Well Done!

When I suggested to Al that we redeem a gift certificate we received for a “couple’s class” at the Well Done Cooking School, his reaction was a bit tepid to say the least.  “You mean we have to bring our own wine and drive downtown to cook our own food? And people pay for this?”  Clearly he was not getting into the spirit of this “date night” experience.  But I forged ahead and booked our outing confident that once we were there, he would enjoy himself.

The Well Done Cooking School conducts a variety of classes on all types of food preparation.  They have a French food night, “Food Men Love” class, Italian, sushi, “Death by Chocolate”, and many others.  We (read that “I”) selected Caribbean food because the menu sounded like something Al would enjoy and included some time at the barbeque pit. We were told to bring any refreshments that we liked including wine. So, with our favorite wine in hand, off we went!

The cooking school, located in a small house in the Heights area, had been renovated specifically for this small business. As we entered the house, a long U shaped counter that filled what was originally the entire living space of the home awaited us.  We were greeted by our chef, introduced to the agenda for the evening, asked to choose an apron to wear and choose a cooking station.  As each couple entered the house, donned their aprons and chose a cooking station, we evaluated them like contestants on a cooking show.  I noticed that about 1/3 of the group said they had attended other cooking classes. For the rest of us, it seemed that each couple had one enthusiastic cook paired with one “I’m only here because he/she made me” participant. This mix of amateurs provided relief that we would not be only ones not sure what we’re doing.

Once the class started, even the most unwilling participants relaxed and joined in the party atmosphere.  The wine started flowing, the couples started chatting with those around them and the eating began.  Each course was prepared and served immediately. Unlike cooking at home, there was no need to chop vegetables or measure spices.  Everything was prepared by the cooking staff in advance.  All that participants had to do was follow the vocal instructions for combining and cooking the ingredients.  It was like having your own sous chef! 

We started with fried plantains and then prepared a delicious crab and black bean soup.  Later in the evening the class moved outside to the barbeque area to cook the jerk chicken.  We finished the evening with a rum cake. Yum! As it turned out, Al and I both had a great time and I’d recommend this cooking school to anyone looking for a unique “date night” activity. Our only regret was bringing merely one bottle of wine. With all the activities and chatter going on, the wine was consumed quite quickly! 

We still enjoy making the crab soup recipe at home and chatting about our cooking school experience. I’ll do the cooking and Al watches me cook while consuming his favorite beverage. I wouldn’t have it any other way as we enjoy Texas Thru My Back Door!