Essential Skills

This class is for the serious food enthusiast! ICE Boot Camps give you the opportunity to learn how to cook like the pros. This four-day Boot Camp focuses on classic cooking techniques, to give you the foundations that will make you a better cook. On day one, you will learn how to properly sauté meats, vegetables and potatoes and look for the signs of "doneness." Pan sauces will also be covered. On day two, we will focus on grilling. You will learn the methods for grilling a variety of meats and why specific cuts and types of meat are best suited for this cooking method. Best practices for grilling various vegetables will also be taught, along with the art of marinades. On day three we will cover roasting techniques for various types of meats and veggies. You will also learn the simple pleasures of preparing reduction sauces. On the final day, we will cover moist-heat cooking methods. The topics will be braising as well as poaching and steaming to create delicious results. These gentle cooking methods result in moist and delicious meats as well as fish, shellfish and vegetables.

Much more than just Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, these two relatively recent world wine powerhouses make some of the most delicious wines available, in every category and every style. This tasting with ICE’s resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, explores the regions' no-holds-barred range of wines---from big, fruity reds to nuanced Pinot Noirs to traditionally produced sparkling wines. A look at each country’s geography, labeling, and complementing cheeses will be included. You'll explore the world’s quintessential winemaking regions in depth. Learn what makes each terroir unique, the characteristics of New and Old World vintages, and the definitive grapes and blends that make each region deserving of special attention. Along with each wine, you'll taste a selection of cheeses from that region, tastily illustrating the culinary adage: "What grows together, goes together"!

From bibimbap to bulgogi, the signature dishes of Korea have seduced America with intoxicating flavors. Sweet-spicy flavor combos are popular, as are the vegetables, meat and seafood that are featured in main dishes as well as in banchan, the Korean assortment of side dishes that appears in most traditional meals. You will learn to make dakgangjeong (hot chicken wings); bulgogi (grilled seasoned sliced beef) with assorted banchan; and bibimbap (seasoned vegetable rice bowl).

Learn everything you need to know to recreate that quintessential New York staple, the bagel! Make everything you love about brunch, from the fixings to the bagels to the boozy beverages. We'll make: bagels (in multiple flavors: everything, salt, sesame, poppy seed); bagel fixings (scallion cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, capers, lox); whitefish salad; and Bloody Marys to wash it all down.