Instructor: Candy Argondizza

Candy Argondizza
Biography: Candy Argondizza grew up in a close-knit Italian family where food was the center of every gathering. This led to her love of food and sharing of ideas. She began her career with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and worked her way through many of New York City's finer restaurants. She has spent the last 17 years teaching and guiding future chefs at the helm of the International Culinary Center in NYC. There she worked alongside and collaborated with many of the culinary world's best known chefs.

Candy has contributed to various cookbooks, is often sought for her advice and tips for food magazines, and has been featured at the James Beard House. She was also honored with Culinary Teacher of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

She is excited to continue sharing her culinary knowledge and talents with all food lovers in Bend and Central Oregon. As an avid triathlete and accomplished runner, Candy feels right at home in the Bend active community.

Classes by this instructor


Put the taste of Italy on your family's dinner plate. Make your own Busiate pasta from scratch. This corkscrew shaped pasta will be paired with a flavorful meat sauce Bolognese, and sautéed broccoli rabe aglio e olio.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
Join professionally trained chef, Candy Argondizza, in a 3-part culinary techniques course exploring the delicious, yet healthy, springtime dishes. This seafood-themed mini-series will cover delicious, elevated, seafood dishes you can make in your own kitchen. Menus will include ahi tuna, sea scallops and Tandoori spiced shrimp. Register for any of the stand-alone weekly classes, or for the full 3-part series.
April 19, 2025 to May 17, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
Seared Ahi tuna is a lean source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This pan-seared ahi recipe will be served rare with a ginger soy sauce, vegetable tempura and nori rice, for a healthy, lean and delicious elevated meal. Register for any of the stand-alone weekly classes, or for the full 3-part series.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
With 80% protein, low fat content, plus a great source of antioxidants, scallops are considered one of the healthiest seafoods. This pan-seared scallop is elevated and paired with gazpacho vinaigrette and black olive and lemon couscous. Bonus dessert will be orange and vanilla panna cotta. Your family won't even realize they're eating healthy! Register for any of the stand-alone weekly classes, or for the full 3-part series.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
Shrimp is considered a healthy food choice as it is low in calories, high in protein, and contains important vitamins and minerals. Marinated with tandoori spice, which has its own host of hidden healthy benefits, you get a delicious skewered, hand-held main course. Menu will be paired with homemade flatbread and taktouka (stewed tomato, bell pepper and garlic). An elevated, and delicious Indian meal to keep your family healthy. Register for any of the stand-alone weekly classes, or for the full 3-part series.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
Using Central Oregon's finest ingredients, Chef Candy Argondizza, will lead you through making a variety of delicious, fresh, springtime pasta dishes, to give your family a variety of delicious, light, Italian dishes.
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
This class is becoming an annual summer tradition here at COCC! Join Chef Candy in making wood-fired, hand-crafted pizza, in our outdoor pizza oven. Make your dough and top with your personal pizzas with your choice of assorted toppings.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend