The Local Epicurean
Billing itself as “American’s Hand Made Pasta Company,” The Local Epicurean offers cooking classes seven days a week, with an emphasis on classic Italian dishes: Calabria Rack of Lamb, Sicilian Scampi, Ligurian Lobster, Chicken Parmesan and many more.
Available for groups of two to 60, these private classes are booked on your schedule – you choose the date and time from a list of classic and seasonal three-course menus. You’ll have to plan ahead, because classes are often booked weeks or months into the future – booking at least six weeks in advance is a good rule of thumb. Prices start at $99 a person, and you can book online here.
When you arrive for your class at The Local Epicurean Uptown GR kitchen, you can order from a menu of beer, wine, cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while you learn – and with your meal when you’re done cooking!
You can also shop The Local Epicurean for more than 100 varieties of pasta plus sauces, cheeses, vinegars, oils and more.
Motherland Cooking Xperience
Motherland Cooking Xperience takes guests on a journey through Africa via both virtual and in-person community classes, both offered once a month. Participants will be guided through an African-inspired menu while enjoying live African music, cultural storytelling and cooking tips you can use long after the class ends.
Virtual cooking classes are conducted on Zoom and the cost is $75 per person. A grocery list will be emailed to you 1-2 weeks before the class so you can prepare with ease. Tickets for in-person classes, which take place in Caledonia, are $125 per person.
Thought Design
Thought Design is a “mind lab” that designs powerful learning experiences on a variety of themes, including cooking. But cooking isn’t just cooking at Thought Design. It’s an experience that engages all five senses, which is proven to make learning stick.
Choose from an array of public classes or work with their top-notch chef to design a private culinary experience just for your group or work team. From an immersive, hands-on cooking class with full instruction to a cooking demonstration, Chef Bodhi will cook up an experience that’s fun, affordable and of course, delicious. Classes are taught in a state-of-the-art culinary studio in Rockford, 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. The studio can accommodate up to 60 people. Public classes are typically $80 per person.
Additional Cooking Classes
Classpop. Comstock Park’s Bier Distillery and Rockford’s Third Nature Brewing Co. host regular cooking classes led by experienced private chefs. Visit classpop.com/grand-rapids for schedules and booking.
Dreamscape Desserts. Alpine Avenue bakery hosts monthly sugar cookie decorating classes featuring seasonal themes.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Mini Chefs is a hands-on cooking program where little chefs stir, sprinkle, and snack while learning through play. It’s included with general admission – just drop in and start cooking. Check the museum’s Facebook page for upcoming dates.
Joy of Sprinkles. Northeast-side bakery and supply store offers hands-on instruction in baking and decorating cookies, bread and other yummy treats.
My Chunky Table. Culinary content creator and recipe developer Beverly Constantine offers a range of private and group cooking and baking classes in Wyoming and Byron Center.
Spruced Studio . The range of hands-on experiences offered at this DIY workshop include occasional cooking classes.
Sweet Details GR . This licensed cake studio offers both public and private classes in decorating cakes, cookies and desserts.
Williams-Sonoma. National houseware + kitchenware retailer offers free Sunday cooking classes in its Woodland Mall store.
Class schedules and fees are subject to change. Always check with a destination before you go. Online booking is generally encouraged or required
