Tapas & Tequila Weekend Cooking Class Course
Since writing my book, TEQUILA: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails and Bites, there's been a lot of buzz about tequila. The art of tequila production has become as intensely intricate as wine-making, but let's face it- wine is fun but tequila is FUN! It became such a passion of mine that I opened Copita, my first restaurant and tequileria! Tequila can be paired with many different flavors and foods. Because it's so versatile, it makes sense to serve tequila with small plates, or tapas, and gather some friends to enjoy it together. If you are ready to learn how to host a very fun and unique party with ease, join me in San Francisco for a weekend dedicated to tequila and tapas!
About the Cooking Class
In this tequila-inspired weekend cooking course, I'll teach you how to prepare some of the delicious small-plate recipes from my TEQUILA book, dishes inspired by Copita and much more. We'll cook a variety of tapas in my studio kitchen (the same one you see on TV!). We'll have hands-on cooking classes and then enjoy the dishes we've prepared with some fabulous tequila cocktail pairings. Some of the cocktail and food recipes you'll make during this weekend course include savory Chorizo Hand Pies, Seabass and Heirloom Tomato Ceviche, put together a refreshing summer Gazpacho with Drunken Prawns, delicious Smoked Trout and Tequila Quesadillas, my favorite little meatballs called Albondigas. We'll even make our own tortillas for Tacos with Chicken Tinga and Grilled Kobe Flank Steak with Chipotle Crema and Cabbage Slaw. Then we'll shake up my classic Margarita and a "Surly Temple" Cocktail that will make your hair curl just like mine! For dessert, you'll learn how to make deliciously addictive Mexican Chocolate Souffles with Tequila-Chipotle Creme Anglaise.
Each hands-on cooking class will feature recipes from my TEQUILA cookbook, and the menus are designed to highlight seasonal ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques. After reviewing the recipes together, students will divide into teams to work on recipes together.
When we are finished cooking each day, we'll sit down in my spacious dining room and enjoy hand-selected cocktail pairings with each of the dishes we've prepared.
Tequila Cocktail Pairings
You know how I feel about tequila - I wrote a book about it! A festive cocktail party or delicious meal is not complete without the perfectly shaken cocktail! We'll create a signature cocktail each class, paired with the meal we have prepared. We may also have a very special guest shaking up cocktails at one of our meals!
We will also learn more about tequila through a "vertical" flight - pouring and tasting three types of tequila: blanco, reposado, and anejo. And we'll do a horizontal tasting, taking blancos from highlands and lowlands so you can see the difference. Tasting 100% agave tequila is like tasting wine, and I'll teach you how to swirl and sniff and, of course, taste!
Cooking Class Details
After cooking during the day, you will still have plenty of time to enjoy San Francisco and all of its wonderful views and sights. We can provide a list of nearby hotels and bed & breakfasts to choose from for your stay. We can also arrange for car or taxi service from/to your hotel to the classes. We are also happy to provide a list of Joanne's favorite San Francisco tequila bars, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, shops, and farmer's market locations.
Cooking Course Details
This weekend course costs $900.00 per person. The cost includes hands-on cooking instruction, copies of all recipes, an apron, and a multi-course lunch each class day complete with tequila cocktail pairings. Full payment for the course must be included with your completed reservation form. Due to limited availability we cannot provide any refunds for cancellations.
*Note: Course fee does not include accommodations or transportation to the cooking school location or to Copita for the welcome reception.
Classes begin at 10am and finishes at approximately 3pm. Classes are limited to 10 students so everyone gets lots of personal attention and a real hands-on experience. We recommend wearing closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothes for the cooking classes.
