Culinary Calendar
For class information, how to register for classes, our cancellation policy and instructor biographies please follow the links below:
Classes are listed for the year and our page has gotten quite long. Here are short cuts to take you to the beginning of each month:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December
Friday, June 1st - Saturday, June 30th
Friday, June 1st
Knife Skills 101
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | $9.00
Hand’s on class; must be 18 to attend.
Cut, chop, mince and more; learn how to properly hold and cut with a knife, knife care and knife safety in the kitchen. Knives will be provided but feel free to bring in a knife from home.
Register for this class!
Saturday, June 2nd
The Basics: Bulk Foods –Cost Effective, Simple and Delicious!
11:00 PM | $15.00Demo Class with Hands-on component: must be 16 to attend.
If you ever asked; “What are those bins with the dried food in them?” then this is the class for you. Buying food in bulk is a great way to save money, reduce waste and enjoy the freshest selection of beans, cereals, rice and more. Cooking with bulk foods is easy and a great skill to acquire. Join Chef Chris for a tour of the bulk food aisle and then learn how to prepare beans, rice and lentils.
Register for this class!
Monday, June 4th
Whole Foods Market Value Tour Afternoon Session
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | FreeAdvanced Registration Required. This tour may be taken one time a year.
At Whole Foods we believe everyone should be able to afford to eat quality food. Some think higher quality means higher price, but think again! We have secrets to share! The first step toward eating better on a budget is spending your money on actual food so you get the most nutrition for your buck. Cheap food is usually made from cheap ingredients, often including synthetic preservatives and dyes. We offer real food, free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats at the best price possible, especially when you know where to look. Join us for our “value” tour. You’ll discover you can afford to shop Whole Foods on a budget.
Pre-registration required. Call customer service at (916) 488-2800 to register. Meet in the Culinary Center.
Register for this class!
Monday, June 4th
$200 Food Challenge Lecture Afternoon Session
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | FreeAdvanced Registration Required
Is it possible to feed two people for a month on $200 exclusively from Whole Foods Market? Chef Chris Chisholm set out to find the answer and in this entertaining (he hopes) and informative lecture he will share his experiences, lessons and tips on how to eat healthy on a budget.
Pre-registration required. Call customer service at (916) 488-2800 to register. Meet in the Culinary Center.
Register for this class!
Monday, June 4th
Whole Foods Market Value Tour PM Session
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | FreeAdvanced Registration Required. This tour may be taken one time a year.
At Whole Foods we believe everyone should be able to afford to eat quality food. Some think higher quality means higher price, but think again! We have secrets to share! The first step toward eating better on a budget is spending your money on actual food so you get the most nutrition for your buck. Cheap food is usually made from cheap ingredients, often including synthetic preservatives and dyes. We offer real food, free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats at the best price possible, especially when you know where to look. Join us for our “value” tour. You’ll discover you can afford to shop Whole Foods on a budget.
Pre-registration required. Call customer service at (916) 488-2800 to register. Meet in the Culinary Center.
Register for this class!
Monday, June 4th
$200 Food Challenge Lecture P.M. Session
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | FreeAdvanced Registration Required
Is it possible to feed two people for a month on $200 exclusively from Whole Foods Market? Chef Chris Chisholm set out to find the answer and in this entertaining (he hopes) and informative lecture he will share his experiences, lessons and tips on how to eat healthy on a budget.
Pre-registration required. Call customer service at (916) 488-2800 to register. Meet in the Culinary Center.
Register for this class!
Tuesday, June 5th
Raw Foods Made Simple! Backyard BBQ!
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | 20.00Demonstration Class Open to all ages
Do you wait with anticipation each summer for the good ol’ summer BBQ? Of course you do! Summer grilling is a time when friends and family gather for a tasty meal while enjoying the outdoors. But, BBQs don’t have to be all about high-fat and high-calorie foods such as burgers and sausages that add to your waistline leave you feeling sluggish. This summer, learn how to prepare for your BBQ season by sharing some delicious menu alternatives that will make your mouth water and leave you feeling energized!
On the Menu:
- Garden Sun Burger
- Fresh BBQ Sauce
- Fresh Ketchup
- Creamy Mayo
- Jicama Picnic Salad
- Dessert
For more information call: Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist 916-996-6098 www.sacnutritionist.com
Register for this class!
Saturday, June 9th
Hot and Fast – Summer Grilling with Chefs Kelly Fong and Lynn Gowdy
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | 40.00Hands-on Class: Must be 21 or older to attend
There are two trains of thought when it comes to the grill; low and slow, hot and fast. This class will teach you how to make a hot and fast delicious meal that won’t eat up your time.
