What a *flavorful* evening we had cooking and dining with the incredible Chef Mary and her fantastic crew! My husband and I had been long overdue for a night out, so I decided to surprise him with a cooking class at The Untamed Chef. With so many classes to choose from (they fill up fast, so don't wait if you have your eye on a particular one!), I opted for the Tex-Mex class because I've always wanted to master the art of making Birria Tacos.
Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly and directed to grab a menu and find our table. The venue offered complimentary water and tea, with a selection of alcoholic beverages available for purchase. We opted for the refreshing water and tea to keep us hydrated and focused on our culinary adventure.
Once everyone had arrived, including our double-date couple, we were organized into groups of four. If you didn't come with a full group, no worries! Chef Mary and her team will seamlessly paired you with other duos, creating a lively atmosphere for the 20 participants. While the five cooking stations felt a bit cozy, it only added to the fun of the experience!
Chef Mary kicked things off by explaining our menu and the order of operations, and then we dove right into preparing our meals. Each group shared the delicious bounty, and trust me, there was plenty to go around--everyone was able to leave with a doggy bag! Chef Mary and her staff were simply amazing, circulating to offer guidance while allowing us the freedom to explore our cooking skills. A few steps were prepped ahead of time, like the marinated Birria meat (which takes 6-8 hours, so wise move there!), making the process smooth and enjoyable. The recipes were straightforward, and our group worked like a well-oiled machine to create a delightful feast.
When the cooking wrapped up, we set our tables and sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Chef Mary and her team took care of everything else, even providing to-go boxes for any leftovers. Chef Mary's personable nature kept us entertained throughout the class, while her staff was quick and attentive, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
If I could suggest small tweak, it would be for Chef Mary to ask attendees to stay at their stations during demonstrations. A few times, it became a bit crowded around her table, which was a minor distraction. Also, my husband mentioned he'd appreciate a chair next time due to his past injuries--definitely something to consider for future classes for those with disabilities! Lastly, I'd love to see a weekly or monthly homeschool class for kids, just like her wonderful summer programs.
Overall, our experience was nothing short of amazing, and we can't wait to return! Maybe next time it'll be a girls' night or even a solo visit. Honestly, these classes are worth every penny--even coming from someone who typically avoids the kitchen! read more