The kitchen can be a daunting place. Understanding what kinds of spices are needed, what type of knife to use, how to saute … these and many other things can feel overwhelming and discourage people from cooking.
Fortunately for Philadelphians (who also have their own cookbook and cooking-focused bookstore!), there are many classes in the city for home cooks at all skill levels.
Here are three of them.
Old City Kitchen
For more than three years, Old City Kitchen has provided classes encompassing many cuisines, including Italian, Indian and Asian food. Classes are held nearly every day, with the schedule released on a two-week cycle. Two classes are available every Saturday and Sunday.
The two-hour long classes typically begin with an appetizer to help break the ice between attendees. From there, participants will cook at least two courses that they can eat as soon as they’re finished.
When it comes to the overall experience during cooking classes at Old City Kitchen, owner Laura Eaton prides herself on creating an inclusive environment for everyone, no matter how large the party size. Eaton encourages people to come alone, saying those that do will “leave with a friend.”
“The experience that we offer is not pretentious,” Eaton said. “It’s fun and inclusive for everyone.”
Classes typically cost $110 per person and can be purchased via Old City Kitchen’s website.
1984Cakes
If you are looking to begin your cooking journey by getting comfortable in the kitchen, 1984Cakes is the place for you. The Philadelphia-based dessert company, owned by Natalie Rosa, hosts cookie-decorating classes every month inside BLDG39 at The Arsenal.
The inspiration to bring cookie-decorating classes to Philly came after a trip to CookieCon in Dallas, where Rosa was one of the few attendees representing the East Coast.
“Cookie decorating is not big on the East Coast,” Rosa said. “It’s a down South thing. I decided that, ‘No, I actually have to share how fun and therapeutic cookie decorating is.’ ”
The classes are for all ages, with some classes geared towards specific age groups. No need to worry about equipment, as it’s provided at the event. Once guests are finished checking in, they can sample a buffet of sweets and finger foods — which includes 1984Cakes’ popular macarons.
After about 20 minutes, Rosa dives into all aspects of cookie decorating, including an in-depth explanation of the equipment and when to use each item. The next three hours are dedicated to decorating several cookies and learning how to package them.
The next class will take place on Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., and ticket prices start at $70.
Families CCan Cook
Families CCan Cook is an ongoing cooking class series geared towards individuals with disabilities and their families. The idea for the class came about during the pandemic, as Sara Crimm, director of Families CCan, looked for ways to support individuals with disabilities and their families during those challenging times.
“I thought to myself, ‘What is it that people need,’ ” Crimm said. “One thing [people need] is community, another was food, and the third was skill-building.”
Nearing 140 sessions over the past five years, the class is offered in six-week installments. Participants join lead chef Mary Matcovich on Zoom to prepare an entree, a side dish and a dessert in under one hour.
Participants will receive the ingredient and equipment lists via email ahead of the class they’ve registered for.
Having participants cook in their own kitchen, according to Crimm, allows Families CCan Cook to accommodate different learning and sensory styles.
One of the things Crimm has enjoyed seeing while administering the class is how much care the participants take in learning the art of cooking.
“There’s a strong ownership of pride in the learning and teaching process with the attendees of the class,” Crimm said.
The next class is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is free and available on their website.
