STEP UP your culinary skills with these cooking classes that offer the chance to understudy with some of Northeast Ohio's most talented chefs.
Edwins Restaurant
Learn how to clean and cut foie gras, compose a gastrique or cook a live lobster. "We teach the fundamentals," says founder Brandon Chrostowski. A limit of 10 students per class affords an intimate, hands-on experience. Home cooks with or without culinary skills are invited. "You could be a pro or never have picked up a knife," he says. A group of classes ranges from $275 to $350 or $50 to $95 per course. 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org
Loretta Paganini School of Cooking
Whether you want lessons in Thai cuisine, baking cupcakes with your 6-year-old or crafting delicious marinades, this cooking school offers choices for beginners, home cooks and aspiring pros. "Each class is a total sensory experience," says Brandon Walukas, instructor and former Spice Kitchen and Bar executive chef (pictured right). Prices begin at $35 per class and cost up to $345 for four sessions. 8613 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, 440-729-7340, lpscinc.com
Trentina
The opulent eatery's Chefs School offers 101-style classes, but chef Jonathon Sawyer is looking to eventually bulk up the curriculum with 201- and 301-level courses. Subjects range from handmade pasta, pickling and fermentation to whole animal butchery. "The least exciting [tasks] are actually the most exciting," he says. The $100 fee covers the lesson, a recipe, prepared dishes and bubbly. 1903 Ford Drive, Cleveland, 216-421-2900, restauranttrentina.com
