Couples: Tacos & Tequila

The South is quite possibly the most delicious region in the country. It's hard not to love its fried...well, its fried everything, plus its braised vegetables and its mile-high pies and cakes. In the land of biscuits and sweet tea, life centers around mealtimes. Come learn a few of those Southern favorites, including: pimento cheese; Southern fried chicken; slow-roasted barbecue ribs; biscuits with honey butter; and braised collard greens. You will sip on sweet tea to complete your feast.

The lush, green Pacific Northwest is famous for its wild salmon, oysters and beers, but that's just the tip of the gastronomic iceberg. Its forests are home to mushrooms and berries that turn up in countless recipes. Cedar planks become grilling beds for fish, meat and vegetables, imparting them with the unmistakable flavor of the Northwest. You will learn how to use these techniques and ingredients to make: Pacific oysters with mignonette; pan seared salmon with crispy skin and blackberry sauce; sautéed mushrooms and herbs; salt-and-vinegar potatoes; and kale, hazelnut and goat cheese salad. You will enjoy those with a selection of wines from the region.

Braising - searing at a high temperature, then finishing in a liquid at a lower temperature to infuse flavor - can add umami and more to pretty much any meal! And the best part is, it creates tender, juicy dishes with a minimum of effort. We'll master this technique as we make a braised banquet of: Guinness-braised short ribs with creamy polenta; braised chicken thighs with mushrooms and balsamic vinegar and braised fennel.

Chef Herve Mallivert takes you on a “voyage gastronomique” in this hands-on class highlighting Lyonnaise cuisine. Your journey begins with an exploration of Lyonnaise ingredients and techniques that includes rare insights from Chef Herve, a native son of Lyon and a longtime leader of Michelin-starred kitchens throughout France. You will then transform two classic Lyonnaise recipes into dishes fit for fine dining: 1) Quenelle of Pike with Crayfish Emulsion, Roasted Morel and Tarragon Oil; and 2) 24-Hour Braised Short Ribs with Smoked Truffle Cream of Parsnip, Roasted Pearl Onion and Bacon Crisp.