Great Dates Orlando

JW Marriott Launches New Cooking School Series

I’m so over cooking. Thanks to years of monotonous meal making, I have about as much enthusiasm for food prep as I do for a trip to the dentist (no offence Dr. Montijo).

Sadly, my dinner duties aren’t going anywhere any time soon, so this year I’ve added “get excited about cooking again” to my list of new year’s resolutions. And I’m going to drag my hubby along for the ride and make revamping our cuisine part of our weekly date night adventures.

My very first foodie facelift will take place at the JW Marriott, which just launched a new cooking school series. Perfect timing!

During the first six monthly classes of 2012, budding gourmands can dive into pasta making lessons, experience romantic Valentine’s feasts, dig their hands into the hotel’s onsite vegetable garden, and learn how to brew their own beer.

Classes take place in either PRIMO or Citron, both at the JW Marriott, and range from $45 to $70 per person.

Here is what’s on deck for the coming months:

Saturday, January 14 - Pasta Making
Saturday, February 11 –Valentine’s Day Night
Saturday, March 17- Charcuterie
Saturday, April 7 – PRIMO Garden Ventures
Saturday, May 12- Whole Hog Cookery “Pigg’n Out”
Saturday, June 9 – Beer Making

For more information and to register, call 407-393-4683 or visit www.grandelakes.com/JW-Griffin-Cooking-School-170.html

Roy's Cooking Class

Join Roy's Orlando Chefs for an afternoon of culinary delight and insight into the creative world of Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.

Classes are scheduled every second and last Wednesday of the month from 11.30pm - 1 pm.

Cost is $30 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity) and includes one entree item and one dessert item.

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
(407) 352 4844
7760 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
(Corner of Dr. Phillips)

Sushi Making Class at Sushi House

Check out this DIY sushi class at Sushi House (near Florida Mall). Classes are designed for all skill levels and include a sushi making kit to take home, the sushi you make, and non-alcoholic beverages. And you even get your own certificate of completion.

You 'll learn the art of sushi making including the perfect way to make sticky rice, how to slice fish, and how to roll it all together in a yummy little package.

SUSHI House Orlando
1311 Florida Mall Avenue
Orlando, FL 32809-7731
(407) 812-9767
www.sushihouseint.com/sushiclass.html

Chinese Cooking and Sushi Classes

Voted ‘Best Chinese Restaurant’ by Seminole Magazine for the past four years in a row, Imperial Dynasty in Longwood has recently launched a series of cooking classes perfect for a Saturday afternoon romantic escapade. These two-hour, hands-on lessons focus on either Chinese cuisine or sushi and take place on alternate Saturday from 2pm – 4pm. Cost is $30 per person which includes all ingredients and lots of noshing. Advance booking required.

Imperial Dynasty
2045 W. SR 434, Longwood
407-786-2266
www.imperialdynasty.com

Pssst… for date nights in, how cool is it that you can order a complete Chinese feast online on their website? LOVE IT!

 

Cooking with Your Sweetheart

On the first Friday of each month from 6pm-9pm, Healthy Chef Creations hosts their Cooking with Your Sweetheart class in their state-of-the-art cooking facility in Winter Park. This candlelit evening comes complete with flowers for us gals, soft music, a full gourmet (mostly organic) dinner, plus leftovers to take home for $130 per couple. Private classes can be arranged for the same fee. Call for availability. 

Heahy Chef Creations
1435 Howell Branch Road
Winter Park, FL 32789
www.healthychefcreations.com
407-339-2433

Cheap Alternative: Take your favorite cookbook off the shelf and pick a fun or challenging meal to prepare together. Throw on some jazz, uncork a bottle of vino, and enjoy your culinary creations in the comfort of your home.

Private Cooking Class

Private Cooking Classes... a lot more affordable than you might think!

For the price of a nice evening out, you and your honey can create a fabulous three or four-course dinner in your home during a private cooking class. SM Creations, an Orlando based food and design consultancy, will work with you prior to your session to gain an understanding of your skill level, likes and dislikes and most importantly, the menu of choice for your evening.

Best of all, they'll do all the prep work for you... they do the shopping, bring tools to your home and provide wine pairing recommendations. You'll work together to create a great meal and when it's all over, SM Creations leaves behind a clean kitchen, wonderful memories and detailed instructions on creating this dinner time and again.

Schedule them for anniversaries and birthdays, or to whenever you want to try something different for a change.

What: Private Cooking Class for Two
When: Anytime, for any occasion
Where: At your home
Who: SM Creations
How Much: Prices start at $100, including instruction and food
More Info: 407.970.3171 or www.smcreations.net