The college's North Miami campus is opening its doors for the first time in many years to the public. The school, which trained some of Miami's brightest stars, including Sugarcane's Timon Balloo, Cena by Michy's Michelle Bernstein, and Pubbelly's Jose Mendin, is hosting a series of cooking and wine education classes. Each session concentrates on a different culinary theme or wine varietal, and all classes are held in the university's state-of-the-art learning kitchens and led by the school's professors.
JWU's dean of culinary education, Bruce Ozga, says the school had offered classes in the past and decided to revive the program after receiving numerous requests. "We get calls just about every day by people looking for cooking classes, so we're bringing it back by popular demand."
Ozga says that although the classes are taught in much the same way as the school's university-level studies, there's no need to feel intimidated if you're a novice in the kitchen. "There are no requirements as to how much anyone cooks or doesn't cook."
According to the dean, each cooking class starts with an overview by the chief instructor, who will lead students and get them set up with an apron, hat, and tools. The instructor will go over the recipes, and current JWU culinary assistants will act as teaching assistants to lend a hand. "They're not flying solo. There's always someone guiding them along."
After the cooking is done, everyone will gather to enjoy the meal, paired with wine, and talk. "We want people to talk about the food, what went well, and what could have been better so that they can continue to learn and work on their skills." Classes range in scope from cooking a quick family meal to baking your own bread and making chocolate truffles.
The wine classes will start with a presentation of the varietals to be featured, leading into a tasting of those wines, paired with food. Featured varietals include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz/Grenache, and Riesling.
Ozga says the university plans to expand its community education programs in the near future. Plans are in the works to offer a culinary kids' camp in the summer and expand the consumer classes beginning next academic year, this September.
The dean adds that the school works with corporations and groups to tailor private wine appreciation and cooking classes for groups as small as ten. "We've done many corporate team-building exercises, and we also cater to groups of people who just want to have a great time, cook a meal, and drink wine."
Classes start at $100 per person and include all materials (including wine pairings for cooking classes and food pairings for wine classes). You must be at least 16 years of age for cooking classes and at least 21 for wine classes. Register for all classes at academics.jwu.edu/chefs-choice, or contact Irene
Resolution of Healthy
January 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$100 per person
Nutritionist and chef Barbara Kamp will lead hands-on experimentation with healthy cooking techniques, ingredients, and modifying recipes.
Cupid’s Roast
February 13
6:30 to 10 p.m.
$125 per person / $225 per couple
Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a four-course French meal taught by one of JWU’s own French instructors. Learn regional French flavors, herbs, and spices, and end the meal with a champagne toast.
1 - 2 - Dinner’s Ready!
March 19
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$100 per person
Learn to make several quick meals, all prepped and cooked in 30 minutes.
Chocolate
April 2
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$100 per person
This class will start with a tasting of chocolate so you can better understand the different kinds available. Then be prepared to use your hands and make your own ganache, truffles, and more.
It’s Alive!
May 14
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$100 per person
Learn the basics of yeast dough to make rolls, loaves, and pizza dough. The class is taught by JWU’s certified master baker, Michael Angnardo.
WINE SERIES
All About Pinot Noir
January 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$125 per person
All About Sauvignon Blanc
February 20
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$125 per person
All About Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
March 19
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$125 per person
All About Syrah/Shiraz/Grenache
April 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$125 per person
All About Riesling
May 14
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$125 per person
WSET Foundation’s Award Level I
January 30
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$250 per person
April 23
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$250 per person