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Anyone Can Cook! 14 Phoenix Cooking Classes to Spice Up Your Kitchen Life

| Last Updated: June 2024

Have you ever felt like you’re not quite confident in the kitchen, but you really want to improve your skills? Well, just like Remy the rat from Ratatouille, anyone can cook! 

The good news is, that you don’t have to rely on movie magic for kitchen skills. Phoenix is crawling with fantastic cooking classes that can take you from “microwave meals” to “gourmet chef” in no time.

So ditch the takeout menus and dust off your apron—it’s time to spice up your life (and your kitchen) with the perfect cooking class. Phoenix has the perfect cooking class waiting for you to unleash your inner chef!

1. Marcellino Ristorante

Website: http://www.marcellinoristorante.com/

Address: 7114 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States

Contact details: +14809909500

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Marcellino Ristorante offers a unique cooking class called “Learn and Lunch.” In this class, you will get an intimate look into Chef Marcellino Verzino’s culinary world as he guides you through creating delicious Italian dishes.

 Held at the Chef’s Island, a limited number of guests allows for close observation and the opportunity to ask questions as Chef Marcellino prepares his delectable recipes.  This personalized setting makes it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Pro tip:
Don’t forget to ask Chef Marcellino about the inspiration behind each dish.  Understanding the story and cultural significance behind the food can elevate your appreciation for the meal and take your cooking skills to a whole new level.

2. Whisked Away

Website: https://www.whiskedaway.net/

Address: 4823 E Mulberry Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Contact details: +14803306525

Whisked Away offers a fun and engaging culinary experience for people of all skill levels. They provide various class options, including group classes, private lessons, and even team-building events.

They cover everything from global cuisines like Italian and Thai to knife skills and baking basics. There are also classes specifically designed for kids, so it’s an excellent activity for the whole family.

Pro tip:
Come to class hungry. The courses culminate in a delicious meal you enjoy with your classmates.

3. Tom and Lin Catering

Website: http://tomandlincatering.com/

Address: 2534 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032, United States

Contact details: +16026904875

Operating hours: 24/7

Tom and Lin Catering offers cooking classes where you can learn directly from Chef Tom Baumbach, who has a strong background and passion for using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The class likely focuses on creating delicious dishes using local Arizona produce, meat, and grains. You can also learn catering techniques since Chef Tom has extensive experience creating menus for large-scale events.

Pro tip:
Don’t be shy to taste as you go. Cooking is all about creating delicious food, so enjoy making the dishes and savoring the flavors you create alongside Chef Tom.

4. Driscoll Cuisine and Cocktail Concepts 

Website: http://www.driscollcuisine.com/

Address: 1202 W Aster Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85029, United States

Contact details: +16025108565

Operating hours: 24/7

Driscoll Cuisine and Cocktail Concepts brings the fine dining experience directly to your home, offering a unique and unforgettable way to learn new culinary skills. Driscoll tailors the class to your preferences and designs a personalized menu.

Driscoll’s classes are designed for small, intimate gatherings. You’ll also gain insights into tablescaping, menu planning, and presentation, making you a well-rounded culinary host.

Pro tip:
Driscoll’s chefs are passionate about sharing their knowledge. During the class, don’t hesitate to inquire about techniques, ingredients, or anything else that piques your curiosity. 

5. Classic Cooking Academy

Website: http://www.ccacademy.edu/

Address: 10411 E McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States

Contact details: +14805020177

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Classic Cooking Academy offers a variety of class formats, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your interests and schedule. If you want a comprehensive learning experience, consider enrolling in one of their Practical or Pastry Series. 

These multi-week programs delve deep into culinary techniques and cuisines, transforming you from a kitchen novice to a confident cook. Classic Cooking Academy also provides single-session classes for those seeking a more casual approach. 

Pro tip:
Classes tend to fill up fast, so register online to secure your spot, especially if you are interested in a specific course. 

6. Sur La Table

Website: https://www.surlatable.com/locations/az/scottsdale/store-21.html

Address: 7122 E Greenway Pkwy Suite #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, United States

Contact details: +14809980118

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Sur La Table offers a range of in-store cooking classes in Phoenix that cater to all skill levels and interests. These interactive classes are led by experienced chef-instructors who guide you through every step of the recipe. 

Small class sizes and individual workstations give you plenty of hands-on experience and personalized attention. Sur La Table uses top-notch cookware and ingredients, ensuring a quality learning environment.

Pro tip:
While you will get to sample the dishes you create, portions are designed to be shared, so plan on having a light meal beforehand.

7. Tracy Dempsey Originals 

Website: http://www.tracydempseyoriginals.com/

Address: 1325 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

Contact details: +16023769021

Operating hours: Thursday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tracy Dempsey Originals isn’t your ordinary cooking class; it’s a chance to learn from a passionate baker and entrepreneur, Tracy Dempsey. She fosters a fun and relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable experimenting in the kitchen. 

Tracy strongly believes in supporting Arizona’s vibrant culinary scene. She incorporates fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers’ markets into her recipes, ensuring the flavor shines through every bite.

