Big Easy Surf and Turf

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 have a spice blend in your cabinet that you picked up on vacation, but you're not sure how to use it? If you're one of those people, or a cook who would like to incorporate spice blends into your culinary repertoire, then come to ICE for this educational class. We'll travel around the globe as you learn to create spice blends like: Indian masala; Jamaican jerk seasoning; French herbes de provence; and Moroccan ras el hanout. You will then use these aromatic spice blends to prepare: Provençal vegetable gratin; jerk chicken wings; and cauliflower tikka masala.

Whether you like your pizza with a thick or a thin crust, with tons of sauce or no tomato at all, this class will give you a repertoire that includes just about everyone’s favorite. You’ll start by learning to make pizza dough, and while the dough is rising, prepare various toppings. You’ll learn the best baking techniques and work hands-on to make the following: pizza dough; tomato sauce; pesto sauce; pizza toppings including prosciutto, fresh herbs and sautéed vegetables; and dessert pizza with Nutella and fresh fruit.

Georgian cuisine is finally being recognized for its variety, and the depth of flavors and techniques that characterize its unique culinary traditions. Given the country's location at the exact intersection of Europe and Asia, influences from both cultures have informed the dishes that the region is known for. From the banks of the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, the land provides herbs, nuts and vegetables used in all aspects of its culinary traditions. You’ll become acquainted with the new "it" cuisine as you prepare: adjaruli khachapuri (cheese bread); nigvziani badrijani (stuffed eggplant rolls); tabaka (chicken cooked "under a brick") with blackberry sauce; and chakapuli (braised lamb with tarragon sauce).