The Sculpted Cake

Take a page from one of the world's most romantic countries (and cuisines) as you and your partner produce flavor-packed French favorites and gain new culinary knowledge. We'll make a complete meal that highlights the best ingredients and preparations France has to offer, including: tuna niçoise tartine; butter lettuce salad with radish and avocado in a creamy lemon-dijon dressing; coq au vin and pommes aligot.

This two-session class, crafted by ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, is tailored to the wine novice who wants a quick, fun and basic introduction to the world of the grape. You'll learn the fundamentals of wine, wine tasting and appreciation, which will start you on the road to critically judging wine color, aroma, flavor and body. You’ll discover the meaning of such wine concepts as dryness, acidity, fruitiness, tannins, varietals, vintages and more. Participants interested in continuing their exploration of wine are encouraged to go on to Wine Essentials. We'll taste up to 18 wines, plus matching cheeses.

Of the many steakhouses in the U.S., few have a “signature dish.” Among those that do, their claims to fame range from sides and sweets to the steaks themselves. In this cooking class, you’ll prepare a multi-course meal of signature dishes from America’s most renowned steakhouses. Recipes include: chopped salad with hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, and blue cheese from Morton's in Chicago; skirt steak with red wine mojo and orange salsa from Chef Allen's in Aventura, Florida; German-style hash brown potatoes from Peter Luger in Brooklyn, New York; plus mushrooms and onions from Morton's.

Knowing how to use knives skillfully is the foundation of all cooking, and doesn't have to be scary or frustrating. Many home and even professional cooks don't always wield a knife correctly, however, which increases food preparation time and makes the process harder --- and less safe --- than it should be. Simply put, good knives are the foundation of a well-equipped kitchen. This class remedies all these basic issues: You will learn how to slice, dice, chop, and much more in the safest and most efficient manner. This class will even guide you through the practice of keeping your knives sharp and handling them correctly.