These
Classes are Cooking!
Interactive cooking classes are more popular than ever.
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| Executive
Chef Jason Miller of Smith & Wollensky in Philadelphia
explains the meal process to a student. |
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| photo
courtesy of Celebrity Kitchens, Inc. |
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By
TERI DISIMPLICO
Contributing Writer
The kitchen is
often the busiest room in the home. And, why not -- most
individuals love to eat and many love to cook. Whether it's
sampling an outstanding appetizer, savoring a succulent entree
or relishing a delectable dessert, most people would rate
testing tasty morsels at the top of their list.
Of course, whipping up a gourmet delight is second nature for
some people. Yet for other individuals, navigating their way
through a recipe of tablespoons and teaspoons is a challenge.
Cooking classes are an excellent solution way to gain -- or
expand -- knowledge in the kitchen.
It's more than cooking
"Although most of our classes are predominantly women, we do
see some men and we definitely have a range of ages," comments
Edgar. She adds that many of the guests use these cooking
classes as a social experience. Three or four friends will get
together once a month and take these classes.
"We want these classes to be serious enough so our guests
learn, but we also want them to be enjoyable," Edgar says.
"We get a lot of repeat business because our guests have
commented that they feel like they're part of a family," says
Cindy Weiner, owner of Celebrity Kitchens.
The innovative dining experience at Celebrity Kitchens is
much like sitting down in your best friend's kitchen. Located in
Independence Mall Shopping Center off of Route 202, Celebrity
Kitchens is a hands-on recreational cooking school.
"We believe there are many individuals who would like to
learn how to cook and there's no better way to learn than to
learn from the professionals," Weiner said.
This school is designed to teach amateurs to prepare
four-course meals through either hands-on (12 guests per class
who help slice, dice, chop and bake), or demonstration classes
(24 guests per class who watch first-rate chefs create a gourmet
meal).
"Our cooking classes take place in a warm and friendly
environment that promotes easy interaction with other guests as
well as the chef," says Weiner.
In either class format, the guests are treated to watching
chefs from many of the top restaurants in Philadelphia, Rehoboth
Beach, Del., Ocean City, Md., and Wilmington.
Chefs share their passion and their recipes
"We try to bring in chefs from the region that are not only
experts in the field, but who have a great ability to share
their passion and their knowledge," says Weiner. "They need to
be able to communicate with our guests."
To ensure successful classes, Weiner often visits
restaurants, samples the food and meets with the chef personally
before bringing them into her kitchen.
From "Four-Course Gourmet Meals" to "Heart Healthy Cooking"
and from "Food and Fun" to "Quick and Easy Meals," Celebrity
Kitchens has specialty classes that appeal to everyone and begin
at $35. Additionally, the guests enjoy complimentary wines
selected to enhance the flavor of the food.
Chef Lisa Brisch from Dinner Thyme, highlights White Bean
Salad with Shrimp and Arugula, Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Sauce, Barley Risotto, Sauté of Green Beans, Peppers and Feta
and too-die-for tiramisu in her class "High Protein, Good Carbs
and Good Fats."
Or, try "East Meets West" where Daniel Funk from New Orleans
Café mixes wonderful Macadamia Crusted Crab Cake with Grilled
Mango Salsa, Grilled Pork Tenderloin served with Baby Spinach,
Wasabe Roasted Bananas, Spiced Pecans and Ginger, Macadamia
White Chocolate Cream Pie topped with creamy Homemade Banana Ice
Cream and more!
In these classes, students not only have the opportunity to
enjoy phenomenal food, but to socialize, learn secrets of
gourmet cooking, make new friends and interact with first-rate
chefs. Above all, you go home with fabulous recipes and a very
full and satisfied stomach!
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