Cooking Classes in South Florida

Whether you are preparing for a special celebration or just want to improve your culinary skills, a cooking class is the perfect way to spend your evening. Sign up and learn from expert instructors, mingle with like-minded  gourmands and taste your way through the evening.

Here are some local offerings:

• Bice, 313 1/2 Worth Ave, Palm Beach (map).  During the summer months, Culinary Diva Maude Eaton pairs up with Chef Elmer at Bice for an evening of food and wine. Guests will learn to make signature Bice dishes in this demonstration class, sip on Italian wine and sample everything being prepared. They will then leave with all of the recipes from the evening. Cost is $45. (More details)
• The Biltmore Culinary Academy located at The Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables (map). The Biltmore now has a culinary academy and it requires full audience participation. No slacking off here! Whether you would like to learn the signature dishes from Palme d’Or ($110), take part in a  bootcamp ($450+) or want to bring the office in for some corporate team building — you will do so Biltmore-style. They even have a special program for children. These classes are available for every skill level and are taught by the chefs from The Biltmore’s restaurants.
• Chef Jean-Pierre’s Cooking School, 1436 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (map).  Chef Jean-Pierre’s Cooking School offers the most complete line-up of recreational cooking classes in the area. Classes are offered nearly every night of the week. Topics range from 10 minute gourmet meals to a Romantic Dinner for Two, or you can rent out the entire studio for a private party. If you want intense instruction, why not sign up a Basic Skills Class and learn all your basics– selecting a knife, salads and vegetables, sauces, pastry and desserts and preparing the perfect meal. Guest instructors from local restaurant also offer classes at the cooking school. Classes start at  $65 or $55 for the knife classes.
• Chef Allen’s 19088 N.E. 29th Ave, Aventura (map).  Have you always know what it would be like to spend the day in the kitchen with your favorite chef? Chef Allen offers his ‘Be a Chef for a Day Program.’ Perfect for any skill level and available for either 1-2 people, you can now learn the tricks of the trade with Chef Allen. From conversation and tips to participating directly in the kitchen activities, this is for a day of intense instruction. Cost is $195 per person and is based on availability. These interactive classes take place Monday-Friday from 3-7:30 p.m.
• In the Kitchen, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta (map).  In the Kitchen offers a variety of culinary classes, something for everyone- both interactive and demonstration classes. Whether you are looking to improve your skills, learn a new technique or enjoy a social night out, you will find something to your liking. Past classes have included the following topics: Evening in Barcelona, where guests learned to make Spanish tapas and Five Favorite Ingredients, fabulous food with simple ingredients. The classes take place during the week, in the evening. Prices start at $60 and go up from there. (schedule)
• Ortanique on the Mile, 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (map) Cindy Hutson will guide students through an interactive cooking class on Saturday afternoons. While the them varies from class-to-class, students will learn to prepare her signature dishes. The group will be divided up into groups of 6, with a chef from the restaurant guiding the group through the lesson. Each table elects a head chef and the sous chefs to assist. Class is limited to 18 people. What class would be complete without champagne and wine flowing throughout, and students will learn further their skills of food and wine pairing. Students leave with a gift and recipe book from the day. Cost is $90 and up.
• Whole Foods Market, various locations.  Visit your local Whole Foods Market for a list of upcoming classes, that are informative, good for you and down-right affordable. With topics ranging from French Cuisine to exploring Artisan Cheeses to hands-on sushi classes, you will become a pro in the kitchen in no time. Some are taught by the in-house staff, while others are taught by your favorite chefs from local restaurants. Stay on top of the schedule, as new events are always being scheduled.
• Wok Star Cooking Classes with Eleanor Hoh, Miami area.  Eleanor Hoh teaches you how to make an easy, one dish, wok dinner using a lightweight cast iron wok. Her no recipe, no measuring approach is perfect for any skill level, and will leave you with a new confidence for cooking with a wok. Students will learn how to make a Rainbow Lettuce Wrap, Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry and more. You will also become familiar with a variety of Asian ingredients during this interactive class. Classes cost $55, and take place at a variety of venues and times so check her schedule.

Photo Credit: Hiltsch @ flickr