Pro tip:
This is an excellent opportunity to learn from a baking expert.  Come prepared with questions about baking techniques, recipe substitutions, or anything else that piques your curiosity.

8. The Fig & The Knife

Website: https://thefigandtheknife.com/

Contact details: https://www.instagram.com/thefigandtheknife/

The Fig & the Knife, run by Chef Janette Gomez, focuses on creating “artfully balanced flavors” through her classes. The Fig & the Knife offers a variety of class formats, including private lessons, group classes, and even corporate demonstrations. 

Chef Gomez’s focus on healthy ingredients and beautiful presentation sets The Fig & the Knife apart. Her classes teach creating delicious and visually appealing dishes without sacrificing flavor.

Pro tip:
Come to class with a curious mind and a willingness to experiment. Chef Gomez encourages her students to ask questions and explore new flavor combinations.

9. L’Academie Baking & Cooking School

Website: http://lacademieschool.com/

Address: 3244 E Guadalupe Rd #107, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States

Contact details: +14806878888

Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

L’Academie Baking & Cooking School caters to aspiring home chefs who want to elevate their culinary skills in a supportive environment. Their curriculum boasts a delightful variety of hands-on baking and cooking classes.  

They also ensure their instructors are knowledgeable about the latest trends and industry techniques. They constantly update their course offerings to reflect the latest food trends and techniques. 

Pro tip:
Because their class schedule constantly evolves, check their website to discover new and exciting offerings—the perfect class to inspire you to whip up a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party.

10. AZ 48 Catering

Website: http://www.az48catering.com/

Contact details: 602-736-7906

Operating hours: 24/7

AZ 48 Catering classes are led by Executive Chef Nate Strickland, passionate about creating extraordinary dining experiences. These intimate classes are a comfortable and personalized way to learn from his culinary expertise.

Participants would get hands-on experience creating a multi-course meal and learning essential cooking techniques and recipes. The class curriculum can also be adapted to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or those with allergies.

Pro tip:
Come prepared to ask questions! Chef Strickland is a passionate individual who loves sharing his knowledge. Don’t hesitate to inquire about his culinary background, recipe inspiration, or anything else piques your interest.

11. Chef Leo’s Food Lab

Website: http://chefleotonight.com/

Address: 4419 E Main St UNIT 113, Mesa, AZ 85205, United States

Contact details: +14803314266

Operating hours: Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Chef Leo’s Food Lab offers an interactive cooking experience designed for anyone passionate about food, regardless of experience level. Their hands-on classes focus on creating delicious family-style meals using fresh ingredients and scratch-made recipes.

What makes Chef Leo’s Food Lab special is its emphasis on making gourmet cooking accessible and fun. They believe anyone can create impressive dishes, and their relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere allows students to learn and experiment.

Pro tip:
You’ll enjoy a delicious family-style meal you helped create with your classmates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; Chef Leo and his team are there to guide you and ensure you have an enjoyable cooking experience.

12. Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School

Website: http://www.sweetbasilgourmet.com/

Address: 8900 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Suite C5, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States

Contact details: +14805965628

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School is a one-stop shop for culinary enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Part store, part school, offers everything you need to elevate your cooking game.

Classes are offered in two formats: hands-on, where you actively participate in preparing the dishes, and demonstration, where you watch and learn from the experts. 

The classes are intimate, allowing for personalized attention from the instructors.

Pro tip:
Before enrolling in a class, browse their online schedule to see what piques your interest. The descriptions detail the difficulty level, cuisine focus, and the dishes you’ll prepare. 

13. For the Love of Sourdough

Website: http://www.loveofsourdough.com/

Address: 808 S Revolta Cir, Mesa, AZ 85208, United States

Contact details: +14802720161

Operating hours: Saturday – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

For the Love of Sourdough offers a private cooking class for beginners to master the art of sourdough baking. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn the secrets of cultivating, feeding, and maintaining sourdough starters.

In this class, the instructor explains the science behind the fermentation process, which contributes to sourdough bread’s unique flavor and texture. Additionally, you’ll have hands-on experience mixing, kneading, and shaping your sourdough loaf.

Pro tip:
Come to class with a kitchen mixing bowl you love. Not only will it be your trusty companion throughout the sourdough journey, but it will also be the perfect vessel to transport your starter home after the class.

14. Culinary Brigade Private Chef

Website: http://www.culinarybrigade.com/

Address: 11801 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029, United States

Contact details: +16232658611

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Culinary Brigade classes are tailored to your interests and skill level. You could focus on a specific cuisine, learn knife skills, or master a particular dish while learning from a private chef with experience in high-end restaurants. 

The class would take place in your kitchen, eliminating the need to travel and allowing you to learn in a familiar environment. With just one student or a small group, the chef can provide personalized feedback and ensure you genuinely grasp the techniques.

Pro tip:
A private cooking class can be a fun and interactive way to bond with friends, family, or a significant other. You’ll learn new skills and enjoy a delicious meal you prepared yourselves.
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