About Me

Jane Bertch is a native Chicagoan who has spent nearly 25 years living and working in Europe, with almost 20 years in Paris. She spent the first part of her French experience working in financial services in an American bank based in the 8eme arrondissement of Paris. In 2009, she founded what became the top-rated leisure cooking school in Paris.

Jane volunteers as a mentor, both formally and informally for the expat community, has lectured as a guest professor with International Educational Studies, ESSEC Business School, the University of Illinois, and works with many small entrepreneur groups to develop training and outreach programs.  

She holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois, an MA in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois, and an executive MA in Coaching and Consulting for Change from INSEAD.

Jane lives in Paris.

In the Press

  • "An American opening a cooking school in Paris seems like something that wouldn't go over too well with the Parisians, but Jane Bertch, wanting to create a friendly place for foreigners to learn to make a few French dishes, did it anyway."

    - COSMOPOLITAN

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  • "Jane Bertch had trouble fitting in in France — at first. As she slowly adjusts to the country’s decidedly unique social and cultural atmosphere, Bertch also realizes that she’s no longer fulfilled by her work in banking. And so she sets out to live her dream by opening La Cuisine Paris..."

    - EATER

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  • "Get ready for some mouthwatering armchair traveling with this new memoir!...Reading her story is a delicious treat, especially when paired with descriptions of tantalizing French dishes."

    - BOOKBUB

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  • "Bertch chronicles the ups and downs of running a Parisian culinary school in this saucy debut."

    - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

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