Tired of takeout? Looking to spice up your mundane meals? Always wanted to try making a favorite cuisine? Then it’s time to don that apron and take a cooking class! Here are five schools in the Westport area sure to make your kitchen sizzle.
AMG Catering & Events. Having competed on the Food Network show “Kitchen Casino,” Chef Alison Milwe Grace knows first hand how to fire up excitement and energy in the kitchen. In the brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Wilton, Chef Grace leads fun and inspiring two-hour lessons, from family dinners, to easy gluten-free meals, to party appetizers. And after ten years’ experience with adult cooking classes, AMG Catering and Events now introduces their Corporate Team Building Series. Groups up to 20 take part in a “Food Network” competition, turning the often dreaded outing into an exhilarating and rewarding event.
Chef Leticia. You may recognize this Brazilian chef from her television appearances such as the “Today Show,” and now you can bring Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz into your own kitchen to teach you how to cook! But don’t worry—you don’t have to shop or prep—Chef Leticia takes care of everything. Classes range from basics to more advanced, and the cuisine, well, you decide—a certain ethnic food, healthy meals, kid-friendly dishes. (If you don’t feel your kitchen is chef-worthy, Chef Leticia offers classes in her home.)
Karen Brownlow’s Chop Shop. Like at the sought-after “kitchen table” at that restaurant you can never get into, you will have a front-row seat to some skilled cooking techniques. But here you’ll learn tips and tricks so you can recreate the delectable dishes at home. Karen creates a relaxing and social atmosphere in her equipped Westport home kitchen, as you sip wine at the large island seating six. Offering classes such as “A Night in Italy,” “I’ve Got a Beef with You!” and “Delicious Fishes,” there is plenty to choose from.
Cucina Casalinga. Learn the art of regional Italian cooking right here in Wilton. You will feel as if you’ve traveled to Italy as you sit on the patio surrounded by bougainvillea, fig, and lemon trees, waiting for the fresh pizza you just made to come out of the wood-fired Tuscan oven. With 25 years’ experience, Sally Maraventano offers private and corporate classes, and even features guest chefs—such as Italian baker Nick Malgieri—to conduct demonstrations.
Westport Continuing Education, Culinary Arts. Although most classes are held at Staples High School, these courses are much more than a home-ec class. Learn how to make gluten-free pizza, or create dishes with edible flowers. Take a field trip to Bobby Q’s Barbecue & Grill for a barbecue class, and master wine and cheese pairings at Fairfield Cheese Company. Classes are weeknight evenings.