Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/644028
harlotte's culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new must-try eateries popping up at every turn. But if your own kitchen abilities are more along the lines of "pour water into Ramen cup; put cup in microwave," take to the Queen City's cooking class or food tour scene. There's no shortage of seasoned foodies who can help you step up your culinary game. C When traveling with one of Charlotte's culinary tour groups, like FEAST Food Tours, your guide is like your foodie best friend who always knows where to grab the best bite. Let your docent guide you on themed expeditions through various Charlotte neighborhoods. For kids who beg for their own Cuisinart tools, Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio, which offers workshops for children as young as 2 1/5, is the ideal outlet. Want to explore Charlotte's locally owned gastronomical havens? Tour De Food teaches you about local history and architecture as you sample your way through the city's eclectic culinary offerings. THREE TO SEE 1 2 3 JOIN THE CHEF'S TABLE If you've dined at Mimosa Grill, Upstream or Harper's, you're familiar with the delicious dishes created by the well-respected chefs at these Charlotte favorites. Try Harper's Restaurant Group's cooking classes to learn tips directly from the chefs. You'll leave class fueled with everything from sushi-making secrets to well-kept tips on perfecting pizza. LEARN FROM THE PROS Chef Alyssa's Kitchen, helmed by culinary pro Alyssa Gorelick, offers classes whose curriculum spans fve different ability levels, so there's always something new to discover, regardless of your skills. Classes incorporate healthy, unique ingredients that you've likely never thought to stock on your shelves. Or you can slice, dice, bake and boil under the instruction of culinary expert, food blogger and restaurant critic Heidi Billotto. Billotto offers regular cooking classes in her home kitchen and occasionally on local farms, all with a focus on locally grown farm-to-fork fare. Looking to entertain? Schedule a private cooking class planned especially for you and up to 15 of your food-centric friends at heidibillottofood.com. WATCH AND LEARN Salud! Cooking School at Whole Foods in South Park allows aspiring chefs of all ages to try their hands in the kitchen. Prefer to sit back and watch the pros get to work while you fre questions their way? Check out one of the demonstration classes. FOR MORE ADVENTURES IN CHARLOTTE VISIT, CHARLOTTESGOTALOT.COM/FOLLOWYOURPASSION CHEF ALYSSA'S KITCHEN FEAST FOOD TOURS MARCH 2016 37