Tired of mac & cheese from the box, scrambled eggs, and toast? Beef up your culinary know-how with a cooking class – a fun, interactive way to meet people or bond with a loved one, while picking up some valuable life skills. Here are 10 L.A. area cooking classes for all skill levels and diets, including two for vegans.
The Gourmandise School
School
Whether you know your way around the kitchen or you’ve only mastered the fridge, The Gourmandise School can help. They offer both individual classes, which typically run about three hours each, as well as classes that take place over several weeks. You could learn how to make bread or chocolate from scratch, or take a course in an entree item, such as pizza, pasta, or Korean BBQ. There are several courses on desserts, and they even offer a class on how to whip up the perfect chicken-and-waffles brunch. If you’re feeling particularly invested, take one of the pastry courses, or a cooking techniques class to start you off on your culinary adventures. Single classes start around $85.
Spork Foods
School
Courtesy of Spork Foods
At Spork Foods, sisters Jenny Engel and Heather Bell specialize in healthy, organic vegan cuisine. Classes generally teach students how to make a complete four-course meal, such as a jackfruit Texas BBQ, or how to serve a plant-based Thanksgiving dinner with none of the meat. A few classes are available each month and frequently sell out, so booking in advance is highly advised. Classes take around two-and-a-half hours, and include a packet of recipes and, because you’re creating an entire meal, the opportunity to enjoy what you’ve made with your classmates at the end of the lesson. Classes typically cost about $80.
Hipcooks
Hipcooks offers fun, casual classes for all levels of cooking skills. They cost $70 each, and include hands-on training, followed by a dinner party (with a wine-tasting) once the lesson has finished. Classes include a variety of multi-course meals and global cuisines with options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. There are multiple classes each day, which can be booked online, at two L.A. locations (plus one in Woodland Hills and another in Santa Ana). Hipcooks, 642 Moulton Avenue, E21, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 222 3663 Hipcooks West Los Angeles, 2833 Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 841 2738
Foodstory
School
Foodstory was founded by Yoko Isassi as a way to pass on what she learned about Japanese cuisine from sources including her own grandmother. Guests can learn about various Japanese dishes, including sushi, ramen, Wagyu beef, yakitori, desserts, or how to pack a bento box for a picnic. Classes generally start at about $90.
New School of Cooking
School
Whether you’re looking to embark on a professional cooking career or you just want to impress guests at home, the New School of Cooking offers numerous courses for a variety of enthusiasts. Learn knife skills, or how to make pizzas and flatbreads, seasonal meals, gorgeous desserts, global cuisines, and more. Classes typically start at around $125, which includes all materials and uniforms. Students either eat together at the end of the class, or take what they’ve made – be it a pie or cookies – home with them.
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Eatz
Eatz offers fun, communal classes for all skill levels. Each course begin with a surprise appetizer, followed by hands-on instruction through a four- or five-course meal using seasonal ingredients. Students get to eat the meal upon completion, and may enjoy accompanying wine or cocktails, too. You’re advised to bring nothing but tupperware, as students often make more than enough to eat and end up with leftovers. Example courses include Sensational Seafood, An Elegant Dinner Party, and A Flight to India. Prices typically start at $105/person. Eatz, 612 N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 935 3289
Sur La Table
Store
Sur La Table can be found within The Original Farmer’s Market, located next to open-air mall, The Grove. Students can either take a hands-on course where they prepare the menu items, or a demonstration course where they watch a chef prepare the meal. Students will also be given a tasting portion of each item. While many classes in L.A. are closed to children, Sur La Table offers classes for both kids and teens. And because Sur La Table is also a kitchenware store, you might as well do a little shopping on your way out, so you can perfect what you just learned at home. Prices vary, generally hovering around $69 for a hands-on course.
Chef Tech
School
Chef Tech offers both one-off and series classes, from knife skills workshops to Spanish tapas and preparing pies from scratch. Students are able to participate in a variety of activities, then enjoy a delicious meal together at the end. Chef Tech also offers courses and cooking camps for kids, as well as courses designed for an adult and child to take together – the perfect bonding activity for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and mentors.
Cozymeal
Cozymeal is a little different. Their team of chefs offer small classes at a variety of venues, which may include a café, gallery, or even your home. Examples include an Italian cuisine class in West Hollywood, a cake class in Santa Monica, or a vegan Thai course in Chatsworth. Cozymeal also offers team-building courses, too, where groups can cook and eat together. Check out the website to see what courses are available and book online. Prices and times vary.
PLANTLAB
School
Developed by Chef Matthew Kenney, PLANTLAB teaches how to cook healthy, plant-based food. You can take weekend workshops from their Venice location, exploring topics such as fermentation, vegan cheese, bread, desserts and raw food. They also offer courses online, so you can learn to be a plant-food expert in your own kitchen.
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