Nothing says romance like a candle-lit, home-cooked meal. Unfortunately, it’s becoming a lost art here in Connecticut. Busy schedules mean fast food. And microwave dinners have relinquished old family recipes to the corners of the closet.
So we looked around for places across the state that will teach you how to cook.
It’s a date. It’s a dinner. And if you keep up your skills, it’s a deal.
Sur La Table, Canton- Classes are offered throughout the year for adults and kids. Perhaps the coolest? Teens Cook Dinner, a program teaching students ages 12 – 18 how to create themed meals, from appetizers to desserts.
Cucina Casalinga, Wilton- Sally Maraventano is the owner. She’s also the author of a cookbook and a television cooking expert. You get to dine on your creation at the end. Kids aged 11 – 16 can also learn how to whip up pizza, calzones, and biscotti.
Silo Cooking School, New Milford- This school has had world-class instructors including Rachel Ray herself! After class is dismissed, you can wonder around the Silo Store, check out the Skitch Henderson Museum, The Silo Gallery, and the Hunt Hill Farm Land Preserve.
Two Steps, Danbury- These guys have a heck of a deal. Cooking classes are just $33. We’re talking about four course dinners including things like Shrimp with Rum Sauce, Fillet Mignon Forestierre, and Lobster Strudel.
Cuisine with Jill Nicolson, Torrington- Jill will teach you how to whip up everything from Irish food to Tapas. She’s all about pairing your cooking with wine. And she’s also got a fun class for moms. It’s called “Calling all Moms or Mr. Moms”. For $85 you’ll make four dinners and one dessert to freeze for a family of 4. You’ll also get some wine and appetizers to start!
Green Napkin Chefs, Your Home- These guys can bring the class to you. It’s a three hour class in your home with you and your friends. The chef will come out and bring not just the food and recipes – but even the supplies. They’ll even cater the menu to your dietary needs, such as raw foods, green cooking, or cancer prevention.
Great American Days, Hartford or Home- This national company has a place in Hartford – or they’ll come to your home as well. They offer couples cooking classes, dinner parties, and home wine tasting or Spanish tapas parties that you create. It’s not cheap – but it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
