Tag Archives: Cooking Class

The Uncommon Café Lines Up More Delish Cooking Classes

24 Apr

Eclairs&CreamPuffsFebruary5,2017The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting another delicious line of up cooking and baking classes this Spring. Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the classes which will be held at two locations one of which is Trout Lake Community Centre. We’ve set out below a few of their upcoming classes. No baking or cooking experience? No worries, the recipes are easy, Valentine will walk you through it and make it fun.

Eclairs & Cream Puffs: Sunday, April 30th – Trout Lake Community Centre 2-4 pm

Valentine will teach you the basics of Choux pastry which will then be filled with cream and covered with a warm chocolate sauce. The eclairs are the long version that are filled with a bit of heaven.  You are asked to bring containers so you can take some of your creations home, that is if you don’t eat them all. This class is $57.14 and runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Note, registration for this event is through the Trout Lake Community Centre. Hint: We’ve tasted Valentine’s cream puffs made with pistachio filling that is hands down one of the best things we’ve ever tasted. We guarantee it will impress your guests. Personally, we’d ask for that recipe.


Chocolate Lovers Cooking Class – May 7th – Trout Lake Community Centre 2-4 pm

If you love chocolate and want to learn how to make easy decadent desserts, than this class is for you. Whether you wish to impress guests, or that special someone or keep it all for yourself, no judgment. What you will learn to make in this class is:chocolateloversclass

  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Lava Cake
  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Chocolate Sauce to Drizzle

This is a demonstration cooking class after which you will get to enjoy your Lava Cake. The rest of the goodies you get to take home with you.

Mother’s Day Brunch & Bake – Sunday, May 14th – The Uncommon Café 11-2

You are invited to bring your mom to a fun food event in which Valentine will demonstrate some easy brunch recipes including:

  • Beet Soup with Whipped Goat Cheese
  • Mini Asparagus & Bacon Quiches
  • Homemade Baba Ganoush and Tapenade with Toasted Tortillas
  • Eclairs and Cream Puffs for dessert 
This class is a demonstration class in which you get to eat all the delish dishes in the dining area after class at The Uncommon Café along with a refreshing Mimosa.  There is a bit of hands on for those that wish to participate, or you can sit back and relax.   Cost of this class is $69 and there is a $10 discount for early registration. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

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The Uncommon Café Offers Sweet Classes This February

23 Jan

 

eclairscreampuffsfebruary52017With Valentine’s Day approaching, our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, are hosting a few delicious classes this February and if location is an issue, we see one of their upcoming classes, Eclairs and Cream Puffs, will be held at the Trout Lake Community Centre on a Sunday afternoon.  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the various classes they have lined up which include learning how to make eclairs and cream puffs, the secrets of working with chocolate or making that perfect Valentine’s Dinner. We invite you to check out their upcoming classes.

Eclairs and Cream Puff: Choux Pastry Basics –  Sunday, February 5, 2017

Valentine will teach you the basics of the new pastry craze from France, Choux pastry  pronounced “shoo.” If unfamiliar with the term, they are a family of dessert, big and small puffs, all made with the same dough base. In this class, you will learn to make:

  • Profiteroles filled with vanilla whipped cream and covered with warm chocolate sauce
  • Chouquettes with are a simple little puff simply covered with crunchy sugar bits
  • Eclairs – the long version of the choux, filled with cream

Bring a container(s) so you can take some of your creations home.  If you don’t have  baking experience, no worries, it is not required. They assure us no fancy equipment is required either and you can easily make the items yourself at home.  This class runs Sunday afternoon at Trout Lake Community Centre from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Chocolate Lovers Class – Wednesday, February 8, 2017 

If you love chocolate and want to learn how to make easy decadent desserts, than this class is for you. Whether you wish to impress guests, or that special someone this Valentine’s Day. What you will learn to make in this class is:chocolateloversclass

  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Lava Cake
  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Chocolate Sauce to Drizzle

This is a demonstration cooking class after which you will get to enjoy your Lava Cake along with a glass of sparking wine. The rest of the goodies you get to take home with you.


Valentine’s Couple Cooking Demo & Dinner – February 10, 2017 SOLD OUT

This class is designed for pairs, so whether that be a romantic couple, or maybe you want to bring someone on a first date, or you bring your mom or best friend, the field is wide open. During this demonstration class, Valentine will show you how to make some delish French dishes which we’ve set out below. After the demonstration, you get to sit down and enjoy the prepared meal in their restaurant with a glass of wine with candlelight if you wish.  What you will learn to make includes:

Tarte flambée: Thin flatbread made right before your eyes, covered in onions, bacon and cream and cooked really high for extra crispiness. Served with green salad.

Aumoniere de Saumon: Salmon wrapped in purse shape phyllo dough served with a  traditional white wine sauce

Lava cake: The ultimate dark chocolate indulgence served with vanilla ice cream.

