Ever since listening to The Rise Podcast’s episode on the importance of date nights, we’ve tried to do better about making them happen. While once a week would be ideal, we are feeling pretty pleased with 2-3 times a month right now. We discovered that while we both love a good meal out, we have more fun when we have an activity to do together. Last date night we went to Frankie’s and played laser tag. This time, we signed up for a cooking class at Sur La Table!
A cooking class is something we’ve wanted to do again for a while. We took a class with Chef Alyssa six years ago (my, how my photography has improved…) and loved it. Since then I’ve had my eye on Sur La Table. Sur La Table offers cooking classes that range from cupcake decorating and essential knife skills to Italian pasta from scratch and Thai food.
Originally I had planned on making it a Valentine’s Day themed date, but their classes book up quickly, so it got pushed back for us until March. We didn’t mind, especially because we ended up choosing a menu we both were really excited about. The class was called Celebrating the French Quarter and the menu consisted of:
- Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
- Classic Shrimp and Grits
- Bay Leaf Perfect Steamed Rice
- Old School Bananas Foster.
Our Sur La Table is right next to Whole Foods so before our class we ran in to snag a bottle of wine.
We were not the only ones with this idea. As we arrived and chose our work stations, participants pulled bottles of wine out of their bags left and right. Sur La Table offered a tray of crackers and cheese upon arrival, as well as water, wine glasses, and a Nespresso machine for our enjoyment.
We wasted no time securing a cooking station, introducing ourselves to our table mates (it was their first date night away from their new baby!), pouring ourselves a glass of wine, and tying on our aprons.
There was a main instructor, but probably 2-3 other helpers on staff that made the experience really easy and enjoyable. The first 20 minutes were spent socializing, pouring drinks, snacking on cheese, and checking out the ingredients. Then we got down to business.
We worked in teams of four. There was a task for everyone, but nothing too overwhelming, so the flow was easy and enjoyable. The instructor walked us through each step and offered tips along the way. For example, when reading a recipe, chopped means large, bulky pieces, diced means small to medium sized pieces, and minced means the tiniest pieces.
Each station had an induction cook top which was a new experience for me. It was amazing how quickly it cooked the food and before long the aroma of sizzling bacon and onion filled the room.
It was such a fun-filled environment. Our table mates were wonderful and it was a nice change of pace to have another couple to chat it up with. It could definitely be as interactive or as private as you want the experience to be, but for us, we enjoyed the jovial group dynamic and bubbly atmosphere.
The cooking took maybe 60-90 minutes, then they offer for you to walk around the store while they plate the meals and clean the dishes. (Cooking with no clean up?! It’s my dream.)
It only took 15 minutes or so for them to set up the food. We came back in to dine at our stations and inhaled the delicious meal we had made.
The food was SO scrumptious, but I wouldn’t have minded a slightly larger portion. I devoured all of mine and still ate a slice of pizza when I got back home.
But back to the class-
after the main course, it was dessert time. David volunteered to flambe for us, and though he nearly singed off his eyebrows, he thoroughly enjoyed playing with fire. And the bananas foster turned out to be delectable. Of course, I imagine it is hard to really mess up vanilla ice cream, bananas, sugar, and cinnamon.
All in all, the night lasted about 2 1/2 hours and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I’d love to do it again with friends and other couples. it would make a great birthday outing!
While in store we noticed the Nespresso machines were on super sale (they still are, FYI!). With the sale and our extra 10% off coupon we ended up buying this Nespresso machine to replace our Keurig. If you’ve ever tried the Nespresso machine, I don’t need to tell you just how incredible the coffee and espresso is. It’s next level and we are psyched to have one now.
We also left with a new garlic peeler, which was a tool we used during the class and deemed worthy, especially for as much as I use fresh garlic!
This was one of our favorite date nights we’ve ever done, so if you’ve been eyeing it, too, I highly recommend it. My biggest takeaways and tips from our experience are:
- sign up well in advanced, as they book up quickly
- bring your own beverage of choice (they supply corkscrews and wine glasses)
- take advantage of the cheese and cracker plate, as the portions of meals are adequate, but not large
- wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will be on your feet the whole time
Have you gone on a date night that you absolutely loved?
Please tell me about it in the comments!
We are always looking for new, fun things to try!
Erin says
We also love date nights that involve doing an activity together; it is always fun to experience something new together. We haven’t done a cooking class, but need to add it to our list! Before kids we would cook together, but these days that is much more difficult. Some activities we have done in the past are a trapeze class, ropes course, escape room and indoor skydiving. I am looking forward to seeing what activities that others suggest.
Brittany Dixon says
I want to do an escape room so badly! We’ve never done one. Can you show up as a couple or do you need to bring your own group?
We’ve done a ropes course before and agree- that was a ton of fun!
Erin says
The escape room near us has a “date room” designed for 2 people. So it was perfect. Not sure how it would work for the bigger rooms. I wouldn’t want to do it with a random group I didn’t know, but I’d also bet that if you signed up for one then a group wouldn’t pick it if they saw there were already 2 people signed up. It was definitely a fun way to work together.
montessoriishmom says
This sounds so fun! I got a Nespresso machine for Christmas a few years ago and it has become my number one favorite kitchen appliance – love it so much!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t usually drink much coffee but now that I’m making coconut almond lattes, I can see a new habit forming… π
John J. Stathas says
Glad you guys continue to nurture your relationship with fun date nights. One of the reasons y’all have such a good marriage. Food looks good. Perhaps David will show off his banana foster recipe with us at the Big Shebang! π
Laura says
Looks like a ton of fun and takes me back to my culinary school days! Also, I used to run the bananas foster station at The Broadmoor Sunday brunch buffet (back in ’99)… good times!
Jill says
You look so happy, thin and pretty in these pics! Looks like a lot of fun. π
Melissa says
such a cute date night!!
Anna says
Brittany, I know this is random, but Iβve been a super long-time reader and you just get more beautiful with age! Your long hair really suits you and you just generally look like youβre glowing from the inside right now. So healthy and happy. You inspire me to be a better parent, wife, and make healthy, balanced choices for myself and my family.
Glad you had a fun date ππ
Brittany Dixon says
Anna, I’ll take a random comment like this any day! Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to write them out. It means so much to me! <3
Michelle says
This looks like it was so much fun! Quick question.. was there anything in the class that made it specifically a “date night”? I only ask because my friend and I have been wanting to do one of their french cooking classes but the ones they have near me are all advertised as “date night”.We are just two friends looking to learn how to make some french dishes!
Brittany Dixon says
It made for a fun date night, but nothing about it was specific to a date. There was a duo of friends, a mother daughter team, etc. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!