If you’re a foodie who’s planning to visit the Big Easy, you’ve got to check out The New Orleans School of Cooking! They’ve been introducing visitors to the food and culture of New Orleans since 1980 by way of very entertaining cooking classes. Like almost everything else in the French Quarter, the building the school is housed in is steeped in history. best new Orleans cooking classes
It was originally a molasses warehouse in the early 1800s. (I’m pretty sure this entire city is super haunted from all of the folklore I learned on this trip, but that’s for another blog post!) The school’s unforgettable cooking classes are taught by Cajun and Creole experts who share the basics of Louisiana Cooking and area trivia at the same time. I took one of these classes with my daughter on our recent vacation and we loved it! best new Orleans cooking classes
The school hosts both open demonstration classes and hands-on classes daily. We opted for the two-hour demonstration, where our teacher, Julie, made mouth-watering crab bisque soup, seafood creole, pralines, and bananas foster. New Orleans School of Cooking
It was all so good, but you know Reese and I usually love dessert the best! There are so many different dishes served there that the particular classes you book might have other options on the daily menu. Check the calendar online ahead of time. New Orleans School of Cooking
The entire class got to try the items made, served with a local brew (for the adults, of course) and some bread, and we took home the recipes, too (not that I have the faith that I can recreate these incredible dishes on my own). Julie explained the vibrant history of Louisiana cuisine as she whipped up all of those awesome items. New Orleans School of Cooking
The New Orleans School of Cooking also hosts private parties and team building challenges, which could be really fun! Imagine participating in a cooking competition with your coworkers as a way to break up the daily grind? New Orleans School of Cooking
They’ve also got a new program just for kids because studies show that cooking teaches math skills, real-life science, encourages adventurous eaters, and most of all…it’s fun! If you or your child participates in a hands-on class, you can even request a diploma! best new Orleans cooking classes
After your class, browse the Louisiana General Store, for the best locally sourced products that the chefs at the school actually use in the recipes taught. They’ve got a full line of Cajun and Creole spices, cookware, gift baskets, and their famous seasoning, Joe’s Stuff. Don’t want to weigh down your suitcase? They’ve got an online store, too. New Orleans School of Cooking
Overall, we not only left with full bellies, but with a true history lesson. The class was a blast, and I’ve yet to encounter a single person who didn’t enjoy their experience there. There’s a reason even celebrities, like the Property Brothers, make it a point to try their hand at these classes. So try your hand at savory shrimp etouffee or traditional chicken creole on your next trip to NOLA. best new Orleans cooking classes