Now if you like the idea of this class, but your prefer a different date, they are offering another class on February 14th, with a bit different menu. Price for the demonstration cooking classes are $75 per person.  Keep an eye out for early registration offers which reduce the price by $10. To register, click on link above which takes you to the Eventbrite page for each class. Bon appetit.

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Gourmet Warehouse Cooking Class Line Up For 2017

14 Dec

GourmetWarehouseLogoThe Gourmet Warehouse has another great line up of cooking classes for 2017. These classes are a great way to spend an afternoon and meet some like-minded food lovers. We recently did just that with a class led by Caren McSherry featuring holiday appetizers. Not only do you get to taste everything you make, but you leave with amazing recipes and great tips from an expert. Personally, we like the shopping after the cooking class as participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out below some of the upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

PHO-Fabulous – Thursday, March 23rd 6:00 pm ($65)

You are invited to join Chef Thompson Tran to learn the essential techniques for making authentic Pho (PH-UH) broth.  In this cool weather, there is nothing like an aromatic bowl of Pho to warm you up.  The menu Chef Tran has lined up for this class includes:

•  GOI DU-DU VA THIT HEO THOM, Green papaya and cabbage salad prawn and pork
•  PHO BO DAC BIET, Authentic South Vietnamese Pho
•  BANH LOT, a Chestnut Jelly in Ginger Syrup

Asian Bistro – Saturday, March 25th 11:00 am ($65) SOLD OUT

Chef Cindy Low teaches you how to make casual Asian food. Best of all, easy and fast dishes including potstickers, bao (filled steamed buns), Asian sticky chicken and a fav among many we know spicy green beans finished off with mango coconut ice cream.

• Potstickers – Class pork and vegetable dumpling, pan-friend with dipping sauce
• Asian turkey ragu bao – Asian Sloppy Joes in steamed buns
• Indodesian sticky chicken
• Szechuan spicy green beans wok fried with garlic and chili
• Steamed rice
• Mango coconut yogurt ice cream

Sunday Supper: France – Saturday April 8th 11:00 am ($69)

If you want to invite the family or friends for Sunday Supper with a French twist, Chef Cindy Low will teach you the ins and outs of putting on a casually elegant French dinner. Chef Low will teach you how to make a classic lamb stew, an easy spinach and strawberry salad, cherry clafouti and more. Menu for this upcoming class includes:

• Tartine with saute mushrooms in a creamy tarragon sauce

• Spinach salad with fresh strawberries, toasted almonds, raspberry vinaigrette

• Lamb navarin printainere – class lamb stew with spring vegetables

• Roast potatoes with rosemary and sea salt

• Cherry clafouti – baked custard with cherries

If you are interested in any of these cooking classes, be sure to register early to avoid disappointment. If you are unable to attend for any reason, refunds are not offered, but you can send someone in your place. Bon Appetit.

 

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It’s A World Of Appetizers At Gourmet Warehouse This November

5 Oct

GourmetWarehouseLogoIf you are looking to brush up on your cooking skills and/or pick up some new ideas for appetizers to serve guests, the Gourmet Warehouse has you covered. They have a couple of delicious classes lined up this November featuring solely appetizers. Reminder to those that are new to their classes, all class participants receive a 10% discount for purchases made the day of the class. We’ve set out below the menu for the two upcoming appetizer classes.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes. Note, most upcoming classes are now sold out. Thus, if any of the classes set below appeal to you, we suggest you not wait to register.

Holiday Appetizers – Tuesday, November 22nd 6-9 pm ($75) SOLD OUT

This class is led by Caren McSherry herself, the owner of Gourmet Warehouse. We expect this will be a fun and educational demonstration class. Caren will be teaching you how to make:

• Crisp endive cups, Spanish style, spicy chorizo, pequillo peppers & aged sherry drizzle
• Stilton waffles with shredded beef yogurt herb reduction
• Scalloped Blue potatoes with seared scallops on a roasted purple potato bed and Asian cilantro glaze
• Multi layer cheese torte with grilled fig bread
• Charred tomato avocado guacamole

World Appetizers – Saturday, November 26th 11 am – 2 pm ($65) SOLD OUT

Chef Cindy Low will be leading this demonstration class which will teach you how to make these great appetizers to serve your guests at your next get together:

• Grilled proscuitto-wrapped prawns
• Thai curry chicken or salmon tartlets
• Cauliflower popcorn
• Edamame hummus; crudités and crackers
• Turkey parmesan strata muffins
• Greek beef sliders with feta, tzatziki, pita

Again, if you are interested in any of these cooking classes, be sure to register early to avoid disappointment. If you are unable to attend for any reason, refunds are not offered ,but you can send someone in your place. Bon Appetit

 

