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Cooking Classes

Cook it up!

Ready to be a star in the kitchen? Learn the secrets to preparing fabulous dishes from some of Houston's culinary masters. 

Brennan's Cooking Class features one on one training

Anvil

Know the difference between a liqueur and a spirit? Any clue how to whip up a house-made infusion? Join the talented mixologists of Anvil for monthly cocktail classes that are as educational as they are entertaining. Each of the two-hour classes—which are typically held the last Saturday of the month—center around a different theme. Past topics, for example, include Beer Basics, Building Your Home Bar and the History of Prohibition. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased at the bar, during regular hours (4 p.m. to 2 a.m., daily).

Brennan’s

If you’re looking for the Rolls Royce of cooking classes, Brennan’s (pictured above) is certainly a standout. For a cool $1,450, guests can join the Chef for a Day program that starts with the issuing of a personalized chef’s uniform and wraps up with a six-course dinner (which you prepare) for five of your best friends. During the day, attendees will receive one-on-one training with the chef in the kitchen and at the bar, a food and beverage tasting and even a small surprise gift from the chef.

Central Market

Regardless of age or expertise, Central Market’s Cooking School offers a laundry list of options that appeal to chefs of all ages. The Highland Village-area store is popular among local foodies, thanks in part to its extensive produce and well-equipped, upper level classrooms. Learn time-saving tips from cookbook authors, restaurant owners, chefs and Central Market instructors on a variety of themes like southern food, happy hour bites, sushi and sautéing. CM also offers classes for couples, kids and private events. Prices and class times vary.

Hubbell & Hudson

One of only two Viking Cooking School locations in Texas, Hubbell & Hudson’s offers guests a complete culinary destination with its market, bistro and curriculum all offered under one roof. The Woodlands’-based business offers classes for all experience and expectation levels, making use of Viking’s professional-grade equipment. One night, budding chefs might learn about hosting an elegant dinner party and another, honing the techniques of a Japanese steakhouse. Classes are offered throughout the week.

Indika

Chef Anita Jaisinghani shares her secret for delicious Indian cooking in a series of monthly cooking classes—typically offered on the fourth Sunday of each month. Held insider her Montrose-area Indika restaurant, Jaisinghani highlights a variety of epicurean themes ranging from the fundamentals of curry and vegetarian dishes to Indian BBQ and lessons on incorporating Indian spices into everyday cooking.

Leisure Learning

Established in 1979, Leisure Learning is a Texas-based organization that focuses on continuing education. In addition to dance, fitness, financial planning—and a long list of other pursuits—LL is also popular for its year-round cooking classes. Sign up for a parent/child cupcake decorating class, learn the secrets of at-home cheese making and craft brewing, even gain instruction on how to become a personal chef, in addition to many other offbeat topics.

Sur la Table

In addition to offering an assortment of kitchen equipment, Sur la Table also boasts a much-loved mix of cooking classes at its three Houston-area stores. Each of it’s classes, which are held throughout the week, pair expert instruction with popular focuses like artisan bread making, comfort desserts and knife skill essentials. Visit Sur la Table’s website for locations and class schedules in your area.

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

It’s been more than five years since Sylvia Casares launched her popular Tex-Mex Cooking Classes. Today, the chef and owner of Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen teaches monthly courses in a spacious private dining room at her Westheimer-set restaurant. Learn the art of grilling fajitas, tamale making and soups in one of the three-hour class, which include a full meal, dessert and beverages.

T’afia

Want to cook with a James Beard-nominated chef? How about one that competed on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters? Join Chef Monica Pope (of t’afia fame) as she offers up free weekly cooking classes at the Midtown Farmers Market, as part of her Green Plum Cooking School. Note: Space is limited and you need a ticket to join the fun, so get there early. For non-morning people, Pope also teaches a monthly Cooking Therapy class for $45, person. Each of the 24-person classes includes a hands-on look at three recipes, complete with wine pairings. Cooking Therapy tickets must be purchased in advance.

By Natalie Bogan Morgan