edible education
CULINARY LESSON GUIDE
Local businesses that offer cooking, baking, dessert decorating, and drink classes.
COMPILED BY ERIN MEYERING
Whether you’re a well-seasoned superstar chef or a home-cooking novice, the Reno-Tahoe area offers a plethora of resources to acquire more kitchen skills. From learning to cook healthier meals and creating a decadent cake to exploring international cuisine and perfecting summer barbecue, there’s a class for it.
PRIVATE CLASSES AT HOME
Bella Tahoe Catering
Bella Tahoe hosts hands-on, interactive cooking classes. You also can book a private class for up to 50 people. Bella Tahoe’s team wants to help expand your culinary repertoire by offering instruction on everything from basic skills to advanced techniques, such as French cooking and making your own pasta.
Upcoming classes: Tour of Italy 5 – 8 p.m. May 29, $75; Sushi 101 5 – 8 p.m., June 26, $75.
152 Hwy. 50; 530-416-0401; http://www.Bellatahoe.com
Butter + Salt
Learn cooking techniques or cuisines in the comfort of your own home. Each class is $125 per person and includes a four-course menu, recipe cards, and a Butter + Salt apron. Butter + Salt currently is building a new location to offer classes on-site this summer.
For details on booking a class, visit the website.
Serving Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Northern California
775-450-9111; http://www.Butterandsaltgatherings.com
Heart Rock Herb & Spice Co.
Learn from owner Diane Weidinger about spice blends and then cook with them, creating a three-course meal. Enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. Cost per person is $65 ($25 for kids). Each participant also will go home with a two-ounce tin of each spice blend. Class size is limited to 10 people and each person must register in advance. Classes held in student’s or Weidinger’s home.
For details on booking a class, email Dianeweidinger@yahoo.com.
Serving Reno and Tahoe
Nevada Vines and Wines
As a volunteer non-profit organization, Nevada Vines and Wine members seek to promote the wine industry in Nevada. Meeting to explore grape growing techniques, education-based fine wine tasting, and more helps get the conversation started. Monthly meetings composed of a wine tasting and educational talk are held on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. inside the Garden Shop Nursery in Reno.
Upcoming Class: Wine education and tasting, May 12 and June 16, 5:30 p.m., Garden Shop Nursery in Reno, $5 for members, $10 for non-members (or bring a bottle of wine)
http://www.Uncorkingnevada@gmail.com; http://www.Nvandw.com
The Tahoe Dinner Bell
Learn cooking techniques or cuisines in the comfort of your own home. Choose from a variety of topics, including basic knife skills, sausage making, bread baking, healthy/gluten-free/paleo menus, and more.
For details on booking a class, visit the website.
Serving Reno and Lake Tahoe
530-686-6021 or 607-287-4476; Thedinnerbell.llc@gmail.com; http://www.Thetahoedinnerbell.com
Tim Meevasin, Private Chef
Hone your cooking skills by booking a private, hybrid cooking class/dinner party. Meevasin can help you learn new skills, try a new cuisine, and build your confidence in the kitchen while you enjoy a memorable meal with your friends, family members, or coworkers. You can book classes on a wide variety of topics, but Meevasin specializes in paella.
For details on booking a class, visit the website.
Serving Reno and Lake Tahoe
775-815-1614; http://www.Personalcheftim.com
Your Personal Chef
In addition to catering, executive chef Mark Silva, Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Ariz., graduate, offers private cooking classes as individual or group sessions. He teaches everything from simple soups and sauces to elaborate recipes.
For details on booking a class, visit the website.
Serving Reno and Lake Tahoe
775-686-3324; Chefsilvaypc@gmail.com; http://www.Allbaychef.com
GARDNERVILLE
Battle Born Wine
Certified sommelier and owner Troy Phillips walks class groups through a tasting and lectures on the specific wine being discussed during that session.
Upcoming class: Snobs Wine Class: Dry Rosé 6 – 7:45 p.m., June 23, $35.
1448 Hwy. 395; 775-782-7684; http://www.Battlebornwine.com
Sierra Chef
These classes are for people of any skill level. Classes at Sierra Chef include spice blending, mixology, pasta making, gluten-free food, children’s classes, and more. Sierra Chef also hosts farmers’ market classes during the summer, teaching participants how to create fresh meals with what’s available locally.
Upcoming classes: Brunch is Back Class May 22; Every Monday June 6 – Aug. 8 Kids’ Farm to Fork Class.
