Cooking Classes in Charlotte

Primarily because of the Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts opening in Uptown, and partly because of Charlotte's growth over the last 10 years, the Queen City is quickly becoming known as one of the top culinary destinations in the South. While earning a full culinary degree is an option, you don't have to spend years to pick up a few tricks. There are plenty of options for cooking classes in Charlotte, most of these led by local chefs or food instructors.

Chef's Choice at Johnson & Wales
980-598-1431

Designed to appeal to cooks of any skill level, the Chef's Choice series at Johnson & Wales University is a hands-on class taught by a professional instructor. They even have individual classes for a specific style of cooking and different skill levels. Visit their official site for schedule information and pricing.

The Gallery Restaurant
704-248-4100

Usually held every month, the Gallery Cooking School features a different theme each time (for example, one month may be a meal made from locally grown products). Under the direction of Chef J. Kelly Morrow and Executive Sous Chef David Moore, this class is an engaging, educational and interactive class for all levels. The cost is $75 per session, and reservations are required. The Gallery also provides a "Junior Chef's Academy" geared towards children.

Cooking Uptown
704-333-7300

Located in the Elizabeth neighborhood, Cooking Uptown is a specialty cookware store that also provides classes to expand your cooking horizons. From executive chefs to the stay at home mom, Cooking Uptown provides classes specific to your needs.

Reid's Fine Foods
704-377-1312 The Uptown location of Reid's closed in the summer of 2010, and many people feared their favorite culinary destination was lost. It's reopened in Myers Park, however, and the excellent food is still there and the cooking classes are still on. The location is brand new, so a schedule hasn't been announced on the website, but I have been assured that the classes will continue. Check with Reid's for more information on scheduling and pricing.

Harper's Restaurant Cooking Classes
Harper's Group owns several restaurants in Charlotte, including Mimosa Grill Uptown, Upstream at Southpark and Zinc, also at Southpark. The classes are held Saturdays, and they're spread out among the three restaurants, so there's a class three weeks every month. The classes are only $35, and are taught by the head chef at each location, with a different theme each week.

Williams-Sonoma
704-364-8886 (Southpark)
704-895-8331 (Birkdale)
Twice a month, Williams-Sonoma stores offer cooking classes in their stores, featuring a new theme each week. Each 90 minute to 2 hour class includes a cooking demonstration, samples of featured dishes and printed recipes to take home. Fees do vary by location, so check with your local store to be sure. Reservations are required. There are two stores in the Charlotte area: one in Southpark and one at Birkdale Village.