On the menu:
- Cauliflower Steaks with Mediterranean Pesto
- Grilled Seasonal Fish (Swordfish) with Latin Fruit Salsa
- Flank Steak Pinwheels with Chipotle Sauce
- Grilled Fruit on a stick with Mint Sauce
Register for this class!
Sunday, June 10th
Asian style grilling with Mayumi Tavalero
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 45.00Demonstration Class with Hands-on Component Must be 16 years or older
Learn all the tips and tricks to perfect grilling. We’ll make homemade sauces, rubs, and marinades, and discuss all the essential ingredients that make Asian cooking unique and delicious. This hands-on/demonstration class is a must for those wanting to gain more knowledge about grilling-just before Father’s Day!
On the Menu:
- Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Teriyaki Chicken with Asian Slaw
- Baby Back Ribs with Hoisin BBQ Sauce
- Bulgogi with Chili-Garlic Sauce
Register for this class!
Tuesday, June 12th
Potlucks, Picnics, and BBQs: Low-Sodium Summer Dishes Worth Sharing with the Sodium Girl
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | 40.00Hands-on Class: Must be 16 years old to attend.
This class will teach people how to take classic summer dishes and give them a salt-free twist with the help of clever low-sodium substitutions and tons of taste-bud bursting flavor.
- Spinach Onion Dip
- Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad
- Char Sui Spare Ribs
- Orange Mandarin Hot Wings
For more information on The Sodium Girl visit www.sodiumgirl.com
Register for this class!
Friday, June 15th
The $200 Food Challenge Techniques with Chef Chris Chisholm
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | 20.00Hands-on Class: Must be 16 years old to attend.
You can feed two people for a month on $200. Join Chef Chris as he teaches you how to prepare quick, healthy and delicious meals from scratch. This is a technique class that focuses on taking a base set of ingredients and creating several meals.
Note: This will be the last time that this class will be offered.
Register for this class!
Monday, June 18th
Wellness Class: Balancing Gluten-Free Made Simple!
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | 10.00Lecture and Knowledge Class; Open to all ages.
A lot of people are going gluten-free … but they really don’t know why? It’s just like, ‘Quick, it’s gluten-free, it must be good!’ What’s all the buzz about anyway? Come and learn where gluten is found, if you should be avoiding gluten, and healthily substations for gluten containing foods.
With questions please call: Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist 916-996-6098 www.sacnutritionist.com
Register for this class!
Tuesday, June 19th - Friday, June 22nd
Kids cooking Camp – World Cuisines with Chef Chris
$20.00 per class $70.00 for the seriesRegister for this class!
9:30-11:30AM: Hands-on Ages 6-12
12:30-2:30PM: Hands-on Ages 13-17
$20.00 per class $70.00 for the complete series
This summer kids and teens can tie on an apron and take over the kitchen at The Culinary Center! Students will take a world culinary tour and create a mix of dishes from popular cuisines and sit down to enjoy their delicious meals each day. They’ll have tons of fun and leave with the confidence to make flavorful meals and snacks at home for family and friends. Using the highest quality, freshest, all-natural ingredients, students work hands-on to learn valuable cooking skills while making authentic recipes from around the world. Kids and teens will grasp many of the fundamentals of great cooking and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Instruction is specially tailored for your child’s age group. Camps are limited to 12 students.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Kids Cooking Camp
Thai
- Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce;
- Panang Gai (Panang Curry of Chicken);
- Jasmine Rice;
- Mango Custard
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Kids Cooking Camp
Mediterranean –
- Grilled Haloumi Cheese with Lemon;
- Miniature Meatballs;
- Lemon Tabouli Salad;
- Baklava
Thursday, June 21, 2012 Kids Cooking Camp
Latin –
- Guacamole;
- Grilled Fish Tacos;
- Easy Chicken Mole
- Mexican Chocolate Banana Pops.
Friday, June 22, 2012 Kids Cooking Camp
Italian –
- Insalata Caprese;
- Chicken Saltimbocca;
- Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms;
- Chocolate Gelato
Register for this class!
Friday, June 29th
Getting to Know Olive Oil with Orietta Gianjorio Author of Il Metodo Tra Miti e Realtà and Italian Women Know Food and Wine
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 25.00Lecture and knowledge class – All Ages
The Culinary Center is proud to offer this amazing culinary opportunity. Orietta will share her vast knowledge on olive oils in this two part class. The first part is educational and includes practical information about olive oil production and labeling. The second part is practical and includes a guided tasting of three olive oils.
