Meet the Culinary Entrepreneurs: Marissa F. Ain

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).

A tender, flaky and light crust is what often separates a good pie from a great one. In this class, experienced ICE pastry chefs teach you how to make that elusive perfect pie crust --- great for sweet or savory pies. Under their expert instruction, you’ll learn the same techniques and tips used by ICE career pastry grads at New York's top restaurants. You'll make and work with pâte brisée --- which you'll then use to make your very own double crust apple pie from scratch.

These exciting holiday dishes are ideal for accompanying delicious craft cocktails, providing a mouthwatering focus for any cosmopolitan gathering! Join us to make small bites and spreads that will amp up your holiday parties and go perfectly with some tipples. Together, we'll make and enjoy pumpkin spice snack mix; ricotta and cranberry jam crostini; duck fat marinated olives; roasted carrot dip with vegetable crudité; grilled lamb chops with yogurt sauce; cider sangria and a Manhattan.

Japanese cuisine is a sophisticated affair, where the aesthetics of the final dish are as important as its taste. Sushi, tempura and shabu-shabu are among its most common exports, but only offer a small glimpse at the richness and variety of dishes found throughout the country. This class will offer you an overview of the foods of Japan, along with a discussion of ingredients and equipment. You will make dashi broth and miso soup; beef negimaki; pork katsudon with rice; and shrimp and vegetable tempura.