Very unprofessional. Des Moines got 1 ft snow. We couldn't make it due to weather. No consideration, no refund, no reschedule. Bad way to run a business. You could have very easily offered a reschedule. read more

We had a lovely evenin! Alessandra was passionate and very fun as a hostess. "But tomorrow!! You can make them how YOU like them!" Highly recommend for a fun date night or friends night out! read more

See all

I have no idea what her class is like. PLEASE note that there is NO EXCEPTIONS to her reschedule & refund. I get that, honest I do. I believed that this was an exception. we were in the middle of a snow storm, our road had not been plowed, the chief of police was on the news saying "Stay Home" so we did. We did not ask for a refund, we just wanted to reschedule. ABSOLUTE NOT. That made me sad, as we were looking forward to it. I'm sure we would have become a regular customer. I get it, she was in her rights to do this, but the lack of caring for another's well being is just not acceptable. read more

Cooking with Alessandra is always a great time. Make sure to bring a bottle of wine . My friend and I FINALLY got in her Wanda's class. This class always seems to fill up fast even with multiple sessions. So as soon as a class for Wanda's pots, you need to sign up. Alessandra makes cooking fun. She explains the background of the dish (I have been to a number of her different classes) Then she shows you how to make the dough (or whatever you are making) and then you get to get your hands dirty. We got to roll out our dough. Fry them ourselves. And then frost them. A fun night for everyone that attended. read more

See all

A great night. Alessandra was so enjoyable. She is so passionate about Italy, cooking, and life. Would highly recommend.

Alessandra is so much fun! She is very high energy and knows how to involve the crowd. I have attended several of her cooking classes and each time they are great! There is no more that 20 people at each class so you can have a real hands on experience. She always starts the class with fresh out if the oven focaccia bread that is to die for! If you are looking for a team outing, a friend get together, a bridal shower, couples evening out, purchase a gift certificate or just want to go by yourself this is it! Everyone leaves full and happy! read more

See all

A friend and I attended a class she did late last year in partnership with @Allspice. From the fresh from the oven bread with olive oil dip to the spicy pasta dish and her comfort food of chicken in a heavenly creamy sauce...delish. Her classes are BYOB and a few bottles of wine did make the class with us however they did not make it out! It was some of the most fun we have had in DSM. We booked her upcoming Focaccia which is her most popular class per other attendees and her website. The evening seems more like a casual rustic get together than an actual class. It was great seeing and mingling with new people. If you looking for great conversation, food, and fun grab a couple of friends and family and attend The classes book up well in advance, you get your fill of food and get to take home recipes as well. Delish. read more

Cooking With Alessandra - Cooking Classes Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Odd that as of right now, this is reported as closed on yelp. This business is alive and well! I did my first cooking class here last night (gnocchi) and it was SO FUN! I can't wait to return. I met a friend who was on her 3rd class there. Many others had taken Alessandra's classes before too. Alessandra is super funny and upbeat. The food was amazing and I *think* I could replicate it at home. She has options for vegetarians if you let her know in advance. The meal was super substantial and enough for leftovers of a second meal. You can bring your own wine too. read more

We just returned from the annual cooking tour of Italy that Alessandra leads. There really needs to be an option to add stars to these​ reviews, because this trip was beyond spectacular. The hotel accommodations​ were good, the agenda was packed with sightseeing opportunities, and each day seemed like a new gift. But the very best part was the cooking classes each night, held at the Meschini family home and taught by the family members. Our group was limited to 12 people, so everything was hands-on. ​Everyone was warm, welcoming, and extremely gracious. For six days we were a part of this family, and we made (what I hope are) lifelong friends. The value received​ for the price paid is exceptional. We will do this again. If you have an ​interest in learning to cook some wonderful Italian​ dishes, you should​ do it too. read more