Join us for a fun night of culinary exploration and tasting.
Please note: It is very important that participants DO NOT to: wear perfumes or heavy scented lotions, smoke, drink coffee and eat garlic or onions before the tasting.
Register for this class!
Saturday, June 30th
Cupcake Wars - Kids Class With The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
With the success of our first Cupcake Wars class, let’s do it again! In the vein of the popular TV show, pending the enrollment numbers, we will break in to groups and the participants will be responsible for creating 12 identical cupcakes with frosting and decoration. Some of the cupcakes and frostings that might be offered are;
Red Velvet Cupcake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting , Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting, Gingerbread Cupcake with Dulce De Leche Frosting , Chocolate Cheese Cake Cupcake with Rocky Road Frosting, Butter Cupcake with Pecan Pie Frosting (this selection is subject to change)
Come join in the excitement!
Saturday, June 30th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 1 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
Louisiana-Official State Meat Pie-Natchitoches Meat Pie, South Carolina-Official State Vegetable-Collard Greens, Wisconsin-Official State Grain-Corn (Corn Muffins), Pennsylvania -Official State Cookie-Chocolate Chip Cookie
Saturday, June 30th
Dinner in a Blindfold-A meal in the Dark-With The Culinary Dude
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 90.00 per coupleRegister for this class!
Loosely based on the successful European concept of eating a complete meal in total darkness, The Culinary Dude, Chef Scott Davis has substituted the darkness for a simple blindfold. This experience will challenge your senses, taking your nose and taste buds to places that they have never been, not to mention your mind.
We are able to cater the meal to meet any special dietary needs as long as we have advanced notice. Finally, if during the meal you have any questions, have to use the rest room or have any difficulties, just simply raise your hand and one of our escorts will be there to accommodate whatever is needed.
We request that you arrive 5 to 10 prior as we will only be offering one seating. Reservations are necessary. The cost includes 2-four course meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a great 2 hour experience.
Sunday, July 1st - Tuesday, July 31st
Sunday, July 15th
Pop Stars Favorite Foods Series 1 of 4 - Kids Class with The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | $35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
Pop Stars eat food too, but what do they eat and what are their favorite foods? For this series we will make the favorite foods of Drake who likes Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Crème Brule, Rihanna who likes West Indian and Thai food, Maroon 5 whose tastes and eating varies from Vegetarian to Japanese to Mexican and Greek and finally Niki Manaj, who is a big fan of Cranberries, Almonds and Boneless Chicken Stew.
DRAKE
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chopped Italian Salad
- Ramen from Scratch
- Crème Brule
Sunday, July 15th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 2 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
- Oklahoma-Official State Meal-Sausages and Gravy,
- New Hampshire- Official State Fruit-Pumpkin (Pumpkin Soup),
- Massachusetts-Official State Pie-Boston Cream Pie,
- Texas-Official State Snack Food- Chips and Salsa
Sunday, August 19th
Pop Stars Favorite Foods Series 2 of 4-Kids Class with The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
Pop Stars eat food too, but what do they eat and what are their favorite foods? For this series we will make the favorite foods of Drake who likes Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Crème Brule, Rihanna who likes West Indian and Thai food, Maroon 5 whose tastes and eating varies from Vegetarian to Japanese to Mexican and Greek and finally Niki Manaj, who is a big fan of Cranberries, Almonds and Boneless Chicken Stew.
RIHANNA
- Jerk Chicken
- Vegetable Curry
- Green Banana Croquettes
- Sweet Sticky Rice with Fruit
Sunday, August 19th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 3 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
- Maryland-Official State Food-Crab (Crab Cakes)
- Maine-Official State Treat-Whoopie Pie
- Oregon-Official State Fruit- Pear (Pear Salad)
- Idaho-Official Food-Potato (Baked Fries)
Sunday, August 19th
Dinner in a Blindfold-A meal in the Dark-With The Culinary Dude (All Ages)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 90.00 per coupleRegister for this event!
Loosely based on the successful European concept of eating a complete meal in total darkness, The Culinary Dude, Chef Scott Davis has substituted the darkness for a simple blindfold. This experience will challenge your senses, taking your nose and taste buds to places that they have never been, not to mention your mind.
We are able to cater the meal to meet any special dietary needs as long as we have advanced notice. Finally, if during the meal you have any questions, have to use the rest room or have any difficulties, just simply raise your hand and one of our escorts will be there to accommodate whatever is needed.
We request that you arrive 5 to 10 prior as we will only be offering one seating. Reservations are necessary. The cost includes 2-four course meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a great 2 hour experience.
