Last week the Whataburger across the street was closed for remodeling. I thought I might starve to death.
Not really, there were plenty of dining options. The First Monday of the Month Ladies (and one Dad) Who Lunch Club met at Pico’s Mex-Mex for some delicious ceviches and what the drink menu calls the Perfect Margarita, and it may well be: Shaken and poured tables side.
There was also a fine Korean lunch at Nara and some turkey and mustard potato salad take-out from H-E-B. Nothing says summer like yellow potato salad.
But I’m starting to feel bad about not cooking much anymore. I feel a need to get back in the kitchen, or in my case the kitchenette. But cooking is more fun with other people. And wine.
Luckily, while HISD is out for the summer there are lots of local chefs offering cooking classes. Way more fun than arithmetic. Brennan’s of Houston has been sharing the kitchen wealth for quite some time now.
Cooking is more fun with other people. And wine.
“Brennan’s cooking classes actually started as a brunch cooking class series back in 1998,” chef Danny Trace says. “When guests began inquiring about classes in the evening, we thought romance and food were a winning combination, and our Date Night Cooking Classes were born.
"We host events year-round, from crawfish boils to wine dinners, but I especially enjoy being able to interact with our guests. Making and sharing food with loved ones is one of the great joys of life, because when everyone circles around a kitchen, incredible memories can be created.
"As many couples know, sometimes it can be difficult to make time to cook at home, but we developed these classes to help couples appreciate the closeness that can come from a date night out while still learning how to cook a meal they can share together at home.”
Check here for upcoming Date Night Classes, the next one will be Spanish themed.
More Cooking Lessons
Over at Haven, chef Randy Evans offers cooking classes this summer as well. On June 17, it’s all about summertime food and the one in July will feature different ways to cook crab. Call 713-581-6101 for reservations.
You know what they say about Houston summers: If you can’t stand the heat, get in the kitchen!
I’ve never cooked with Evans before but we did spend an afternoon butchering a side of veal that was great fun and very educational. Now that I think of it that did end in roasting some marrowbones and a fine late lunch.
That’s one of the best parts of taking a cooking class — you get to eat your schoolwork.
Other fun classes with great chefs include Monica Pope’s classes at Sparrow Bar + Cookshop (there’s a Father’s Day class on June 17) and Sylvia Casares runs a cooking school with classes at her eponymous Enchilada Kitchens.
And Central Market always has some excellent classes. This summer watch for wine, beer, Chinese cooking and meat grilling classes. You can check out the supermarket's schedule here.
Because you know what they say about Houston summers: If you can’t stand the heat, get in the kitchen!
Central Market always has some excellent classes.