1516 Hwy. 395, Ste. D; 775-671-2164; http://www.Sierrachef.com
RENO
arte italia
An Italian cultural center, arte italia is dedicated to preserving the traditions of old Italy. One way to promote Italian heritage is through food. Regional chefs from Italy visit arte italia throughout the year, showing participants how to prepare traditional Italian cuisine. The classes are extremely popular, so guests are chosen through a randomized selection process after registering.
Upcoming class: Alessandra Buriani, visiting chef from Istorante Buriani in Bologna, Italy 6 – 8 p.m., May 8 – 10, $60 ($55 for seniors 65+ and students)
442 Flint St.; 775-333-0313; http://www.Arteitaliausa.com
Batch Cupcakery
Let your kids enjoy the art of baking. At Batch Cupcakery, participants of the kids baking classes will receive hands-on instruction in baking and piping techniques, a recipe book, and chef hat. Ages six and up are welcome.
Upcoming class: Kids’ Baking Class 5:50 – 7:30 p.m. May 15 and June 18; $25.
555 S. Virginia St., Ste. 104; 775-336-1622; http://www.Batchcupcakery.com
BFF Café
Eating eating well is the main concern at BFF Café. With its occasional cooking classes, you can learn to shop, prep, and cook for healthy eating success. Have dietary restrictions or allergies? No problem. The team at BFF Café wants to help customers work around them and still enjoy fresh, tasty, and healthy food.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
3594 W. Plumb Lane; 775-322-4103; http://www.Bffcafe.com
Big Horn Olive Oil Co.
The Big Horn Olive Oil Co. at South Creek is home to many culinary education classes coordinated by two local dietitians. All classes are health and nutrition based, with themes ranging from Mediterranean to vegetarian cuisine. Each class is $35 per person.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
75 Foothill Road, Ste. 3; 775-800-1342; http://www.Bighornoliveoil.com
CoffeeBar
Sip and savor while learning about various wines at CoffeeBar’s monthly tastings. In June, the tasting flight will be Mediterranean wines.
Upcoming Classes: Educational Wine Tastings, third Thursday of each month, 6 – 8 p.m., $20.
682 Mt. Rose St.; 775-800-1090; http://www.Coffeebar.com
Craft Wine and Beer
Craft Wine and Beer offers many different bottles of wine, beer, spirits, sake, cider, and even soda. You can also find casual education sessions about regionally focused wine flights 5 – 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Discussions address wines’ geography and viticulture information. Enjoy Spanish flights in May and rosé flights in June. Each flight is $15 per person.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
22 Martin St.; 775-622-4333; http://www.Craftreno.net
Death & Taxes Provisions and Spirits
Death & Taxes does it right. Whether you’re stopping by for a drink or attending a class, you’ll be immersed in the art of the perfectly crafted cocktail. Owner Ivan Fontana teaches all classes. Along with specific cocktail instruction, you’ll be able to taste drinks, take recipes home, buy the ingredients and tools to create the cocktails, and learn how to translate the techniques to make your own creative cocktails at home.
Upcoming classes: Agave 101: Tequila & Mezcal 12 – 2 p.m., May 22, $100; Cocktails 102: Advanced Bartending 3 – 5 p.m., May 22, $80; Bourbon 101 12 – 2 p.m., June 12, $100; Cocktails 103: Batching 3 – 5 p.m., June 12, $80.
26 Cheney St.; 775-324-2630; http://www.Deathandtaxesreno.com
IMBIB Custom Brews
Pair beer with food, learn how each beer was produced, and how the flavors from the beer actually got there. IMBIB’s Sensory Series Classes will leave you with a little brewing background, and a 5-beer tasting experience.
Upcoming Class: Sensory Series – Exploring Hops in Beer, May 19, 7 p.m., $25
785 E. Second St., 775-470-5996; http://www.Imbibereno.com
Mix Cupcake Co.
Mix Cupcake Co. prepares a wide variety of cookies, cupcakes, and even pies (via its Levi’s Pies business) daily. Because Mix’s treats are so popular and well done, the team offers cookie-decorating classes and may expand to other class types.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
655 Booth St.; 775-329-1748; http://www.Mixcupcakeco.com
Nothing To It! Culinary Center
Nothing To It! Culinary Center offers it all. Students often don’t just take one cooking class, but instead find themselves more confident than ever in the kitchen, truly enjoying the process of cooking. Chef and culinary director Lara Ritchie provides a wide variety of single-subject classes as well as a techniques series for those who are serious about learning to prep and cook in a masterful way. The staff at Nothing To It! also offers private classes, either in a hands-on or lecture format, to fit any group’s needs.
