---

advertisement

get cooking!

    If you’re an amateur chef looking for a place to hone your skills, or if you just want to learn how to handle a knife, there are plenty of options for you on the First Coast. From baking for kids to cozy inn kitchens to classes that will get you through the basics and beyond, we have it all right here on the First Coast. 

Cooking Around the World

One of my favorite restaurants in the Southside area, Blue Bamboo, offers cooking classes about once a month. Even though Chef Dennis Chan primarily serves up Asian/Western fusion cuisine, he’s well-versed in food from around the globe. Besides regular menu items, each month he serves cuisine inspired by a different country. The cooking classes follow this format as well and they fill up fast with about 25 to 36 students. Each class includes at least a glass of wine, an appetizer, entrée and dessert, all for just $35. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10 am to12 pm. The upcoming schedule will be: Moroccan on July 21st, Cuban on August 11th, and Thai on September 8th. Call (904) 646-1478 to sign up today.

For the Kids

Those with kids who have the urge to bake should sign them up for a baking class at Hot Shot Bakery (also known as Luvin’ Oven) in St. Augustine. The age range is from five to teen, covering different baking projects depending on the age and skill level of the participants. Parents have the option of leaving their children at the bakery or staying with them during the class, depending on the level of comfort the children and adults have. Baker Sherry Stoppelbein loves to teach baking and is delighted by the children’s enthusiasm. Says Stoppelbein, “The first teaching class I had was a group of eleven-year old girls and they were just so well behaved and so into it, so hungry for… [the knowledge], it’s just neat.” Call to schedule (904) 824-7898. Luvin’ Oven aka Hot Shot Bakery is located at 1962 US-1 South in St. Augustine.

Organic Cooking

Maybe you’ve wanted to incorporate more organic and healthy ingredients in your diet, but you don’t know where to begin. In Jax Beach, holistic practitioner Dr. Andrea Shaeffer-Pautz holds classes on organic cooking every other month. She’s double board certified in internal and holistic medicine. Her next class, entitled “Summer Delights” will be on July 27th. Cost is $75 for adults, $30 for kids 10 and under and $35 for kids from 11 to 17 years. Call (904) 246-3583 to sign up.

For more personalized, private classes, you might want to try Spa Cuisine. Millie Barnes, author of the book Optimum Nutrition, is available for nutrition coaching, but she also does private cooking classes for parties and families. She can also help you and your family know what to look for and what to buy in organic and healthy ingredients, whether you simply desire a healthier lifestyle or just want to lose weight. Call (904) 374-0389 for more details.

Apron’s Cooking School

From guest celebrity chefs, cooking classes for teens and the basics, Apron’s Cooking School has got you covered. With a cooking class (or two) every day of the week, you’re certain to find something to fit your schedule. Besides regular classes on basic knife handling, cooking with wine and couples cooking, they also do classes that change with the season, such as ice cream for the summer. You’ll be able to choose from demo-style classes, which are set up like a cooking show, and hands-on cooking classes. With both styles of classes, you get to eat what you make or what the chef makes. These meals are steal; the Couples Cooking Class is a mere $80 per couple and you get a five course meal and a few hours of entertainment as you watch the meal being cooked. Prices range depending on the class, from $30 and up. Go to publix.com/aprons/schools/CookingSchools.do for the calendar and pricing.

Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma has two locations in Jacksonville, one at the Avenues and the other at the St. Johns Town Center. At the Avenues they’ll be offering a vegetables course on July 15th and a fruit course on the 29th of July. These are free one-hour demos, but they do ask that you sign up ahead of time. Call (904) 538-0750 for details at the Avenues. At the Town Center they offer free technique classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings. July 14th and 15th they’ll be holding a Farmer’s Market Veggie demo. They also have pay classes, which have yet to be scheduled for July. Call (904) 998-4304 for more details.

The Cook’s On Vacation!

If you’re into the culinary arts and you’re planning a weekend getaway in St. Augustine, why not try the Inn on Charlotte. Call to ask about weekend packages that include gourmet food and wine presentations at (904) 829-3819. 

  Maybe you want to opt for Amelia Island on your next weekend or mini-vacation. If so, why not enjoy the Ritz-Carlton. Among the myriad things they have to offer is their Cooking School. Each Tuesday (through August) guests can take a tour of the chef’s kitchen. Call (904) 277-1100 for more details.