Ever dreamed of becoming the next Julia Child, or at the very least the next Julie Powell? If so, the culinary boot camps taking place in the legendary Biltmore Hotel’s Culinary Academy might just help you realize that wish.

The boot camps are led by Lourdes Castro, an instructor at New York University’s prestigious Food Studies department and author of the best-selling cookbook, Simply Mexican, which was chosen by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the 25 best cookbooks of 2009.

“Most people do not realize the learning curve that exists when you learn to cook.  In a very short time, with the proper instruction, you can take your skills to the next level,” said Lourdes. “I’m very excited to lead the culinary boot camps at the Biltmore and share my knowledge and passion with the students.”

NYU and Columbia-educated Lourdes, who speaks English and Spanish fluently, has been a fixture at events held by The James Beard Foundation, Madrid Fusion Culinary Conference, StarChefs.com, and South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Lourdes has built a thriving career based on her love and talent for teaching all things culinary. Her success comes in part from her knowledge about what works.

Two boot camps are scheduled:  March 15 to 19, and an abbreviated version on the weekend of April 16 to 18. The program is priced at $1,500 for the weeklong camp and $900 for the weekend version. An all-inclusive package that includes deluxe accommodations and daily meals at the Biltmore’s restaurants, beverages, tax and gratuities runs at $3,750 for the weeklong camp and $2,175 for the weekend camp. And who knows? By the end you just might be able to make that Boeuf Bourguignon or Lobster Thermidor dish just like Julia.

To register, call 305.913.3131 or e-mail CulinaryAcademy@BiltmoreHotel.com