Awesome culinary classes!
Hipcooks is so much fun!! This is such a fun place for people who don't know how to cook, who can cook but needs inspiration, date night, and girls get together. If a guy you're seeing says a cooking class is PERFECT for you that probably mean you need help in that area! Well, my cooking skills sucks, I enjoy cooking but don't really know how. I enjoy cooking, but don't enjoy cleaning up, I enjoy cooking but only if I have a maid. Lol! I enjoy cooking, But I enjoy eating more! So this is definitely a fun class because... of all the above.
My friends decided to plan a girl's day at the Hipcook in LA East. Located in the Art District of Downtown LA. The few of us bought Groupon and decided to take the My Big Fat Greek cooking class.
The location was not easy to find because it is in a loft. Your GPS will get you to the street but not the exact location since it's in a little community of commercial lofts. Plenty of free parking. If you get lost, call your instructor and she will direct you in. Class starts promptly as scheduled so plan accordingly and give yourself extra time for the drive especially if you're not familiar with the area. I prefer to take Saturday classes instead of week nights due to the insane traffic that will get you stuck at a traffic light for like an extra 15 minutes.
I am so in love with the ambiance at the loft. It's so cozy and the instructor sure knows how to prepare you with the mood to cook and eat with the aromatic scents, romantic music and a little wine before, during and after the meal.. Monica was our instructor. She was adorable and entertaining and made us all very comfortable.
Knife skills are taught in the beginning when prepping with the ingredients, with the opportunity to practice with the techniques. As she teaches, She wants you to use your own flair based on your own taste buds. Instead of saying and sticking with the exact amount on the recipe, it is encouraged to taste and adjust accordingly to your tastes.
This is also a hands on experience, but since there are 10 people, everyone gets to share on that part. It will get exhausted if I had to do hands on training for the entire meal. LOL, so sharing is ok.
Some hands on cooking with everybody's hands all over the food, but don't worry, they are VERY serious about washing your hands with soap and water. If you touch your face, hair, phone, anywhere, Go wash your hands!! No joke, i had to wash my hands 6 or 7 times during the preparation of the meal.
You get a fantastic meal with wine, a fun night of entertainment, and you learn some new skills. They also sell some kitchen tools and utensils there.
OPA! Our Big Fat Greek meal is as followed, and yes we all cooked a fabulous meal!
Baba Ganoush (smoked eggplant dip)
Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
Spanikopita (Spinach Pie in phyllo (filo) pastry)
Grilled veggie Salad- (roasted and grilled Greek salad)
Grape Haloumi and Tarragon salad (squeaky cheese salad)
Marinated Lamb chops with tzaziki (Dry rub lamb chop)
Baklava (Baklava uses phyllo dough stacked with honey and nuts to make a sweet Mediterranean dessert)
The time went by so fast as we all were having a blast. At the end, we all sat down on the table and enjoy a grand, delicious meal. These culinary classes are fun. For the price, you get together, learn, make your own meal, AND enjoy the meal and make new friends! I don't think I can make the entire meal by myself, but I'll definitely make a dish or two at a time here and there. read more