The Great New York Steakhouse II

The flavorful cuisine of Cuba reflects the country’s Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. From cooling ceviche to hearty ropa vieja, these influences manifest themselves in an array of seafood and meat preparations, not to mention unforgettable side dishes that will make you wonder why you didn't cook Cuban sooner. You will make ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in tomato sauce); pescado enchilado (sea bass in sofrito); frijoles negros (black beans Cuban-style); rice and tostones (savory fried plantains).

Before heading out to your local sushi bar for your next date night, come to ICE to learn how to create your own sushi and sake bar at home. Together, you'll start by learning the basics of how to make the foundation of all sushi: delicious, seasoned rice. You'll then create a variety of sushi accoutrements, along with vegetables and raw fish. Finally, you'll learn to make traditional hand rolls, maki, futomaki, and nigiri, before sitting down to eat with a refreshing glass of Japanese sake or a cucumber-sake cooler.

ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, pulls out all the stops for this very special Valentine's Day celebration. For this delightful class, you will dine on a variety of hors d'oeuvres along with a select group of wines. Your evening begins with a discussion of the origin and making of sparkling wine, while tasting various examples --- from non-vintage to vintage to rosé. The highlight of the tasting features a prestige cuvée Champagne paired with an American challenger. The class rounds out with students enjoying a buffet of classic luxury food matches while indulging in additional bubbly, making for a sparkling evening you'll always remember.

Do you need an antidote for the cold weather? Can that antidote never be too rich or too flavorful? How about spending a whole evening with lush red wines from around the world and hearty cheeses that match them? Richard Vayda, ICE's director of wine studies, will discuss cheesemaking and cheese service, as well as red wine and food pairing, as you sip and eat the evening away. We'll taste at least eight wines, plus matching cheeses.