Our Instructors
The instructors at Gina's Kitchen are a revolving group of chefs and professional foodies. Although we are always on the lookout for new faces to lead classes, we have a cast of usual suspects who have found a home in the Kitchen. We take inspiration from each other as we come up with new ways to inspire and entertain our guests.

Gina Burchenal dreamed up the Kitchen, and is on hand for most of the events. Besides being a local caterer for many years, Gina is a great teacher, a world-class hostess, The Cookin' Queen, and fabulous at making sure every evening and event is as fun and beautiful as possible.

Dana Drutz is a graduate of the University of Texas. Her travels to various areas of the world have provided her with an extensive cultural awareness that is evident in her menu creations. Dana was the head chef of the Granite Creek Cafe in Prescott, Arizona, and continues her culinary pursuits as an insrtuctor at Gina's Kitchen.

Austin singer-songwriter, Trish Murphy is as passionate about food as she is about music and has added cooking classes to her repertoire. She writes about food and posts her favorite recipes on her Web site, www.trishmurphy.com <http://www.trishmurphy.com/> ..

Carla Gonsalves grew up in bustling Bombay, but has spent most of her life in the U.S. Her Homemade Indian Cooking classes aim to demystify Indian cooking for the American cook, and will share recipes, tips and tricks passed down from the wonderful cooks in her family..."Bringing my family's recipes to your table!"

JJ Langston is a foodie by birth and profession. She has been in the catering and food service business in Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia. Her current passion is teaching adults and kids that cooking is fun, easy and rewarding for friends.

Tom Langston is JJ's husband!!!

Mark Anthony, Ph.D., holds a degree in Nutritional Sciences and is the author of Gut Instinct:Diet's Missing Link. He is currently the nutrional consultant at Castle Hill Specialized Fitness and Food for Fitness Cafe'.

Emily Crumpton,B.S. in Nutriton holds a degree from CIA in New York.She is also the Head Chef at Food For Fitness Cafe.

Ginette Jordan was born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco amongst a family of 11 who were impressed by her abilities to cook at a very early age. She has transformed that ability into an enticing cooking, teaching and catering profession that she is quite passionate about. We are thrilled to have her at Gina's Kitchen!

Jam Sanitchat has to say,"Thai cooking is fun! The idea of teaching Thai cooking classes in Austin started with inviting friends over for dinner. From cooking for one person to two to ten and more, words spread that dinner at my place was always a feast. Their smiling faces and praise made me feel like I could fly".

Sheila Marie Fleming is a local caterer and UT Informal instructor.

Alex Ralston is a graduate of The Western Culinary Institute, an ACF certified Chef de Cuisine and the executive chef at Reed's Jazz and Supper Club.

George Eckrich is European trained and certified baker. George has directed baking operations at the national level at Whole Foods Market for many years.

Jonathon Stoffregan is the owner and creative force behind Creative Creations Catering Company here in Austin.

Jacob Zavala is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Jacob worked at the acclaimed Café Annie in Houston and here in Austin at Amelia’s, and Zoot. He is currently the Pastry Chef at Reed’s Jazz and Supper Club preparing his magnificent sweet creations.