Upcoming classes: Hands-On Chile Relleno Workshop 6 – 8:30 p.m., May 5, $75; Hands-On Donuts & Fritters 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 14, $75; Hands-On Sushi 6 – 8 p.m., May 27, $85.
225 Crummer Lane; 775-826-2628; http://www.Nothingtoit.com
Renown Health
Renown Health offers a plethora of classes promoting healthy living, which includes cooking. Renown’s cooking classes allow participants to work with registered dietitians to learn to cook healthy food at home and choose healthier options when dining out. Class topics include portion size, sugar, fiber, and sodium control.
Upcoming class: Healthy Summer Dining 6 – 7 p.m., June 21, $40.
Professional Circle Auditorium, 10315 Professional Circle; 775-982-5073; http://www.Renown.org
Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals
Roundabout is Reno’s one-stop shop for event planning. For one, chef/co-owner Colin Smith’s passion, creativity, and mastery shine through in every meal he prepares. For that reason, when attending his cooking classes, you’ll prepare high-quality food, sourced locally when possible.
631 Dunn Circle; 775-747-2090; http://www.Roundaboutcatering.com
Saint Mary’s Fitness Center
Saint Mary’s Fitness Center hosts educational grocery store tours with registered dietitian Elise Compston. She guides participants around a grocery store, equipping them with tips and tools such as learning how to read nutrition labels, compare brands, and make good food choices for a healthy shopping experience.
Upcoming classes: Grocery Store Tour 9 – 10:30 a.m., June 10, $25 for singles, $40 for couples or pairs. 775-770-7898; Ecompston@primehealthcare.com
The Biggest Little Cake Shoppe
The Biggest Little Cake Shoppe offers four different cake-decorating courses, each three weeks long, meeting one day per week. It’s suggested that students start with the Beginning Buttercream series and then graduate to working with fondant. In addition to classes, The Biggest Little Cake Shoppe hosts workshops on specific skills, such as creating fondant flowers or demonstrating handmade chocolates.
Upcoming classes: Beginning Buttercream 6 – 8 p.m. May 3, 10, and 17; 6 – 8 p.m. June 9, 16, and 23, $30; Advanced Buttercream 6 – 8 p.m. May 4, 11, and 18; and 6 – 8 p.m. June 7, 14, and 21, $30; Fondant 1, 6 – 8 p.m. May 5, 12, and 19, $30; Fondant 2, 6 – 8 p.m. June 8, 15, and 22, $30.
205 E. Moana Lane; 775-829-8444; http://www.Thebiggestlittlecakeshoppe.net
The Reno Homebrewer
The Reno Homebrewer sells beer and winemaking supplies and a selection of imports. Additionally, the store’s owners host several different classes throughout the year to help those interested in home brewing or winemaking.
Upcoming Class: Essentials of Home Brewing 6 – 9 p.m., June 6, $40 for singles, $70 for couples or pairs.
2335 Dickerson Road; 775-329-2537; http://www.Renohomebrewer.com
Truckee Meadows Community College
TMCC offers an array of cooking and food and drink education classes that are open to the public. Enroll ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Upcoming classes: Discovering Wine 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, May 3 – 24, $99 (plus $15materials cost); Culinary Italy 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, May 12 – June 2, $79 (plus $18 materials cost); Make Perfect Limoncello 1 – 3 p.m., June 4, $39 (no materials costs, but bring dozen lemons, potato peeler, glass container, fifth vodka); A Taste of Reno History 2 – 5 p.m., June 11, $49 (plus $25 materials fee).
Location dependent upon class; 775-673-7111; http://www.Wdce.tmcc.edu
Urban Roots
Occasionally, Urban Roots’ staff members offer food, drink, and other DIY workshops. A recent fermentation workshop sold out. In that class, participants learned the basics of kefir and kombucha fermentation and how to start and maintain cultures. Guests also enjoyed samples of fermented beverages, and went home with a cookbook containing drinks sampled.
3001 W. Fourth St.; 775-636-5105; http://www.Urgc.org
Wedge Cheese Shop
Wedge is Reno’s only artisan cheese shop. Laura Conrow, Wedge’s owner/cheesemonger, ventured into the cheese world because she was allergic to cow’s milk, and just couldn’t cut out cheese altogether. She found goat’s milk and a love for specialty cheeses. She now shares her knowledge with the community through classes.
