Just a few of the many courses offered at Ninety Acres Culinary Center:

 

Books & Cooks Series:  Under the Tuscan Sun- Designed for book clubs or just for people who love good food and a good story, this monthly series begins with Under the Tuscan Sun. The romantic setting and plot will inspire you to join Kathleen Sanderson as she guides you through this flavorful menu straight from the lovely villa in Tuscany.

 

Chicago Steakhouse -  As you enter one of Chicago’s historical, world-renowned steakhouses, you’ll half expect to see Ol’ Blue Eyes tipping his fedora – or a mob boss asking for his usual table in the corner. Well, you won’t see Frank Sinatra or Al Capone, but you will experience prime aged steaks like you’ve never had before. Prepare popular dishes featured in the Windy City’s most beloved steakhouses. Then, sit down to enjoy our fabulous Chicago-style steakhouse feast. Chicago really is one town that won’t let you down!

 

Classic Steakhouse - Nothing is more comforting than juicy steaks and decadent side dishes from our beloved American steakhouses. With this elegant, Sinatra-esque steakhouse menu, familiar dishes are redefined to include deliciously unexpected presentations. Enjoy the pleasures of good food, good wine and good company while creating classic steakhouse recipes with a contemporary twist.

 

Date Night: Decadent Dinner - Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and indulge in a truly decadent dinner. In our exquisite date night class, learn classical cooking techniques for preparing an exceptionally elegant dinner complete with lobster, beef tenderloin, asparagus - and a soufflé. Magnificent!

 

Date Night:  French Dinner - Need a little help impressing your date? Well we don’t have roving musicians or a view of Notre Dame, but we will prepare the same French classics that people are willing to fly across the ocean to experience. On your romantic culinary date night, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening learning to prepare sumptuous food with your special someone. Or, show your loved one that you care by preparing our romantic menu at home with your new-found cooking skills. And you thought food this good only existed in Paris.

 

Date Night:   In Sicily - Looking for something different to do on your next big night out? Escape to Sicily, a multicultural island rich with art, history and a passion for great food. Known as “the place where the mountains meet the sea,” Sicily draws you in with the warmth and openness of its people. Without ever leaving the cooking class, spend an evening cooking, eating, laughing and learning – Italian-style.

 

Date Night:   The City - Ah, New York – from carriage rides in Central Park to marriage proposals at the top of the Empire State Building - it is truly one of the most romantic cities in the world. Nowhere else on Earth are there so many fabulous restaurants to choose from (NYMAG.com lists a whopping 278 romantic restaurants!). We’ve selected the best of the best from which to feature recipes for this special “Date Night” class. So, hail a yellow cab, and join us for a thrilling evening “In the City.”

 

Fish Cookery Class: Part 1 - Fish is an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week. But are you intimidated at the thought of cooking fish at home? Well, don’t let your fears get the better of you. After taking our new fish cookery class, you’ll understand all the tools, tips and techniques needed to conquer your fear of fish forever. From grilling and searing to steaming and sautéing, you’ll be cooking fish like a pro in no time!

 

Fish Cookery Class:  Part 2 - Does fish always seem to taste better when eaten at your favorite restaurant? In this fabulous fish cookery master class, learn contemporary techniques and recipes for re-creating restaurant-quality seafood dishes at home.

 

Fish Cookery Class:  Part 3 - If you want to feel more comfortable and confident with all things fish-related, then this is the class for you. We all know it’s good for us - and there are plenty of affordable choices - so liven up your weeknight repertoire with these internationally inspired fish dishes. With Asian, Italian and Latin American influences, these recipes are easy to prepare any night of the week yet impressive enough to serve at any dinner party.

 

French Bistro:  With their casual atmospheres, neighborhood bistros make you feel at home with simple and honest cooking. You can re-create that atmosphere at home with this beautiful bistro menu.

 

French Dinner Party:  From the classic to the imaginative, our impressive French menu has it all. Beef Wellington is perfect for a dinner party, as it can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving. In this technique-intensive workshop, discover the secret to perfect soups, soufflés and mousse – then sit down to enjoy your tre chic French feast. Vive la France!

 

Girls Night Out: In Paris - Everyone loves Paris – the “City of Light.” Travel to the ultimate European food city to discover new twists on French classics. Laugh and learn with your girlfriends in this lively, fun-filled workshop. We’ll keep the champagne on ice!

 

Girls Night Out:  In Rome - There is nothing like the energy of Rome at night – people strolling through the floodlit piazzas, laughing and lolling about at breathtaking baroque fountains, or dining at quaint, family-owned outdoor cafes. Experience this ancient capital city and the Italian joy of life by exploring its foods – steeped in tradition yet modern in its purity of flavors. We’ll end the evening with oh-so-decadent Tartufo – The Eternal City’s answer to death-by-chocolate.

