1. Ayesha's Kitchen. At Ayesha D'Mello's Kendall home, students are encouraged to steer away from take-out and learn how to cook their own curry from scratch. Highlights include classic Indian cuisine, vegetarian delights, and Indian and Mexican mashups. Three-hour lessons cost $85 and are followed by a family-style meal in D'Mello's backyard. She offers 25 classes a year, as well as online and private lessons. 9105 SW 115th Ter., Miami; 305-254-0693; ayeshaskitchen.com.
2. Biltmore Culinary Academy. During a limited number of classes per year, the Biltmore's cooking school covers a wide range of topics, from Asian street food to Latin, Italian, and chocolate. Learn the basics and whip up a few recipes before diving into some wine and a family-style meal. Prices start at $100. 200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 305-913-3131; biltmorehotel.com.
3. La Cucina at La Centrale. Risotto, pizza, pasta, and cannolis are part of La Centrale's monthly roster of cooking classes at La Cucina. Inside a multipurpose demonstration kitchen on La Centrale's third floor, a small group of attendees creates made-from-scratch dishes while sipping wine and nibbling on small bites. La Cucina also hosts free weekend cooking classes for kids. Admission starts at $50. 601 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-720-2401; lacentralemiami.com.
Students work with Norman Van Aken at In the Kitchen.
Courtesy of In the Kitchen with Norman Van Aken
5. The Wynwood Yard. Strap on an apron and learn how to make a wholesome meal at the Yard Box, a repurposed shipping container outfitted with cooking stations. Some of Miami's best chefs — from MadLab's Soraya Kilgore to Genuine Hospitality's Michael Schwartz — teach intimate groups how to create sustainable recipes using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Admission starts at $50. 56 NW 29th St., Miami; 305-351-0366; thewynwoodyard.com.
