Back-to-school doesn't have to mean an end to fun. It's time to play with your food, and we don't mean spaghetti sculptures of Fluffy the poodle.
Metrozoo and Crazy Pianos are both hosting one-time events for the kid in all of us.
Metrozoo (12400 SW 152nd St; Flooded Forest Room at Amazon and Beyond)
A certain Short Order blogger used to teach a kids' cooking class at Ariana's cooking school when Ms. Kumpis still had the business, and boy was it fun. Pillsbury biscuits morphed into pizza bunnies and chicken tenders got a coating of crunchy corn flakes. The kids loved it almost as much as your blogger did.
This class, presented by Taste of the Wild (zoo catering) and The Budding Cook on September 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, takes prep to the next level, featuring "age-appropriate recipes that are fun to make, nutritious to eat, and a true learning experience for kids." In addition to learning about other cultures, they get invaluable lessons on teamwork, and time management -- even math, science and food history! The fun part is proudly going home to cook meals that can be shared with friends and family. Trust us, they will! Members: $32.95 per child age 3-12 plus tax (children two and under are free), $13.95 plus tax per adult; Non-members: $39.95 per child age 3-12 plus tax (children two and under are free), $19.95 plus tax per adult; Includes: Zoo admission, all supplies and food for each child, and monorail all-day pass; Please contact the Group Sales Department at 305-251-0400, ext. 84940 before September 23, 2009, to reserve your place. Advance reservations are required and space is limited.
Crazy Pianos (3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, (305) 567-2462)
The dueling piano concept that originated in Holland is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Shake-A-Leg Miami. On Sunday September 13 between 2 and 7 p.m, 20 percent of all food and beverage sales will go to the community-based aquatic activities center, which serves able bodied individuals as well as those with physical, developmental, and economic challenges. Family activities include face painting, caricatures, and balloon animals with the backdrop of live music. And yes, there's the aptly named "Crazy Kids" menu, too.