Classes Guide: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a proverbial oyster for foodies looking to rub elbows with our own celebrity chefs in the kitchen. Our city is chock full of experts, ready to make a party out of grilling the perfect piece of salmon or swirling a Syrah — the right way. We've compiled our list of favorite classes — from cooking to cocktails — and are making reservations for the rest of the year. We can't think of a better way to sample new treats, to turn a soiree up a notch, or to learn tips and tricks that we can totally wow our friends with later (and claim as our very own).

DOWNTOWN

Habitat
510 Market St.
Executive Chef Jason Dalling is pleased to announce Habitat’s 2013 cooking class schedule. Classes take place the first Saturday of every month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and cover a variety of topics. Foodies and cooks of all experience levels are invited to participate in the fun and interactive classes. Cost is $65 per person per class and includes all instruction, materials, an apron and lunch following the class. Space is limited. For reservations, call (412) 773-8848.

April 6, 2013 – Healthy Home Cooking

Light and healthy cooking made easy

May 4, 2013 – Sushi and Sake

Traditional Japanese sushi preparation and the world of sake

June 1, 2013 – Italian Cuisine Made Easy

An overview of homemade Italian pastas and desserts

July 6, 2013 – Bourbon and BBQ

The Habitat chefs explore cooking with their favorite bourbons

August 3, 2013 – Healthy Kids Cuisine (that they’ll actually eat!)

Just in time for back to school

September 7, 2013 – International Beer and Food Pairings

An educational and interactive beer and food pairing session

October 5, 2013 – Pies and Tarts

They’re not just for dessert anymore. Learn to make sweet and savory pies and tarts.

November 2, 2013 – Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

A modern look into preparation of the traditional Thanksgiving feast

December 7, 2013 – Holiday Party Planning

Learn to make a variety of cocktails and canapés perfect for your next holiday gathering

 

EAST LIBERTY

Whole Foods Market
5880 Centre Ave.
The experienced chefs at Whole Foods Market offer (free!) hands-on cooking classes to food lovers of every experience level. Register for "Meat Class with Lee" to learn the best tips and tricks for roasting chicken, grilling lamb, or marinating steak. Or, sign up for "Fish Class with Seth" to make amazing Mackerel, saute sumptuous shrimp, or grill perfect salmon. Prepared Foods Team Leader Aaron Stout teaches classes, too — stocked full of seasonal favorites and delicious ideas. All of the classes are open to the public and feature free tastings, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call or email Kim: 412.441.7960 x215 or kim.wynnyckyj@wholefoods.com. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pittsburgh for dates and more information.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Chef Tom Totin
Chef Tom Totin teaches cooking classes for all skill-levelsat Embody Natural Health. He also hosts cooking classes in the home and brings all of the ingredients for six to eight participants. Totin is famous for hosting interactive dinner parties, showers, or birthdays with a fun, hands-on atmosphere. After the cooking is done, everyone chows down! Chef Tom has been cooking in restaurants for more than 35 years. He's the host of "Cookspeak," the weekly podcast, broadcasted on Sundays at 11 a.m. from The Waffle Shop for the past four years. To make a reservation, call 412.559.3990, or email ninechickens@gmail.com. Find Chef Tom on facebook and Twitter! Embody Natural Health, 5400 Butler St., Lawrenceville. embodynaturalhealth.com.

MOUNT LEBANON

Rania's Catering
100 Central Square
Pittsburgh celebrity chef and "Pittsburgh TODAY Live" contributor Rania Harris teaches regular classes at her gourmet catering facility in Mt. Lebanon, sometimes looping in guest chefs or sommeliers for an even more dynamic and entertaining educational experience. All classes are $55 each, except where noted. Some classes have been limited on the number of students, due to class content and style. Please be sure you can attend as no refunds or substitutions will be made once you’ve signed up for your class. For more information, or to register, visit rania.com, or call 412.531.2222.

SCOTT TOWNSHIP

Crate Kitchen Store and Cooking School
1960 Greentree Road
In business for more than 34 years, Crate offers more than 200 cooking classes per year, starting at just $30. Classes range from Lunch and Learn to Seafood to Asian, Italian, and Knife Skills. Hands-on class sizes can be booked with up to 18 people. Demonstration-only classes can accommodate 40. The two state-of-the-art kitchens are available for team-building exercises as well as private classes and parties. Monday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.To register for classes online, visit cratecook.com, or call 412.341.5700.

STRIP DISTRICT

Enrico Biscotti
2022 Penn Ave.
Enrico's offers four different cooking classes. The Bread Class is the most popular and sells out quickly. These classes offer guests an opportunity to fire up some warm Italian bread on a Sunday morning and to enjoy brunch afterward. Brick Oven Pizza Classes are also popular, as are Classic Italian Cookie Classes. A Pasta Class is also offered, which focuses on technique, sauces, and creating simple dishes. Each class is $65 and includes a meal. Booking at least one month in advance is recommended. To serve a spot, visit enricobiscotti.com.

Marty's Market
2301 Smallman St.
More than just a place to shop, Marty’s offers a coffee bar with direct-trade coffee and a café which reflects the creativity of our Chef and the versatility of the products we sell. Beyond serving and selling food, Marty’s offers cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and other community events. At Marty’s Market, we recognize that food has the power to launch dynamic conversations and personal sharing. While we pride ourselves for being knowledgeable about food, we can’t wait to learn from you, our customers and build lasting partnerships and friendships. Coming up: "Do Eat the Dandelions with Doug Oster" on April 6, "Healthy Eaters' Meet & Greet with Caitlin Grater" on April 11,"Cheese and Wine Tasting" on April 18, "Teach a Kid to Cook: Classes for Youth and Parents" on April 20, and "Terrarium Class with greenSinner!" on April 21 and April 22. For more information, visit martysmarket.com.

Wigle Whiskey
2401 Smallman St.
Register for a cocktail-making class, where a local star bartender will show you how to mix cocktails like a pro, using Wigle's white whiskey as a base. You'll learn how to make two cocktails, and — most importantly — you'll get to drink them! Also, book a spot on one of the distillery tours, where you'll get to taste the good stuff and get an intimate look at how it's made. If the group tours are booked for the day you want, you can rally five friends for a private tour. By the end you'll be steeped in whiskey knowledge and Western PA Whiskey Rebellion lore! And there's even a short how-to-drink whiskey class to complete the tours. To schedule, email eric@wiglewhiskey.com, or visit wiglewhiskey.com.