Pasta 101

Often overlooked by casual wine drinkers, this ancient grape-growing and winemaking area is a star in many enthusiasts’ cellars. Passing back and forth between Germany and France several times throughout history, Alsace's Germanic influence in grape varieties and labeling is clear, but the French style of the wines shines through. While featuring fragrant dry Rieslings, Alsace offers many other charms, including delicate Pinot Noirs, sparkling Crémant d’Alsace, and other luscious late-harvest examples. Join Richard Vayda, ICE's resident sommelier, on an exploration of the history, wine regulations, labeling and, most important, wines of this classic wine region. The class will sample nine or more wines, accompanied by matching snacks.

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.

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).

Join an ICE Pastry Chef to learn the secrets behind perfect pâte à choux-based desserts. This versatile dough can take all sorts of shapes and sizes, for end-results that look complicated and impressive but are in reality easy to make. Your recipe list includes eclairs with chocolate glaze and chocolate pastry cream and cream puffs with vanilla pastry cream.