I have been teaching cooking classes for over five years and I thought I would share some friendly advice for those who are new at attending classes:
1) Your cell phones/ blackberries are great but they tend to distract other students, and they might fall in the soup we are making! Turn then off, put them away and enjoy the class!

2) I am not nor do I know Rachel Ray, so we will not be using the terms “EVOO” or other catch phrases she uses in her show.

3) Most classes are BYOB, we will happily recommend a wine to compliment your meal, but remember we are using knives and are cooking over hot flames, so doing shots of Tequila is not really recommended.

4) This is a hard one for Mom’s : We are there as a service for you. We will serve YOU the food you make in class. Please do not cut the food in little pieces for other students! Also we will clean up your kitchen and leave it the same as we found it or better. Sit down, relax, enjoy!

5) I am always flattered when guests insist that I sit and enjoy the meal with them. But as a Chef we are used to serving everyone first and eating last, usually the leftovers after the kitchen is clean. Please do not be offended, I relish in watching people enjoy a really good meal.

6) Ask questions! I often get people coming up to me after class saying “This may be a stupid question but……” If you do not ask you will not learn. This is a learning experience for me as well, so if I do not know the answer I will find it and let you know.

7) And finally, these are “hands-on” classes, so get in there! Grate the cheese, chop the onion, saute the mushrooms. Don’t be afraid of trying, we can always order pizza if the meal does not turn out.

Happy Cooking!
Chef Alekka