By Cara Bertozzi
I find it striking that most adults find themselves preparing upwards of 10 to 20 meals per week, yet it is the rare outlier who has had any formal chef training. As delightful and healthful as food can be, it can be hard to find the time to up your culinary game with all the other goals on an otherwise full plate. However, it doesn’t have to be daunting to pick up little tricks that can delight and inspire. I have done the legwork for you here, speaking with local business owners and chefs in Pierce County who are running small, informal cooking and food lifestyle classes. I encourage you to take advantage of these awesome resources that are right in our backyard and impress the loved ones gathered around your table!
Bella Kitchen and Home
Terese Garrett-Miller, owner of Bella Kitchen and Home, has curated a delightful collection in her décor stores in downtown and uptown Gig Harbor. She also hosts popular cooking classes that normally run twice a month. They are typically taught by nationally recognized chefs who she brings in to teach on topics ranging from sauces or pastries to regional-specific foods such as Thai or sushi. Guests are treated to an intimate setting gathered around the stove, with most classes limited to 12 attendees. Wine pairings are included with meals, and, depending on the topic, guests either sample the chef’s creations as they go or enjoy a sit-down meal together after the food is prepared.
4793 Point Fosdick Drive NW Suite #200
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-514-6924
Class schedules vary; $75-95
Europa Bistro
Alfredo and Justine Russo have established Europa Bistro as a cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant in the North Proctor district over the past 15 years. To strengthen their connection to the community, Alfredo offers a simple demo-style cooking class once a month that is designed to be easy and fun. He crafts different three-course meals for each class, which usually consist of an appetizer or salad, a fresh pasta dish, and an entrée with chicken, pork, veal, or seafood. A glass of wine is also included for guests of legal age; minors are also welcome to join the class for a slightly reduced fee. The classes are interactive with time for lots of questions and discussion, and the meal is eaten progressively as each course is prepared. Classes typically are limited to 15 to 16 guests and last 2 to 2.5 hours.
2515 N. Proctor St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-761-5660
Classes are scheduled on the third Saturday of every month; $65
Marlene’s Market and Deli Natural Foods
Marlene’s, which has locations in Tacoma and Federal Way, offers weekly classes in addition to their grocery items, natural products and prepared foods. They line-up various authors, naturopaths, nutritionists, and chefs who are trained in different diets or lifestyles, such as raw vegan or allergen-free food preparation. The lectures are designed to be informative and educational while also providing a welcoming environment for discussion. Customer service is a high priority at Marlene’s, and they are always open to feedback on additional curriculum to incorporate. The Tacoma location just installed a brand new demo station with a mirror above the chef station for viewing purposes, and they are looking forward to maximizing that resource going forward.
2951 S. 38th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-472-4080
Class schedules vary; prices range from free to $40
Metro Parks Tacoma STAR Center
Among other amenities such as a fitness center, playground, and multipurpose event room, Tacoma’s newest community center has kitchen setups that are perfect for hands-on cooking classes. The classes focus on teaching family friendly recipes, which are often posted online for anyone to try, and techniques such as cake decorating. These popular classes are usually limited to 15 attendees, and guests can receive a discount by purchasing a STAR pass.
3873 S. 66th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-404-3939
Class schedules vary; prices range from free to $30
Toscanos Italian Grill Puyallup
Tom Pantley has been serving up social cooking class events at restaurants in the Puyallup Valley for 30 years, the past 10 years of which have been spent at Toscanos. Tom’s long-running four-course dinners have become increasingly polished over the years as his clientele has become increasingly knowledgeable and more connected to their food supply. He loves the challenge of keeping up with his 25 to 50 guests, some of whom share that the recipes they learned have become family favorites. Portable risers transform the main dining room into a demonstration area, and Tom entertains his guests with food and restaurant stories while teaching techniques and even giving tips on how to properly use a convection oven.
437 29th St. NE
Puyallup, WA 98372
253-864-8600
Class schedules vary; $60
Ubiquitous Journey Tacoma
Ubi’s is a purveyor of high-quality teas, spices, and herbs in the 6th Avenue district of Tacoma. Owner Robyn Liss is also the director of the Free University, a non-profit that offers a range of free classes on topics from wellness techniques to a hands-on class in fermented foods to methods for mixing herbal teas. Some classes may require a nominal fee to cover the cost of ingredients.
2607 6th Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-572-2550
Class schedules vary; prices range from free to $10
Viva
The owners of this organic vegan café have a passion for promoting healthy living. Their menu is full of delectable, interesting treats, like cashew crepes filled with fruit. Fans will be happy to know they plan to start hosting cooking classes in their newest location in the Proctor district and have already kicked things off with an initial offering on vegan cheesecakes. The schedule is still under consideration, but the best way to stay abreast of future offerings is to follow their Facebook page.
2602 N. Proctor St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-503-6498
Select Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m.; $40
