Hit all the sights and looking for something a little different to do with your loved one in the Big Apple? A cooking class could be just the ticket.
Hands-on sushi-making in the heart of NYC (Photo: Classbento.com)
NYC is a city that loves to eat, but it loves to cook too. One of the best ways to get under the skin of the city is on an entertaining and educational cookery workshop – and New York is brimming with them. From basic culinary skills and beignets to sushi rolling and pizza making, there’s a cooking class for every taste and budget. We’ve rounded up seven of our favourite fun cookery classes for couples in NYC based on value for money, itinerary and customer reviews.
Make Your Own Sushi Class
This fun, hands-on cookery class is the perfect way to while away a couple of hours in the Big Apple. In just two hours, you’ll get to achieve the seemingly impossible: two perfectly formed California and salmon Sushi rolls. The course teaches you everything you need to know to make sushi rolls at home, including how to prepare sushi rice, select sushi-grade fish and add tasty neta (ingredients) to enhance your experience. Courses are run by professional chefs at Strong Rope Brewery or you can also arrange for a private class at your accommodation. From $130 per couple.
Handmade Pizza Class
Pizza straight outta Napoli in NYC (Photo: Classbento.com)
This beginner-friendly cooking workshop whisks travellers away from the heart of NYC to the streets of Napoli – almost. The two-hour course covers all the basics of pizza-making, from quick-rising dough to basic kneading techniques to achieving the perfect crust. No experience is required; in fact, couples are encouraged to get creative and channel their ‘inner Picasso’. You can purchase drinks at the venue and the course price includes lunch (your homemade dish). From $130 per couple.
Beignets Baking Class
In this 2.5-hour workshop, couples are invited to learn how to make an iconic NYC-style beignet. Run by Chef Simon Herfray at the renowned Atelier Scure NY, you’ll get to learn how to prepare these sugary puff pastries while learning how to use yeast dough. Your host will show you how to bake and fry the dough and add sweet fillings, like homemade chocolate and jam, too. Nothing goes to waste either as you’ll get to take these sugary snacks home with you, along with the pastry shop’s not-so-secret recipes. From $160 per couple.
Cooking Class: Basic Home-Cooked Meals
Learn the basics of NYC home cooking (Photo: Classbento.com)
Already living with your loved one but less than impressed with their culinary skills? This fun 2-4 hour workshop will have them whipping up delicious home-cooked specialities in no time – and you might even pick a few new skills too. Menus change depending on the date and the season but all dishes are inspired by NYC, so you can bring a little slice of your holiday home with you. Courses are run by Karen Lee, a veteran caterer, chef and author, at a kitchen close to Lincoln Square. From $200 per couple.
French Bistro Class
When it comes to romance, we could all learn a thing or two from the French so this three-hour bistro class is the perfect opportunity to recreate the romance at home. Run by Selfup NYC in downtown NYC, you’ll get to learn all the basics of French cooking, with dedicated lessons on how to master the perfect Salad Nicoise and Filet au Poivre. To top it off, you’ll get the chance to make an indulgent flambeed Bananas Foster dessert too.
From $240 per couple.
Baking Desserts Class
Impress your beau on this treat-packed workshop (Photo: Classbento.com)
Consider this three-hour class the prep work for your next anniversary. This treat-packed class covers a wide variety of baking techniques used for bread, tarts, eclairs and pastries, which is bound to come in handy for a special occasion. Run by professional chefs at Red Inside Culinary, the workshops typically include classes dedicated to at least four desserts, like chocolate cream puffs and mixed fruit tarts. Your chef host will also teach you professional methods for filling pastry, so you can whip up desserts like a pro. From $270 per couple.
Peruvian Ceviche Cooking Class
This intimate cooking class takes place in a beautiful Upper East Side apartment with local chef Diego. Each couple gets their own workstation, complete with tools and ingredients. You’ll get to learn how to select the perfect cut of fish, how to fillet it and pick the perfect vegetables and ingredients for an authentic ceviche dish. You’ll also get to learn how to make Leche de Tigre, a dish made from scraps of ceviche. Guests can BYOB and are invited to tuck into their ceviche dish at the end of the workshop with the chef. From $290 per couple.