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Gourmet Warehouse Offering Delish Cooking Classes This September

29 Aug

SushiWorkshopThe Gourmet Warehouse has another round of delicious cooking classes lined up for this Fall. These classes are a great way to spend an afternoon and meet some like-minded food lovers. Personally, we like the shopping after the cooking class as participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out below some of the upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Sushi Workshop – Saturday, September 17th 11:00 am ($69) SOLD OUT

In this hands-on class, Chef Cindy Low is going to teach you how to make sushi.  You will learn to make vinegared sushi rice, how to mix wasabi, how to prepare a variety of fillings including seafood, vegetarian, tofu and eggs.  As well, Chef Low will teach how to make sushi rolls, cones and a variety of shapes as well as tips on how to host your own ‘do it yourself’ sushi party.  Some of the sushi you will learn to make include:

• California rolls (crab, avocado, cucumber, rolled “inside out”)
• Futomaki (thick roll with vegetables, omelet, Japanese pickled vegetables)
• Hoso maki (thin rolls, with various fillings, such as salmon, tuna, cucumber)
• Inari sushi (stuffed tofu pouches)
• Temaki (cones, with various fillings)
• Nigiri sushi (rice with a sliced topping)
• Gunkan sushi (rice wrapped with seaweed with various fillings)
• Onigiri (rice triangles)
• Miso soup with tofu

Taco Night– Saturday, September 24th 11:00 am ($65)

In this demonstration cooking class, Chef Cindy Low is going to teach you three different ways to make very tasty tacos. She will also teach you how to make homemade salsa and Mexican brownies. These really are simple the dishes to make, so for the novice wishing to learn a few skills, you won’t be disappointed.  Some of the delicious dishes you will learn to make include:

• Classic Tex-Mex tacos – crispy taco shell with ground beef, tomatoes,
cheese, lettuce, sour cream, avocado
• Chicken fajitas – marinated chicken breast with bell peppers and onions wrapped
in a wheat tortilla
• Salmon tacos with papaya salsa, soft corn tortilla
• Easiest ever homemade salsa, served with tortilla chips
• Mexican brownies

 Flavours of Vietnam – Sunday, September 25th 11:00 am ($65)

In this demonstration cooking class, Thompson Tran is going to teach you how to make classic Vietnamese dishes. He will focus on family budgets, what’s local and in season all in the pursuit of our favourite thing, delicious food  As always, you are encouraged to come hungry, you will be eating the items made in class. Thompson has chosen three Vietnamese dishes that are simple, inexpensive quick and healthy. What you will learn to make includes:

• Appetizer: “CHA GOI, NUOC MAM PHA” (Gluten free spring rolls & Nuoc Cham)
• Main: “Ca KHO TO, COM VA SU XAO TOI” (Caramelized tilapia with scented
jasmine rice and garlic chayote)
• Dessert: “CHE XOI NUOC” (Mochi dumplings in coconut ginger syrup).

If you are interested in any of the cooking classes, be sure to register early to avoid disappointment, classes do sell out. Bon Appetit!

 

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The Uncommon Café Offers Basic Choux Pastry & Basic Canning Classes

8 Aug

ChouxPastryTartineMapleOur friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have lined up some more fun classes this August. The classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below the classes they have lined up this August which are a bit shorter, 2 hours, so you can maximize your time outdoors.

Basic Choux Pastry –  August 10th 6-8 pm

This is one of their most popular classes in which you learn to make basic choux pastry. Although this class is a bit shorter, you will still learn the basics of making cream puffs and eclairs. You will also get to pipe your own pastries, fill and decorate them, before taking everything home to devour.  The cost of this class is $50 per person, but if you book one week in advance, you save 15%.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Basic Canning – Keep Summer In The Jar – August 17th 6-8 pm

This is a new class that will introduce you to the basic techniques of canning.  With all the summer fruit that’s now on hand, this is certainly a way to keep some of those summer flavours handy.  This is a demonstration class and Valentine will show you how to make blackberry jam and as well as dill pickles.  She will also talk about how to can fruits, salsa, pate so you leave with some great tips to work with at home.The cost of this class is also $50 per person, and again if you book one week in advance, you save 15%.   You can book your spot online via Eventbrite. Canning

If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

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The Uncommon Café Offers Another Great Line Up Of Cooking Classes

30 Jun

Dinner&AppiesUncommonCafe.jpg

Our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have another set of fun cooking classes lined up for the summer. The classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below their next series of classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.

