From Takeout To Top Chef: Philly's Cooking Classes

You’ve dreamed of going behind the scenes on your favorite Food Network shows. Really? Me too. So, you might just scream for joy when you take a step into Fosters Urban Homeware’s demo kitchen (pictured above). Sure, they have amazing cooking classes for a price, but if you can’t splurge then definitely take a seat at one of their free cooking demos on Satudays at 2pm. Oh, and they’re taught by some of Philly’s finest chefs.

Quick Trip To The Mediterranean

October 17th–Peter Karapanagiotis of Privé

Experience the delicious Mediterranean food of Privé in Old City. Nowhere in the world does a region have as many cultures and cuisines lining its perimeter as the Mediterranean. Chef Peter will delight you with his innovative approach to this timeless cuisine.

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Tis' The Seasonal Ingredient

October 24th–John Strain of Valanni

Known for their contemporary American cuisine with ethnic twists,Valanni has been a mainstay on the Philadelphia food scene for years. Find out what keeps customers returning to this restaurant over and over again as the chef demonstrates his approach to seasonal forward-thinking food.

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BBQ Baby

November 14–Greg Aversa of Smokin’ Betty’s

Enjoy the “hot” barbecue cuisine from the extensive menu of Smokin’ Betty’s. This new restaurant is finding its following among locals for its comfortable ambience and affordable yet delicious food.

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Il Viaggio Di Vetri, A Culinary Journey by Marc Vetri, David Joachim

Add this to your Philly Cookbook Shelf.

“The debut cookbook from Marc Vetri of Philadelphia’s Vetri Ristorante, considered by many of the country’s top food critics to be the best Italian restaurant in America. "

Latin Evolution by Jose Garces

Make some more room on your shelf for a Philly cookbook companion.

“Jose Garces is the chef / owner of three of Philadelphia’s hottest restaurants; Amada, Tinto and Distrito. He is also the executive chef of Mercat a la Planxa in the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”

In the second floor classroom in the Callowhill Whole Foods Market in Philly, you’ll find instructional events that will jump-start your cooking skills.

The next time you spend your rent money down below in the store, you won’t feel so guilty thanks to your newly acquired skills (maybe save the uber expensive truffles until after you pay your bills..just saying).

Some Classes…

Coffee Class and Tasting
7 pm – 7:45 pm FREE
Join us for “a journey of great taste”! We will be learning about and tasting coffees from all around the globe (Sumatra, Kenya and Honduras). We’ll talk very briefly about the history and processing of the coffee at the farm, and then dig right into tasting!

Combine Value Tour and Cooking Class
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $5
Let us prove that shopping at Whole Foods Market does not have to break the bank. Join us for a 30 minute tour and 90 minute Cooking Class featuring Whole Foods Market’s own private label, 365. Learn how to spot and use quality products at reasonable prices.

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The Queen of all kitchen stores offers educational store events: technique classes, product demonstrations and cooking classes. Although some require you to open up that rusty wallet of yours, call the store to check when the free (or cheap) events are taking place. And when the class comes to an end, you can pick up a few utensils that your culinary tool best is in need of.

My advice: come with a friend and make a pact not to buy everything in the entire store. Do you really need a cake mold that looks like a castle?

Philly Kitchen Share, a shared commercial kitchen, is often used by local chefs & bakers who need to borrow a kitchen space. PKS also offers cooking classes (although they’re not free).

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