Cooking With Mike

I see what they already know or we begin from scratch. The first lesson is touring the kitchen. Demonstrating simple techniques. I have an 8 week program where we cover the 8 basic methods of cooking, sauces, how to cook chicken, beef and shrimp, veggies, sides, starches and a few quick breads. Fundamental baking can be added on for another 8 weeks. I believe a good solid foundation and knowing your ingredients and how to use your equipment is essential to prolonged success in the kitchen! 

I have been in kitchen and restaurant management for 10 years, I have cooked and baked for over 20+ years. In my early days I messed up a lot and learned a lot along the way. I taught myself how to cook, sauté, braise, bake, decorate cakes, you name it. There are a lot of little things you pick up along the way from doing that school and a book doesn't teach you. 

My pricing varies based on the extent and difficulty of the task at hand. General cooking and baking classes are $75 an hour with a minimum of 3 hours. This can be negotiated based on time allowed but to ensure we have time to learn with out being rushed, 3 hours is adequate. I can do virtual, one on one, (if under 18 a parent or guardian will need to be present at all times) and small groups! 
My group fee is $125 for 2 people and hour and $150 for 3 people and hour. 
I can be hired to cater small dinner parties before your guests arrive. 
Group cooking classes start at $350*

I had several friends that wanted to learn how to cook. They said you should teach a class! Even better I had several host a cooking workshop at their house and their friends really enjoyed it! Several of them hired me to host cooking classes at their own house and my business grew organically from there. Took a break after my mother passed away. 

I've worked with children as young as 7 to older adults. People with disabilities and learning disorders and everyone in between. I believe everyone should be able create a wonderful meal if they are willing. I believe in inclusion and diversity. My ideal student will be patient, excited to learn new techniques willing to make an effort! 

I recently had a student join my cooking 101 fundamentals workshop. It's intense, 2 days a week, 3 hours a day for 8 weeks. She was nervous, apprehensive yet determined. She was surprised at how easygoing I am, how come I made her feel in the kitchen and how much confidence she had by the time the course was over. Her goal was to make a 8 piece thanksgiving meal from scratch by herself. We sat down, created a goal, shopping list, recipes, timeline and  I tailored my program around some of those items. She never called and asked me for help and executed it flawlessly. She was well equipped with a plan, the knowledge, recipes and techniques to create a fabulous dinner for her family. The best part, her father in law said it was the best turkey he'd ever had! Lol I'm here to guide you on this Culinary adventure and lead you on an incredible journey! 

Make sure that you are comfortable with them. If they have an arrogant attitude and just want to make money it might not be a good fit. Find someone that is passionate about cooking and teaching others how to love food and the process of cooking. They should be knowledgeable in your interests and be patient. 

What would I like to learn? (Be specific) it's not just knife skills or Asian cuisine. If you have something specific in mind share that with your instructor! Like, my girlfriends family is coming over for dinner and they are Filipino, I really want to make a good first impression with a great re pie! 

what do you already know and what do you need to learn? 
What are the instructors policies and prices?

Does the instructor understand what I'm looking for and can they deliver? 

is this someone I want to work with?