This was so fun!!! Everyone Go! Go cook with the lovely Alessandra! This would make a terrific gift for the holidays and you're supporting local! I was confused on the exact location. I was thinking this took place in an apartment but no, she has her own store front on E 4th next to the rest of the shops. Last night the class was all about soups. We made Italian Wedding. Minestrone, and one with white kindness beans. The sight and smells were wonderful. I brought a bottle of wine for my friend and I. We nibbled on some yummy bread and olive oil throughout the night. The class wasn't as interactive as I thought it would be and she even said- some of her other classes are more hands on. I did get up and participate with adding ingredients, stirring, etc..so there is certainly an option to be more hands on if you choose. It was a very comfortable, laid back atmosphere. I really enjoyed hearing about Italy, where Alessandra is from, and hearing how passionate she is about cooking. She makes it an experience both for herself and others around her. She is very funny and full of life. I started writing down some of the things she said during class because they were just too good not to: "I bake the everything at 500 degrees, but my oven is broken" "We don't want to rush this moment.. The vegetables are getting to know each other" (while simmering in the pan) "Lukewarm is my favorite English word... It's very romantic" At the end we were able to eat all the soup we wanted. It was SO GOOD. The Minestrone was my favorite but they were both seriously so delicious. She does have tours to Italy available... Best believe that is on my radar! read more

See all

Went here over the weekend with my boyfriend after multiple recommendations. Alessandra was such a delight! She is so funny and welcoming during the two hour cooking class. She starts the class talking about the food and where it comes from as well as sharing about her family that lives in Italy. There is complimentary bread on the table that I could live off of for the rest of my life- soooo good! We made stuffed Neopolitan bread-yum! Everything that is on her schedule looks amazing so book early to get into one of the classes. Tip: sign up with some friends- the class will be more intimate and entertaining with a bunch of people you know. Bring wine as it BYOD :) read more

My best friend and I Love to cook and decided to take this cooking class in the east village this spring. Alessandra is a vivacious Italian lady and she teaches a high-energy, interesting, hands-on class. The first part of the evening was all if us drinking our BYOB wine, munching on her fresh focaccia bread and listening to her talk about her area of Italy and it's food. Then came the fun part- we all got to make fettucini from scratch, cook it, she added the fresh pea,ham and Alfredo sauce and the we got to EAT it!!! It was fun, interactive and Delicious!!! This was a great, fun evening!! We will do it again!! read more

It's not a "cooking class" at all. I went for the calzoni class. She runs her mouth for the first hour while everyone sits at a dinner table. Then everyone rolls out dough that she's pre-made, then it's stuffed with fillings that's she's also pre-cooked, and then she throws it in the oven. Everyone eats and goes home. Other than rolling out pre-made dough, there's zero hands on cooking. I literally drank wine and sat at a table all night. Waste of 45 bucks. Don't bother. read more

Extremely fun! Alessandra offers classes on authentic Italian recipes. Focaccia, tiramisu and calzone classes are a must. Warning! Alessandra's classes are very addictive. You'll want to sign up for all of her classes. read more

I cannot say enough about how much I love Cooking With Alessandra! My friend and I have been to at least 10 classes and we just love her! If you're looking for a fun girls night or something different for date-night this is the place. She is so much fun and the classes are always awesome. If you're going for the first time I would recommend the focaccia class - I have actually taken it twice and make the bread at home quite often. If you enjoy wine - bring a bottle and she'll hand you a corkscrew and glass so you have something to sip while you're there! read more

I have had three experiences with Alessandra - two were fun - but the third was a disaster. In September 2015, I requested a private party for a group of 10 women who were meeting in Des Moines in February 2016. Alessandra emailed that my reservation was confirmed and between September and January I asked some additional questions which she answered. Early in January I sent her an email to set the final menu and received a brief email back saying our date had been taken. I was devastated as this was to be this group's main social event of the weekend. As I continued to ask why she hadn't contacted me & had just given away the date, she said I hadn't paid and so she didn't know if I was still interested (she hadn't asked for payment). That would have taken one email on her part to ask me that question! I asked if she could have our class the day before or at a different time on our original day but she declined. So - make sure that when you make a reservation, even when it is directly with Alessandra and not through the website, that you pay her immediately or your reservation may be given away. read more