7 Local Cooking Classes to Step Up Your Game

Can’t tell the difference between a knife and a spoon? Well, you should probably stay away from the kitchen forever. For everyone else, cooking and eating your own meal is one of life’s most rewarding experiences along with winning a game of Edward Fortyhands or raising a corgi.

While YouTube cooking lessons will go a long way, having in-person guidance can help take you to the next level.

Here are seven local cooking classes to help you step up your game. Prices vary based on the course offered, so contact the respective culinary educator for more information.

Caffe Milano

46 W. Congress St.

Italian chef Fulvia “La Fufi” Steffenone offers monthly cooking classes in her downtown restaurant. You can learn elegant Italian dishes such as Vitello Tonnato, Sea Bass Ravioli, and Roast in Mustard and Anchovy Sauce.

For more information, call (520) 628-1601 or visit lafuficaffemilano.com.

The Carriage House

125 S. Arizona Ave.

Throughout the year, the Carriage House offers cooking classes ranging from City of Gastronomy-focused courses to essential knife skills with James Beard award-winning chef Janos Wilder.

For more information, call (520) 615-6100 or visit carriagehousetucson.com.

Cuisine Classique Cooking School

1060 W. Magee Rd.

Wife-and-husband team Mardi Burden and Bob Burden offer classes for varied skill levels. They also offer cooking camps for children and teenagers. Classes are small and sell out well in advance.

For more information, call (520) 797-1677 or visit cuisineclassique.com.

Donna Nordin

Chef Donna Nordin teaches recipes that made her restaurant, Café Terra Cotta one of Tucson’s most influential restaurants. Dishes vary with each course; a few examples this year include Grilled Duck Breast Mole, Moroccan Spiced Short Ribs, and Upside Down Lemon Meringue Pie.

For more information, call (520) 247-6338 or visit donnanordincooks.com.

Flying Aprons Tucson

1702 N. Stone Ave.

Flying Aprons features classes from an assortment of chefs and bakers from around Tucson to teach a wide range of skill levels.Past courses include Couple’s Cooking – Romantic Valentine’s Day; Celebrate Fat Tuesday; Breakfast and Brunches; Parma – Home to Italy’s Food Gems.

For more information, call (520) 261-1996 or visit flyingapronstucson.com.

The Garden Kitchen

2205 S. Fourth Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo7Dk6Fjn0V/

The Garden Kitchen offers what they call “seed-to-table gardening and cooking education,” which includes information from growing and purchasing to preparing and storing. They also specialize in group private classes.

For more information, call (520) 621-0476 or visit thegardenkitchen.org.

Jewish Community Center

3800 E. River Rd.

All cooking classes at the Jewish Community Center are kosher and vegetarian. Past courses have been diverse with topics such as Bagels & Soufflés with chef Jaime Lawhorn.

For more information, call (520) 299-3000 ext. 236 or visit tucsonjcc.org.

The Tasteful Kitchen

722 N. Stone Ave.

Chef Sigret Thompson specializes in teaching vegetarian, vegan, raw, and gluten-free cooking classes. Courses include a multi-course lunch, recipe booklet, and instruction.

For more information, call (520) 250-9600 or visit thetastefulkitchen.com.