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A Gourmet Experience
One of rural Ontario’s greatest gifts is the incredible bounty and diversity of fresh food. With food being at the heart of rural Ontario life, it only makes sense to have some know-how when it comes to cooking. There is no better way to get to know a travel destination than by experiencing local culinary traditions first-hand. I learned that lesson last summer while attending my first cooking class on vacation in Italy. Nothing compares to getting hands-on and actually preparing a delicious meal yourself.
Food is meant to be shared, and as such taking a cooking class together is a great way to build relationships. Whether you are getting to know you new mother-in-law, entertaining relatives or organizing a corporate event, a day spent preparing and tasting food is bound to leave you with memories for a lifetime.
Culinary Classes in Rural Ontario
The cooking schools I have chosen are each unique, some formal, some more informal and some in between. Depending on what type of food you are looking to learn about, the size of your group and your preference for the length of the class, I am certain that one of these courses will meet your expectations. One thing you will find is that all of these chefs share a passion for their work, a deep and abiding love of food and a reputation for being excellent at what they do.
1. Rundles Cooking Classes, Stratford – Rundles Cooking Classes is located within Rundles Restaurant in the heart of Stratford, provide a unique culinary experience for those interested in hands on cooking, under the guidance of one of our country’s most celebrated chefs, Neil Baxter. In addition to teaching the classes, Rundles Cooking Classes were created by Chef Baxter, and therefore, are focused on things he is passionate about: experimentation and tradition, quality and flavor, purity, perfection and pleasure. The Weekend Classes run Friday night through to Sunday for $410 per person. For dates, registration and menus from past classes click here.
2. Ciboulette et Cie, Midland – Chef Andre Sanche and his Pastry Chef Jennifer McConnell offer a fantastic variety of classes for all ages at their busy Midland food shop. Focused on using locally sourced ingredients in Ciboulette et Cie (Chive and Company) offers fresh, local food. Offering eat-in or take-out lunch, fresh take-home dinners, and a freezer fully stocked with entreés, chilis, soups and sweets, Ciboulette et Cie is the perfect place for those who want a home-cooked meal and just don’t have the time to prepare it themselves. As for their classes, I personally can’t choose between the Pasta for the Family: Cooking with Kids series, where adults and children learn the basics of making fresh pastas and sauces, or the Cooking by the Seat of Your Pants class where students explore cooking creatively by opening up the fridge door. Whichever class you choose you are sure to love it. Classes are $65 per person or $90 for families (one adult and one child).
3. Collingwood Cooking Academy, Collingwood – Located minutes away from Collingwood’s downtown core, this school offers a true culinary education in state of the art facilities. Chef Philip brings over 40 years of experience to his students. The small classes enable students to experience one on one help while developing their cooking techniques. The classes will address all levels of expertise from cooking 101 to specialized cooking classes. Cooking Academy classes cover a full range of gourmet experiences. From International dishes, seafood and sushi to chocolate and more chocolate. Classes vary in price but average $70-75 per person. If you’re looking for a really unique experience try Chef Philip’s Date Night Dinners, where, for $75 each, you and your date can create and enjoy your very own four-course gourmet masterpiece.
4. Wine Country Cooking School, Niagara-on-the-Lake – The Wine Country Cooking School – located within Strewn, an estate winery minutes from the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake – is a unique culinary experience for recreational cooks. Weekends from January until the end of November, this school offers hands-on cooking classes designed to tempt your palate while increasing your culinary knowledge and appreciation of the relationship between food and wine. Check their class calendar for the dates of the Spring Hands-On Cooking Classes where you will work with a partner to prepare a delicious spring-themed three-course menu that is matched with wonderful Strewn VQA wines. Cost is $325 for 2 people; $190 for 1 person.
5. The Good Earth – Cooking School and Winery, Beamsville - As one of the original farm to table dining experiences in Niagara’s wine country, The Good Earth celebrates the gifts that the land has to offer wholeheartedly. Featuring a bistro, winery and cooking school, The Good Earth uses only the freshest ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Their upcoming class calendar offers courses on everything from a pantry raid to a brunch club. No matter what class you choose I’m quite certain that you will enjoy every minute. The Good Earth has a reputation for having lots of fun!
–Erin