Brunch & Punch

Sushi-making doesn't have to be limited to the view from a seat at your local Japanese restaurant. Bring the sushi bar home by practicing your skills at preparing nigiri (sashimi fish on top of thumb-size, compact sushi rice), perfecting the texture of rice, and learning the proper techniques to create a stellar hand roll. Once you've gotten the basics down, you will try your hand at: sushi rice; maki and futomaki rolls (both thin and thick), inside-out rolls; nigiri and temaki (hand roll).. You will soon learn that sushi is something you too can master.

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"!

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.

Learn to prepare mouthwatering versions of fresh seafood dishes, along with a range of universally useful cooking techniques. From grilling to frying to stewing, you can't go wrong with these dishes (including sides) that you might otherwise only find in restaurants. We'll even make cioppino, the mouthwatering Italian-American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco in the 1800s. Your seafaring menu includes: fried calamari with a spicy avocado dipping sauce; grilled salmon with tapenade and smashed potatoes; and cioppino (seafood stew of clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish and tomatoes).