Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or ten, it’s always good to have a couple of great recipes up your sleeve. And during the summer months, we all love a good barbecue or dinner party. But putting together a great meal for friends and family can be beyond stressful! And knowing what to pick out of the 524 recipes in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking is not something we’d like to even think about. But there’s a way to master the art of a few foolproof, delicious, and stress-free party meals, and that’s through a cooking class! We’ve put together a list of some fun and affordable cooking class options that’ll make for a fun summer day’s activity, and will certainly pay back in the long run. Before you know it, all of your friends will be asking for your secret recipes!
East End Chefs
Join Matthew Guiffrida of Muse in the Harbor at East End Chefs at Old Whalers’ for lessons on how to tackle seafood in the kitchen. Now in its third year, the cooking classes offer instruction on how to put together sea scallop dishes, healthy Alfredo and other pasta dishes, and of course, desserts. Wine will be served throughout your class so you know just what to pair with your meal when serving it at your own home! The class is only $30, but call to reserve your spot—the classes certainly fill up quickly!
Cuvée Bistro & Bar
You’ll have to drive a little but over to Greenport for this class, but it’ll be worth it. Cuvée Bistro & Bar owner and executive chef Deborah Pittorio will lead a “Dairy and Gluten-free” cooking class at Tifereth Israel! Having dietary restrictions can be very problematic for hostesses and guests and figuring out how to accommodate everybody can be difficult. But Pittorio guides attendees along with dishes that everyone will love and actually be able to enjoy like Yom Tom soup and pico de gallo. Plus, fruity sangria will be served! The class is a bargain at $40, but space is limited so reserve your spot now!
2012 Chefs Dinner
This event is the crème de la crème of social soirées this summer: the 2012 Chefs Dinner. Showcasing Manhattan and local talent, the much-anticipated event is going on its seventh year, and will be held on July 28 on Hayground School’s campus. Using local ingredients, chefs Josh Capon (Lure Fish Bar), James Carpenter (The Living Room), Bryan Futerman (Foody’s), and many, many more will prepare dishes. A live auction will accompany the dinner featuring cooking sessions with celebrity chefs! You’re sure to have a memorable night at “Meet the Chefs,” and you’ll definitely go home with more than one amazing recipe—so get ready to amp up your cooking skills! Best of all, the dinner will act as a fundraiser for the Hamptons’ own Hayground School!
Westhampton Free Library
If you’re more of a dessert connoisseur, we’ve got just the thing for you. Just in time for the Fourth of July, learn the secrets of successful cupcake decoration at the Westhampton Free Library! The frosting-filled event is in the evening starting at 7:30 on July 2, so don’t worry about work conflicts. Indulge a little, and finally figure out just how to use all the different decorating tools for cakes and cupcakes!
