There’s no better way to start the new year than by loading up on new knowledge, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. Thankfully, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants in the Boston-area offering their own classes in 2015. From whiskey and scotch dinners to cooking and baking lessons, these five restaurants are sure to help you step up your culinary game this year.
A “Standard Education” at Eastern Standard
The beloved Fenway restaurant is offering its second installment of “Standard Education” with a day of interactive classes, tastings and demos. And trust us – there’s something for everyone. The lessons give guests of all levels the chance to learn from members of the ES team in their area of expertise. Classes include Flawless French Macarons, Creating an Original Cocktail, Punches for Parties and more. The classes are sold a la carte for $40 per person. Standard Education takes place January 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooking Classes at Menton
All January long, the Fort Point restaurant will be offering cooking classes to guests. According to BostonChefs.com, the classes will be led by Chef Scott Jones of Menton and will include “hors d’oeuvres, a demonstration of Chef Jones’ favorite cooking techniques and a five-course tasting menu paired with wine chosen by wine director Cat Silirie.” The limit is 12 people per class and reservations must be made in advance. You can make your reservations by calling 617.423.7847 or emailing reservations@stirboston.com.
Flour Baking Classes
Learn how to make brioche and sticky buns this year, because, why not? Fortunately, Flour Bakery is teaching a couple sweet dessert and pastry courses this month. Classes are $75 each and are taught by Flour’s Pastry Chef Sarah Powers. According to the website, you can email Sarah at sarah@flourbakery.com to sign up for a class.
Get Schooled in Spirits at Saloon
Get schooled in spirits this winter at the Davis Square bar, Saloon. According to an official source, the classes will include everything from introductions to Mezcal, Gin and Brandy, to chef-driven dinners honoring Scotch and Whiskey. Classes include Mezcal: Intro to Agave Varietals, Single Malt Scotch Dinner, Gin Basics, Celebrating County Cork, Whiskey Dinner, and Brandy: From Spain to Cognac. Each class costs $35 per person. The Single Malt Scotch Dinner and County Cork Whiskey Dinner will cost $55 per person. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sofra Bakery
If you’re looking to step up your baking skills this winter, we recommend signing up for one of Sofra Bakery’s Monday night cooking classes. Students will take courses taught by chefs and pastry chefs from Sofra, Oleana and Sarma. Classes include dish tastings, wine pairings and recipe books. Online registration is available here and classes are taught from 6:30 to 9 p.m. from January 19 to May 11. Many of the classes are already sold out, so we recommend signing up soon.