Dinner & Demo: Summer Appies & Desserts Without Heat – July 6th 6-9 pm

This is a demonstration cooking class after which dinner will be served to all the class participants.  Some of the delish dishes you will learn to make include Hummus, Gazpacho, Ceviche, Panna Cotta and Sorbet. The cost of this class is $75 per person, but if you book in advance (one week prior), the cost is $65. You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Cooking Class: Brioche Making – July 13th 6-9 pm

This class was offered in June and was so popular, they are doing it again! In this class, Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills.  The cost of this class is $65 per person, but again if you book one week in advance, the cost is $55.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Choux & Champagne: Eclairs Cooking Class  – July 20th 6-9 pm

To celebrate Tartine & Maple’s one year anniversary, they are hosting a class that will be about Choux Pastries. The evening will also include a cocktail party with champagne as well as samplers of some of the best dishes prepared in their cooking classes such as Tabbouleh, Quiche, Brioche and Mmmmm … Chocolate Mousse. The cost of this class is $60 per person, and again if you book on week in advance, the cost is $50. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot.

As you can see, signing up early guarantees you a spot at a reduced rate.  If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Oriental Inspiration, Brioche Making & Ice Cream Making

25 May

UncommonCafeOrientalInspirationOur friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have a few fun cooking classes coming up. The classes are led by  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below their upcoming classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.

Cooking Class & Dinner: Oriental Inspiration – June 1st 6-9 pm

This is a demonstration cooking class after which dinner will be served to all the class participants.  Some of the delish dishes you will learn to make include Lebanese Tabbouleh, Chicken Lemon Tagine, Coconut Mousse and Mango Coulis. The cost of this class is $75 per person, but if you book in advance (by May 27th), cost is $65. You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Cooking Class: Brioche Making – June 15th 6-9 pm

In this class, Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills.  The cost of this class is $65 per person, but again if you book one week in advance, the cost is $55.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Ice Cream Without A Machine – June 22nd 6-9 pm

Yes, you can make ice cream without an ice cream maker. Having said that, you will need a blender whether a standing blender, food processor or immersion blender AND a mixer (such as Kitchen-Aid or hand mixer). Valentine will teach you how to make some great ice cream and other frozen desserts including Lemon & Raspberry Semifreddo, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream Base and One Endless Possibility Ice Cream.  To get you into the mood for your class, you will be greeted with a Margarita Granita served upon your arrival. How sweet is that?  We love the way they do classes!  The cost of this class is $65 per person, and again if you book on week in advance, the cost is $55. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot.UncommonCafeFrozenDesserts

As you can see, signing up early guarantees you a spot at a reduced rate.  If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

 

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The Uncommon Café Hosts More Delish Cooking Classes This March

8 Mar

ProvinceInspiredMenuThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting more delicious cooking classes to help you sharpen those culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will again be leading the upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have recently started offering a series of cooking classes  and the next ones lined up sound pretty delish. They include:

Cooking Class & Dinner: Provence Inspired Menu (March 16)

The items you will learn to make and have the pleasure of enjoying that evening include:

“Croustillants de Chèvre”: crispy triangle pastries filled with goat cheese.

“Bouillabaisse” The best fish and shellfish stew you can have.

“Poire Pochée” Poached pears in a seasonal spiced syrup.

Note this class was added after the same class scheduled for March 9th sold out. Cooking class and dinner is $70 and tickets are available via Eventbrite. Early booking gets your $10 off.

Kitchen Skills Series – Don’t Fear The Fish (March 23)

The items you will learn to make and have the pleasure of making and enjoying include:

Mussels in White Wine and Cream Sauce

Herb-Crusted Salmon

Pan Fried Cod with Sauce Beurre Blanc

The aim of this class is to demystify the fear of cooking fish. As it is easy to overcook, Valentine will teach you what you need to know.  Classes do start out with a glass of wine and we are told they won’t let you leave without offering you something sweet to finish your night off with.  Note, this class is a demonstration Don'tFearFishclass and although not full portions, they promise that you won’t leave hungry. Again, the cost of this cooking class is $70 with $10 off for those that register early.  Registration is available via Eventbrite.  Bon appetit!

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Two New Cooking Classes

19 Jan

KitchenSkills#1UncommonThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun new cooking classes to help you ‘sharpen’ your culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the two upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have partnered to offer a series of cooking class once per month. The first one they have lined up is Wednesday, January 27th Kitchen Skills Series #1. Their first class is intended to help novice cooks get some basics in the kitchen. With the cold winter weather, their first class in this series will introduce you to making “Stocks, Soups and Stews”.  The cost of this class is $60, but get $10 off if you book early. You can register at Eventbrite.

On February 10th, you and your partner are invited to learn how to prepare a romantic dinner. This will be a demonstration cooking class.  You will be served the entire dinner prepared that evening by candle light which will be paired with wine. The cost of this class is $70. Again, to register visit Eventbrite. If you register in advance save $10 per person.   Bon Appetit!  UPDATE: February 10th class is SOLD OUT. A second class has been added February 13th and for those that book early, you can save 20% by using the code SAVE20. ValentineUncommonTartine

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