Sunday, September 9th
Pop Stars Favorite Foods Series 3 of 4-Kids Class with The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
Pop Stars eat food too, but what do they eat and what are their favorite foods? For this series we will make the favorite foods of Drake who likes Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Crème Brule, Rihanna who likes West Indian and Thai food, Maroon 5 whose tastes and eating varies from Vegetarian to Japanese to Mexican and Greek and finally Niki Manaj, who is a big fan of Cranberries, Almonds and Boneless Chicken Stew.
MAROON 5
- Pork Tamales with Mole Sauce
- Spanikopita
- Tofu Peanut Butter Pie
- Japanese Cucumber Salad
Sunday, September 9th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 4 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
- Texas-Official State Dish-Chili Con Carne
- North Carolina-Official State Vegetable-Sweet Potato (Baked Fries)
- Missouri-Official State Dessert-Ice Cream Cone
- Florida-Official State Fruit-Orange (Orange Fennel Salad)
Saturday, October 13th
Pop Stars Favorite Foods Series 3 of 4-Kids Class with The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
Pop Stars eat food too, but what do they eat and what are their favorite foods? For this series we will make the favorite foods of Drake who likes Mexican, Italian, Chinese and Crème Brule, Rihanna who likes West Indian and Thai food, Maroon 5 whose tastes and eating varies from Vegetarian to Japanese to Mexican and Greek and finally Niki Manaj, who is a big fan of Cranberries, Almonds and Boneless Chicken Stew.
NIKI MANAJ
- Boneless Chicken Stew
- Dried Cranberry Salad
- Almond Torte
- Almond Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Saturday, October 13th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 5 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
- Oklahoma-Official State Meal-BBQ Pork
- Arkansas-Official State Grain-Rice (Arkansas Cumin Rice)
- Ohio-Official State Fruit-Tomato (Zucchini and Tomato Gratin)
- South Dakota-Official State Dessert- Kuchen
Saturday, October 13th
Dinner in a Blindfold-A meal in the Dark-With The Culinary Dude (All Ages)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 90.00 per coupleRegister for this class!
Loosely based on the successful European concept of eating a complete meal in total darkness, The Culinary Dude, Chef Scott Davis has substituted the darkness for a simple blindfold. This experience will challenge your senses, taking your nose and taste buds to places that they have never been, not to mention your mind.
We are able to cater the meal to meet any special dietary needs as long as we have advanced notice. Finally, if during the meal you have any questions, have to use the rest room or have any difficulties, just simply raise your hand and one of our escorts will be there to accommodate whatever is needed.
We request that you arrive 5 to 10 prior as we will only be offering one seating. Reservations are necessary. The cost includes 2-four course meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a great 2 hour experience.
Sunday, November 11th
Thanksgiving Meal in 2 hours Kids Class with The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 35.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
Help your parents prepare for Thanksgiving Day! Learn how to cook the traditional meal in 2 hours which includes, roasted turkey breast with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes and creamy pumpkin pie, all homemade!!!
Sunday, November 11th
Official State Foods with The Culinary Dude Series 6 of 6
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 45.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Because each state has their own particular flavors, tastes and influences, we will delve into this series of cooking which will present the diversity and the creativity of what makes each state and its official food, so amazing, not to mention the pride each state has for their culinary preferences!
- Hawaii-Official State Meat-Hawaiian Style Ham (Hawaiian style ham Kabobs)
- Georgia- Official State Prepared Food-Grits (Cheesy Baked Grits)
- Minnesota-Official State Muffin-Blueberry Muffin
- Utah-Official Historic Vegetable-Sugar Beet (Roasted Beet Salad)
Saturday, December 1st - Monday, December 31st
December
Sunday, December 9th
Sweets as Gifts Kids Class With The Culinary Dude
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 15.00Register for this class!
Children’s Hands on cooking class; Open to children ages 4-14
What a better gift to give then something that you made. Everyone eats and most like sweets this time of the year, so let’s get going! We will be creating such delicious gifts as Homemade Holiday Candy Corn, Chow Mein Noodle Chocolate Drops and Whoopie Pies. Come join us!
Sunday, December 9th
Sweets as Gifts Adult Class With The Culinary Dude
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 25.00Register for this class!
Hands-on Class: Must be 14 years or older
Give the gift of sweets this year and learn how to make Homemade Holiday Candy Corn, Chow Mein Noodle Chocolate Drops, Fancy Italian Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies and Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bark Crunch. You will be the person everyone loves because of your great gifts.
