...

  • Turkey Gumbo: A Spicy Twist on Leftovers!

    Turkey Gumbo: A Spicy Twist on Leftovers!

    Prep Time: 10-15 minutesCook Time: 50-60 minutesServes: 6 After a weekend of indulging in rich, comforting flavors, this Turkey Gumbo recipe is the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers...

    Turkey Gumbo: A Spicy Twist on Leftovers!

    Prep Time: 10-15 minutesCook Time: 50-60 minutesServes: 6 After a weekend of indulging in rich, comforting flavors, this Turkey Gumbo recipe is the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers...

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