slides: Rhode Island’s 5 Best Cooking Classes
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ann & Michael Martini, GoLocalProv Food Editors
Most parents we know consider this -- back to school -- the most wonderful time of the year (with apologies to Christmas). As you are out buying those pencils and notebooks, be sure to pick up a French knife, a colander and a cutting board because we are sending YOU back to school -- you know, cooking school! As home cooks become more adventurous, most reach a point where the Food Network and YouTube videos can only teach them so much and it's time to venture into a live cooking setting. The cool thing about today's food professionals is they are more than happy to share all of their accrued knowledge and technique. The main thing keeping more people from enjoying these excellent classes is intimidation. Home cooks never think their self-taught knife skills are going to hold up and the overbearing "Gordon Ramsey" types are going to lose it on them. That makes for great television but a lousy class. We set out to find 5 good spots for you to, safely, venture into the professional kitchen and came back with these...
Related Slideshow: Rhode Island’s 5 Best Cooking Classes
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Newport Cooks, Middletown
Foodies on Aquidneck Island and in the East Bay have a real gem in Newport Cooks. Their mantra of "Cook it Good" is easily followed when being taught by some of the best local, restaurant chefs. Imagine learning from the likes of Jake Rojas from Tallulah on Thames or Sai Viswath of DeWolf Tavern. They and many more talented local chefs lend their expertise to attendees in the form of very specialized, hands-on training. Classes are geared towards everyone from children to the most advanced. Trust us, you WILL learn from these gals and guys. 796 Aquidneck Ave. 293-0740, www.newportcooks.com
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Chef Walter's Cooking School, Providence
One of Rhode Island's best known Italian chefs is Walter Potenza. For years he held court on Federal Hill regaling guests with personality as much as food. Wouldn't he be the perfect guy to teach you the ways of the Italian kitchen? Well he is! His approach is especially fun for groups, so the team building classes are really cool. Take a group from the office and set them off on a day learning and relying on each other. Potenza's encyclopedic knowledge of Italian cuisine means that almost no dish is off limits. His sense of flavor is only topped by his sense of humor. 286 Atwells Ave. 273-2652, www.chefwalterscookingschool.com
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JWU Chef's Choice Cooking Classes, Providence
Imagine the feeling of being let loose in the kitchens of the world's largest cooking school. Feel the sleek stainless steel under your hands as you place a cutting board on the shiny table. Smell the incredible aromas coming from around you. How could you not come out of here a better cook? Whether a novice or a working chef, these classes have something for everyone. Instruction runs from about $85 for most basic skills classes to $1150 to become a Certified Specialist of Wine. Classes feature-top level teaching chefs walking you through seasonal appetizers or techniques like braising and sautéeing or pastry and desserts. Check their website for all information at www.jwu.edu/providence/chefschoice
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Professor Chef, North Providence
One way to get the professional experience while still in a home setting is by seeing Phillip and Malinda at Professor Chef. They are both highly trained and regarded chefs who give classes in their home. From basic cooking skills to picking the right steak to making your own wine or beer to enjoy with dinner, they have you covered. Most classes run between two and two and a half hours and the cooking classes average between $60-$70 dollars. The wine and beer classes run between $180 and $200 but you get to take home several bottles of the beer or wine when it's finished. We love the sound of the steak class. It seems like it will really help the home cook dial-in the perfect steak for them! 41 Lookout Ave. 749-3312, www.professorchef.com
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Easy Entertaining, Providence
If you are looking for some of the best farm to table training you can get, check out what Chef Kaitlyn Roberts is doing at Easy Entertaining. Located in the re-purposed Sun Mills on Valley Street, this combo of cafe and event space and teaching kitchen is very cool. Roberts takes the freshest local ingredients and teaches the art of restraint. Upcoming classes include perfect pizza grilling and wine pairing, fall soups and an always helpful Thanksgiving class that will elevate your usual holiday fare into something truly memorable. 166 Valley St. Building 10, 437-6090, www.easyentertainingri.com
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