Couples: Tuscan Favorites

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.

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).

Sharpen your shellfish butchery skills in Knife Skills 4! This hands-on class teaches you the techniques required to prepare a seafood feast. Learn to handle and break down lobster (and make a refreshing lobster salad), and master the art of shucking oysters and clams (and enjoy oysters with mignonette and a modern Clams Casino). You’ll also make succulent Shrimp Scampi and perfectly crisp Fried Calamari. Elevate your culinary confidence and impress friends with your newfound shellfish prowess!

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.