Upcoming classes: Spring Seasonal Cheeses Mini Class 5:30 – 6 p.m., May 5, $20; Cheese and Beer Pairing 6 – 8 p.m., May 16, $55; Dad’s Day Saison & Sausages Mini Class/Tasting 3 – 3:30 p.m., June 18, $20; Cheese Basics Class 6 – 8 p.m., June 20, $55.
16 St. Lawrence Ave.; 775-737-4078; http://www.Wedgecheeseshop.com
Whispering Vine Wine Co.
The Mayberry Drive Whispering Vine location will host a series of spirits tasting classes once a month in the new tasting room. Michael Moberly, the spirits program director, teaches them.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website and sign up for the e-newsletter.
3886 Mayberry Drive; 775-787-9463; http://www.Whisperingvinewine.com
Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma is a mecca for home cooks. And the store’s team members even teach a variety of regular classes, including Cookbook Club, in which participants make a full meal from a popular cookbook, as well as technique and children’s classes. Prices and times vary.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website or search “Williams-Sonoma The Summit Reno” on Facebook.
13945 S. Virginia St.; 775-853-6877; http://www.Williams-sonoma.com
SPARKS
BrewChatter
This home brew store occasionally pairs up local breweries or distilleries to provide a variety of brewing classes. The location of the class is dependent upon which brewery or distillery BrewChatter teams up with.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
1275 Kleppe Lane, Ste. 21; 775-358-0477; http://www.Brewchatter.com
Rail City Garden Center
Locally owned and operated since 1996, Rail City Garden Center offers a wide variety of nursery items, and even cooking/food preparation classes under its Green College Class series.
Upcoming class: Dutch Diva Cooking Demo, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 30, Free.
1720 Brierley Way; 775-355-1551; http://www.Railcitygardencenter.com
Seven Troughs Distilling Co.
Seven Troughs is an artisan craft distillery, specializing in aged rum, signature whiskey, and vodka. From time to time, the local experts share their craft in a tasting, pairing, or even distilling education class.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
1155 Watson Way, Ste. 5; 775-219-9403; http://www.7troughsdistilling.com
TRUCKEE
Atelier
Atelier serves as a hub to connect artists, collectors, and community members by offering workshops. Talented area chefs and creators offer several edible-related workshops each season, such as Cookie Decorating and Cheese Making.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
10128 Donner Pass Road; 530-386-2700; http://www.Ateliertruckee.com
Restaurant Trokay
Restaurant Trokay offers a wide variety of private cooking and technique classes. In addition, the restaurant occasionally partners with local businesses, such as Death & Taxes in Reno and Atelier in Truckee, to offer public classes.
Upcoming class: Restaurant Trokay and Atelier collaborate for Knife Skills at Restaurant Trokay 10 a.m. – noon June 5, $95 per person (two-person minimum).
10046 Donner Pass Road; 530-582-1040; http://www.Restauranttrokay.com
Slow Food Lake Tahoe
Slow Food Lake Tahoe’s mission is to reconnect the community to the enjoyment of local, seasonal, and sustainable food while educating them about their role in their local food system. Offering occasional classes is just one more way leaders at Slow Food Lake Tahoe can provide this food and health education. Examples of Slow Food Lake Tahoe classes include a Bone Broth Workshop and Homebrewing Skillshare.
For details on upcoming classes, visit the website.
Location dependent upon class; Info@slowfoodlaketahoe.org; http://www.Slowfoodlaketahoe.org
Stella at Cedar House Sport Hotel
Stella’s open kitchen is an ideal setting for a hands-on cooking class. Farmers’ market cooking classes are offered to the public throughout the summer on select Tuesdays. Guests prep, cook, and enjoy the lunch they prepare. In addition, groups can book a wide variety of private classes, such as lecture or hands-on pizza making or menu preparation classes.
For details on upcoming classes or to book a private class, visit the website.
10918 Brockway Road; 530-582-5655; http://www.Cedarhousesporthotel.com
The Pour House
The Pour House offers several styles of on-demand wine education. The team can run a commercially focused class for restaurant owners and staff members on how to sell wine effectively and the language to use, in-shop wine flight education by region, and even in-home instruction on wines that are purchased.
For details on booking a class, visit the website.
530-550-9664; http://www.Thepourhousetruckee.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
This educational cocktail experience will feature freshly cut herbs, classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors to create three unique cocktails paired with appetizers. Price exclusive of tax and gratuity, minimum age applies for participation. Reservations are required and are based upon availability.
Upcoming Classes: Art of Mixology, Sundays starting May 22, 4 – 5 p.m., $45.
13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct.; 530-562-3000, ext. 3045; http://www.Ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/lake-tahoe
