Recently, I was fortunate to be invited to try out a cooking class by Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. I was given the choice of several different themed classes and opted for Light French Cooking.
Check out my experience in photos and my thoughts at the end!
![Chef Alyssa's KItchen](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1300-e1395155347341-600x900.jpg)
Chef Alyssa
![IMG_1302](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1302-600x400.jpg)
The class is held at Atherton Mill and Market
![IMG_1308](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1308-600x400.jpg)
Our workstation — tables were set up for four
![IMG_1309](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1309-600x400.jpg)
The beginning of winter vegetable au gratin (my favorite dish of the night)
![IMG_1304](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1304-e1395155318679-600x900.jpg)
The class is BYOB so I grabbed a bottle of Chardonnay from Vin Master next door.
![IMG_1317](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1317-600x400.jpg)
Winter vegetable au gratin
![IMG_1311](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1311-600x400.jpg)
Raw mussels
![IMG_1315](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1315-600x400.jpg)
Seafood Bouillabaisse with buttery toasted baguette
![IMG_1310](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1310-600x400.jpg)
Apple galette before cooking
![Apple Galette](../../../../wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1318-600x400.jpg)
Apple galette — the finished product
I had such a great time at this cooking class! I’ve actually taken very few cooking classes so I feel like any I take in the future has a lot to live up to.
The things I loved most about this class:
- The class is very social — you have ample opportunity to talk with your three partners.
- The class is very hands-on — you and your partners make everything.
- Chef Alyssa is a great teacher and is very approachable.
- You get to make and enjoy a complete meal.
- They send you home with leftovers if any are left (I enjoyed apple galette for breakfast the next day).
Other items of note:
- I went by myself, but this is perfect for a group of four people or a couple who doesn’t mind socializing with new people.
- Chef Alyssa explains why she is doing certain things so you’ll learn a lot.
- At least at this class, the cooking techniques were not overly complicated, but the dishes were very elegant.
- You will be sent home with a spiral bound notebook with detailed recipes and instructions from the evening.
- These classes are currently held on Wednesday evening and take a few hours (have a snack before you go).
This cooking class was exactly what I think a cooking class should be — fun, social, instructive, hands-on, and not overly complicated.
Thanks so much Chef Alyssa for inviting me to experience your cooking class! I hope to go back again soon!