The Culinary Center of Kansas City
This is like a playground for foodies. If you are into food, whether it be eating, cooking, drinking, learning or all of the above, this place is for you.
The Culinary Center of Kansas City is a unique food venue in downtown Overland Park. This little gem offers more than just cooking classes and I am in love with this concept.
I first stumbled upon The Culinary Center of Kansas City a few months ago when I was researching some information on cooking classes. Needless to say, it caught my attention. I was finally able to make the time for a class and will now make it a priority, it was so much fun! The class I took was called “Not Your Nana’s Gnocchi!” and it was great. I remember tasting gnocchi for the first time at Lidia’s Kansas City restaurant a few years ago and thinking “This stuff is amazing, I would love to know how to make it.” Of course I have been a gnocchi lover for a few years now and will order it whenever I see it on a menu. I was interested in the class from the start, but I couldn’t believe my luck when I learned the instructor was Chef Cody Hogan, Chef de Cuisine at Lidia’s restaurant. How could I not go?!! That is where I first fell in love with the dish.
It turns out that it’s pretty simple. It was a great evening getting to have Chef Cody cook for us. During the demonstration, as things were prepared, we got to taste and sample the dishes: YUM!! After the demo we made our way to the cooking station to unleash what we had just learned. Chef Cody came around to check our progress, and he was a wonderful instructor.
Next on my list of classes (I want to take are ALL OF THEM.. but just to name a few) would be, A Sicilian in the Kitchen featuring Jasper Mirabiles of Jaspers restaurant and The Intensive on Spring Vegetables with Chef Cody Hogan, Chef de Cuisine at Lidia’s, Tropical Summer Desserts with Chef Megan Garrelts, owner of the award winning bluestem restaurant. I may even try to get my husband to go the Cooking for Couples “Date Night Dinner for 2”.
But wait, there’s more…
Besides offering all different types of amazing cooking classes with great local and national chefs (Sarah Moulton is scheduled to teach there in June, they offer…
Wine and specialty themed dinners
Tuesday Staff Lunch – Each Tuesday from 11:30-1:30 it is “open to the public” Staff Lunch where you get an incredible lunch at a great price. You eat whatever the chefs make. It is a full lunch including drink and dessert. It is served until the food is gone.
Teambuilding Events – Your group will work together to build trust, develop plans of action, work toward a common goal and celebrate their accomplishments.
Private Events – Let the Culinary Center host your next event.
Kitchenology – A culinary retail shop
Dinners on Demand – Chef prepared frozen dishes
Two special events coming up are:
Saturday, April 10th: Downtown Dinner Club – Just show up anytime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. and we’ll serve you a “Chef’s Choice” dinner! You’ll be seated “European-style” at community tables where you can converse with friends or meet new ones.
Cost is $25 per person
(Includes full dinner with dessert and nonalcoholic beverages; serving anytime between 6:00-9:00 p.m. only on Saturday 4/10/10; no advance reservations accepted; this is a “walk-in” event only; first-come, first-served … until the food runs out!)
Thursday, April 8th 6:30- 9:30 – Party with a Purpose
All hands on deck for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience benefiting two Kansas City non-profits: Unicorn Theatre and SAVE, Inc. This might be the only time in history when there’s no such thing as “too many cooks in the kitchen.” Attendees will exercise their culinary muscles as we roll up our sleeves and work together to prepare wholesome, delicious meals for the residents of SAVE, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides housing for those living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet meal, complete with wine; a hands-on cooking experience with an award-winning chef; and an unlimited supply of warm fuzzies knowing they’ve helped brighten the lives of others.
Cost is $100. Per person; maximum 75 guests
For more information visit www.unicorntheatre.org/spring.htm
Ok, KC. You will be missing out on that culinary playground if you do not check out at least one of the many things The Kansas City Culinary Center has to offer. Here is where to find out about all of the cooking classes and everything else they offer www.kcculinary.com
And as always KC, if you think there is something in the KC food scene I am missing, Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm