The Oven Mitt

Where to Learn Cullinary Art in Michigan

July 30, 2015

The new millennium saw the dawn of the American foodie revolution and Michiganders have joined enthusiastically in the subsequent culinary arts explosion. From ethnic cuisine to fine dining, gourmet hot dogs to wineries and brew pubs, Michigan’s culinary experiences reflect what celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain calls the "spiritual globalism at the heart of the food frenzy culture."

While Americans may be watching, photographing and discussing their meals more than ever, many are eager to take the food experience one step further: handson culinary instruction that pairs foodie fantasies with the expertise of local chefs. Northern Michigan is brimming with such possibilities, accommodating virtually every budget, taste and schedule.

Red Mesa Grill, Boyne
City 231-582-0049
redmesabc@redmesagrill.com

Encouraged by the success of the first fall/winter session of classes, Red Mesa Grill will dive into Latin cuisine with Chef Mike beginning this fall. Class topics will include sauces, salsas and tequila. Classes are held Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm and cost just $15 per person, making them some of the most affordable cooking classes in the region.

North Central Michigan College, Petoskey Campus
ncmich.edu
Go to: CCE>Food Preservation

Operating within the Community Education Department, NCMC adjusts course topics according to season and community interest. This fall will focus on preservation in preparation for harvest season. Classes are Wednesday evenings and cost between $20 and $35, with small class sizes of approximately a dozen attendees.

Aug.12, 5:30-8:30pm: Preservation Station: Dilly Beans. A hands-on workshop focused on home canning.

Sept. 23, 5:30-7:30pm: Making Kimchi.

Learn to make kimchi using the ancient practice of lacto-fermentation. Participants get practice prepping, processing and preserving.

Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey
crookedtree.org
Go to: classes>adult classes>culinary series

Petoskey’s cultural hub offers their culinary series each autumn. Registration begins Aug. 17, with specific class topics posted to the website Aug. 10. The two-hour classes begin in October and are taught by area chefs. Prices range from $45 to $65.

Martha’s Leelanau Table, Suttons Bay
231-271-2344
marthasleelanautable.com

A unique European-style cafe, Martha’s Leelanau Table utilizes fresh local ingredients and Martha’s own travel experiences to inspire the oft-changing menu. Martha’s has no open cooking classes scheduled for the 2015-16 winter season, but private classes can be arranged for individuals or groups by calling Martha’s. Private, four-hour classes typically cost $125 per person.

Isabella’s Copper Pot, Gaylord
989-731-9700

Featuring all things kitchen, Isabella’s Copper Pot in downtown Gaylord offers locally grown food items, locally made dog treats, fresh salads, free tasting events and food demonstrations. Isabella’s will feature a healthy cooking course this August. Check out their Facebook page for details and updates to the course while Isabella’s website is under construction.

Treetops Resort and Spa, Gaylord
866-348-5249
treetops.com

As part of their monthly Ladies Night Out program, Treetops will host a cooking class with Chef Joel Quay on Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Treetops Convention Center. Chef Quay will engage the entire group in preparing a communal meal. Mother and daughter pairs are welcome, wine is served and included in the $30 fee.

Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education, Traverse City
231-995-1700
nmc.edu Go to: academics>noncredit classes>culinary

Covering a wide variety of cuisine in NMC’s state-of-the-art classroom kitchen, local chefs host two- to three-hour courses on mastering kitchen skills, regional flavors and specific recipes. Dates in August and October include Cooking with Kids courses, where parents and children work together to craft a meal. Classes range from $50 to $80.

Aug. 18: Endless Summer: Canning, Freezing, Preserving Sept. 14: BBQ Boot Camp. Get tips on marinating, brining, dry rubs and all things BBQ with Hagerty Center Executive Chef Cole Thornton.

Sept. 17: Breakfast for Dinner. Kick your breakfast repertoire up a notch.

Sept. 22: Fish For Dinner. Chef and restaurant owner Mickey Cannon highlights four fish, based on market availability.

Oryana Natural Foods Market Traverse City
231-947-0191
oryana.coop/cooking-classes

Join chef and adventurer Laura Cavender along with wellness chef and health coach Ali Lopez for courses that seek to bring fun, art and excitement to organic, nutritious and locally grown meals. Classes take place Friday evenings at Grace Episcopal Church on Washington Street and cost $30 for Oryana members and $35 for non-members.

Fustini’s, Petoskey and Traverse City
fustinis.com
Go to: learn more>classes

Featuring classes at both Petoskey and Traverse City locations, Fustini’s covers a variety of seasonal topics in classes running from 30 minutes to 2 ½ hours. Technique classes cover the topic closest to Fustini’s heart: how to use oils and vinegars in marinades, reductions, dressings, sauces and desserts. Demonstration classes allow attendees a front row look at how a professional chef crafts a meal, and interactive classes bring students into the kitchen for hands-on learning. Classes cost between $10 and $59, depending on duration.

The Homestead, Glen Arbor
231-334-5150

With resident Italian Chef John Piombo presiding over cooking classes and demonstrations, The Homestead offers a window on the world of gourmet Italian eating. Like all good Italians, Piombo covers wine and wine pairings in his classes, as well. Experience a Sip, Dab and Cook demonstration, a twist on the Sip and Paint classes featuring painting, wine and cuisine in a unique social event. Classes cost roughly $50 and last approximately three hours.

Oliver Arts Center, Frankfort
oliverartcenterfrankfort.org
Go to: Classes>Culinary

Arts Committed to promoting all aspects of the arts, the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts offers culinary arts instruction with local chefs like Serkan Eginkara. The Turkish chef hosts a seven-part global cuisine series called "Third Tuesdays with Serkan." Classes run two hours and cost $55 for non-members and $45 for members.

Aug. 18: Third Tuesdays with Serkan
Aug. 19: Sauces with Chef Jim Volt
Sept. 15: Third Tuesdays with Serkan
Oct. 7: Cooking Up a Storm with the Stormcloud Brewing Company culinary team, exploring the secrets of cooking with beer.

The Cook’s House, Traverse City
thecookshouse.net/cooking-classes/

Focused on local, sustainable cuisine, The Cook’s House offers group themed classes or private classes designed to your specifications. This year’s group themes have included Introduction to Curries, Bo SSam (a Korean dish), Noodle Bowls and A Walk Through The Farmers Market. Group classes begin at 9 or 10am and last several hours. Private classes are taught by either Chef Eric or Chef Jen and are hands-on events. Group classes cost $65 per person and are limited to 10 people. Private classes cost $100 per person and can range from 2 to 10 people.

Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn, Old Mission Peninsula
chateauchantal.com/the-school

Offering both culinary classes and a wine boot camp, Chateau Chantal runs the gamut of cuisine offerings, from chocolate to sauces to chutney to specialty diets. Join an expert staff member as they impart culinary enlightenment with hands-on instruction. Classes are available as four-hour courses or a two-day cooking class package. Four-hour courses start at $95 per person, while twoday packages begin at $275.