Cooking Classes

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, January 21st, 2011

The Open Kitchen of Falls Church wants to teach you and yours how to cook. Whether you are an experienced chef or an amateur, the Open Kitchen’s cooking classes were designed to be an appetizing and entertaining way of sharpening your culinary skills. They cover a wide-variety of topics that include special techniques, healthy options, simplistic meal preparation, ethnic cuisines, and desserts.

Morning and evening classes are scheduled every week Sunday through Tuesday. Here’s a look at what they have in store this week.

Sunday Jan. 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cake Making Workshop with Chef Amy Riolo

Learn how to bake cakes from scratch.  Once you taste the flavorful moist texture, you’ll never want to go back to those box mixes ever again. You will learn how to mix, bake, fill, and frost. There are four different recipes that are perfect for any occasion.

Monday Jan. 24, 9 a.m. – noon. Knife-Skills Class with Chef Matt Finarelli

Everyone who spends some time in the kitchen should know how important it is to be skilled with a knife. You will learn the basics of handling, care, safety and the specific cuts that will make your food look and taste better. This class will give you the confidence to cut like a pro. Participants will be preparing different meals with the meat and vegetables they cut in class.

Monday Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Chili’s and Stews with Chef Matt Finarelli

A cold winter’s night is the perfect occasion to learn how to prepare these comfort foods. They both are thought to have some of the most satisfying and complex flavors in the culinary world. Learn the tricks of proper “stewing”, as well as some of the more interesting twists on these family favorites.

Tuesday Jan. 25, 9 a.m.- noon. French Mother Sauces I with Chef Amy Riolo

First acknowledged in 1815, French sauces are now an integral part of any culinary school curriculum.  Learn how 4 basic sauces transformed the modern art of cooking.

Tuesday Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Souffles 101 with Chef Matt Finarelli

Often thought of as the pinnacle of cooking, souffles are a delicate, delectable and delicious dessert. This class will teach you how to make them like a pro, and disprove some of the myths surrounding them as well.

The cost range for participation is $79-$89 per person. Dine-Only is an option for individuals affiliated with the students. The cost is just $25 to enjoy whatever your friend or family member has prepared with a glass of wine. The Open Kitchen is located at 7115 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. For reservations or more information, call 703-942-8148. Check the event calendar to see what’s been scheduled for next week and beyond.

-Ryan Robertson

Tags: Cooking classes, Falls Church, Gut Check, Open Kitchen, Ryan Robertson