Learn to cook in paradise. The Amelia Island Culinary Academy offers fun-filled cooking classes in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. Head Chef Bill Thompson, Chef with the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Ritz-Carlton, Tysons-Corner for over 10 years, is a graduate of Johnson and Wales who has taught professional Culinary Arts for over 7 years. Chef Bill promotes Slow-Food and Farm to Table movements.