A major contributor to Tucson’s exceptional food scene is the prevalence of fresh, locally grown and delicious ingredients that you can find year-round. From Heirloom Farmers’ Markets to Proper’s locally-sourced Monday Market Dinners, the evidence of it is everywhere. This array of options means the opportunities are endless when it comes to creating great meals at home.
But what if you don’t know how to turn an abundance of ingredients into a satisfying meal? The answer is simple: cooking classes. Good news is, Tucson has plenty of them.
Acacia
Chef Hall’s winter cooking class series begins Saturday, February 21 at 11am with “The Wonderful World of Sauces”. Chef Hall will teach both basic and compound sauces, including Béchamel, Béarnaise, Espanol, Buerre Blanc, Tomato and more.
Other upcoming classes are “Game and Grains” on March 21st and “The Bounty of Spring Vegetables” on April 25th.
Class is $55 per person and includes demo, recipes, lunch and adult beverages. To reserve a spot call (520) 232-0101.
Tucson Originals
If you ever had the desire to cook alongside Tucson Original Chefs for a hands-on 3 hour session, here is your opportunity. If you were more interested in having dinner and wine with said chefs, Tucson Originals also has that covered. Each attendee gets a recipe binder with recipes from each class, an apron, paired wines/beverages for each course and first right to sign up for a future session.
- Feb. 18: Pastry Chef Maryanne Baines, Kingfisher/Bluefin
- March 4: Executive Chef Sergio Rocha, Tanque Verde Ranch
- March 18: Chef Sean Magee, Vero Amore
- April 1: Chef Francisco Ruiz, La Fuente Restaurant
- April 15: Chef Kelzi, Mother Hubbard’s Kitchen
For $600 a person you can attend the entire 6 class series, or if space is available, purchase individual classes for $100 per person.
Classes start at 6pm at 4229 E. Speedway Boulevard. To sign up contact Sheri Seisennop at (520) 477-7950 or visit them online at the Tucson Originals’ website.
Cuisine Classique
Cuisine Classique offers classes on everything from making fish tacos to knife skills to cooking up your own Chinese New Year stir fry. And those are all just a few of the options for February. The classes are taught by Tucson native and owner, Chef Mardi Burden, with a focus on local, fresh ingredients.
Classes start at $59, with many offering the option to bring a friend for just $35. Located in Oro Valley at 1060 W. Magee Rd.
For more information visit Cuisine Classique online.
The Tasteful Kitchen
More commonly recognized as a vegetarian restaurant and art gallery, The Tasteful Kitchen also offers cooking classes that abide by their healthy, creative eating approach. Chef Sigret leads the class, which includes a full 3 course lunch, recipe booklet and instruction from 11am-2pm. No details yet on the specifics of this years class line up, but expect a vegan theme.
Cost is $40 per person. Located close to downtown at 722 N. Stone Ave., Tucson.
Sign up by visiting The Tasteful’s Kitchen online.
Donna Nordin Cooks
Award-winning chef Donna Nordin, formerly of Cafe Terra Cotta, now offers cooking classes that feature “French techniques and classic Cafe Terra Cotta recipes for the food enthusiast.” The next classes on the calendar are set for February 25 and 28 and the recipes include Pork Skewers “Spanish Style”, Chicken Pipian, and Chocolate Caramel Cashew-Coconut Tarte.
Price Per Class is $65.00 per person and begin at 10:30 a.m.
Visit Donna Nordin online for more information.
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