 

Girls Night Out:  In Vegas - Known as “the entertainment capital of the world” where almost anything goes, there is no other city in the world like Las Vegas. Often referred to as “Sin City,” Vegas has the finest gambling, nightclubs and non-stop partying in the country. But Vegas has also become a global gourmet mecca, where many of the country’s most celebrated celebrity chefs have opened restaurants. So, gather your girlfriends and join us “in Vegas” for a menu featuring actual recipes from some of the city’s finest restaurants.

 

Julie & Julia Cook for Spring:  Julia Child once said, “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” At Viking Cooking School, we’ll help you develop your passion for cooking and teach you skills to last a lifetime. If your mouth was watering while watching the hit movie Julie & Julia, you’ll love preparing the featured dishes inspired by America’s favorite culinary icon. In just three hours, master classical French favorites such as perfect poached eggs, chicken paillards, and the pièce de résistance – Chocolate Soufflé with Crème Anglaise. You’ll quickly learn how with a little bit of passion and a whole lot of butter, all things are possible in the kitchen. At the end of class, we’ll enjoy our artfully prepared fabulous French feast. Bon Appétit!

 

One-Day Culinary Basics:  In just one day, develop the expertise that experienced cooks use to create your favorite dishes. After a full day of slicing, dicing, cooking and baking, students sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor while discussing the featured skills, techniques and recipes. And now, we proudly introduce our exciting menu, making this exclusive workshop even better than ever!

 

One-Day French Culinary Basics:  For many years, the French have set the standard for transforming food into an art form. The influence of French culinary art is seen and felt in every corner of the world. In fact, the classical cooking techniques of France are the foundation for virtually all Western cuisines and form the basis of most culinary educations. Marked by extreme diversity, French cuisine ranges from the warm, homey foods of the bistro to the elaborate preparations of the grand hotels of Paris. In this comprehensive workshop, develop a deeper understanding of quality ingredients while perfecting basic classical cooking techniques. From soufflés to crêpes, you’ll learn to prepare the best of France in just one day. 

 

Pizza Workshop:  Starting out as poor man’s flat bread in 18th Century Naples, pizza has since been elevated to ethereal heights. Considered one of Italy’s greatest gifts to America, as a nation we happily consume over 3 billion pizzas per year. With the right ingredients, tools and techniques, you can make fresh homemade pizzas right in your own home that rival the best pizzerias in Naples. Learn how a cool rise followed by intense heat produces the perfect pie. At the end of class, we’ll play some Pavarotti and have our own pizza party. Ciao! 

 

Surf & Turf Workshop:  When done right, nothing conveys sheer, unadulterated indulgence more than a perfectly steamed Maine Lobster.  Served piping hot with a tender filet and silky sauce, there is no better steakhouse experience.  Learn techniques as varied as baking cakes to grilling steaks from our expert chef instructors.  Then sit back and relax while you enjoy your skillfully prepared Surf n' Turf dinner that ends on a very sweet note. 

 

Thai Taste Explosions:  The complex flavors of Thai cuisine literally explode in your mouth in this exciting hands-on workshop. Master tricky Thai techniques for rolling light and crisp spring rolls, cooking in banana leaves. And learn a Thai chef's secret to perfect curry every time!

 

Tuscan Dinner Party:  Tuscan cuisine is simplicity perfected. The literati of the early 20th century described it as “light, lean, tasty and full of character and fragrance, created for people of lively intellect…” In our workshop, you’ll enjoy white bean bruschetta as you arrive, then prepare the remainder of the memory-making menu.

 

Worldwide Cuisine: Cities of Italy - Join us for a flavorful trip around the world, beginning with the country known for its rich and varied cuisine, Italy. Representative dishes from Napoli, Roma, Firenze, Bologna and Palermo will be demonstrated by Chef Michael Salvatore and paired with wines selected by Ninety Acres Wine Director Brooke Sabel. With the focus on Italian food and wine history, these pros will guide you through a delicious afternoon of tastes and aromas. A Natirar exclusive!

 

Worldwide Cuisine: Cities of Spain - Continuing our flavorful trip around the world, we're off to the country known for its flavorful and spicy cuisine, Spain. Representative dishes from various key cities around this passionate country will be demonstrated by Chef Michael Salvatore. Ninety Acres Wine Director Brooke Sabel will guide you through the classical regions of Penedes, Rias Biaxes, Rioja, Priorat and Jerez with a tasting of classic varietals and styles of wines from each region. With the focus on Spanish food and wine history, these pros will guide you through a delicious afternoon of tastes and aromas. A Natirar exclusive!