Do a deep dive into Japanese food culture with self-taught home cook Paul Young as we survey the amazing flavors of this world-class cuisine. We'll be cooking up a variety of noodle, fish, and meat dishes as well as a selection of unique delicacies and side dishes in this series of three classes.
Delightfully simple, easy to prepare, and full of wonderful flavors, Japanese cuisine is renowned for its beautiful presentation and its unique dining rituals. In this hands-on series, we'll learn how to break down the flavor principles of each Japanese specialty, deconstruct recipes and experiment with variations on age-old traditions.
Students will have the opportunity to watch demos and participate in the preparation of our dinner party. Do come hungry and thirsty because we’ll be cooking and tasting at the same time. The tuition also includes Japanese beer and sake tastings all evening long.
Students will leave each session with easy-to-follow recipes of all the dishes on the menu. These recipes have all been adapted for the typical home cook and contain many tips & tricks to help minimize your time in the kitchen while staying true to the spirit of the original flavors profiles.
All menu items below will use locally-sourced ingredients but are subject to change based on availability of fresh ingredients at local markets.
Sign up for one class or all three in this series!
Ramen vs Udon vs Soba Class
The Japanese have elevated noodle cuisine to new heights with a wide range of broths and dipping sauces as well as an infinite variety of soup ingredients and toppings. In this session, we'll examine three different approaches to eating noodles the Japanese way.
- Miso Ramen
- Seafood Udon Noodle Soup
- Cold Soba Noodles with Dipping Sauce
- Special side dish: Gyoza (Potsickers)
$60/person with $10 OFF promo code for Co-op Owners. Apply promo code: OWNER
Limited seating available - only 10 seats per class. Ticket includes class plus tasting menu. Must be 21+ to partake in alcoholic beverage tasting. No refunds due to limited space, but waiting list will be made available once tickets are sold out.
Yakitori vs Kushiyaki vs Shioyaki Class
There's an art to grilling and the Japanese have mastered it. Using bamboo skewers, we'll be making a variety of meat and veggie kebabs and experimenting with different marinade recipes as well as dipping sauces. Expect traditional chicken skewers as well as some exotic ingredients and a few "mystery meat" surprises for the daring diner.
- Yakitori (Skewered Chicken)
- Kushiyaki (Skewered Meats and Vegetables)
- Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Fish)
- Special side dish: Edamame (Green Soybeans)
$60/person with $10 OFF promo code for Co-op Owners. Apply promo code: OWNER
Limited seating available - only 10 seats per class. Ticket includes class plus tasting menu. Must be 21+ to partake in alcoholic beverage tasting. No refunds due to limited space, but a waiting list will be made available once tickets are sold out.
Sushi vs Sashimi vs Chirashi Class
Tonight, you'll be the sushi chef of your own sushi bar where you'll prepare a feast with "today's catch" using a variety of traditional ingredients. You'll design your own maki rolls and share them with your classmates. Prizes will be awarded for the most interesting creations and the best presentation. Our feast will also include classic side dishes commonly served at sushi bars. The tuition includes your very own sushi mat and chopsticks which you can take home at the end of the session.
- Omakase Sushi Feast (Chef's Choice)
- Tuna Tataki
- Tsukemono (Sunomono and other pickled things)
- Chawanmushi (Steamed Custard)
$60/person with $10 OFF promo code for Co-op Owners. Apply promo code: OWNER
Limited seating available - only 10 seats per class. Ticket includes class plus tasting menu. Must be 21+ to partake in alcoholic beverage tasting. No refunds due to sold out class. Please email us to be placed on a waiting list.
Paul Young is a self-taught cook, educator and graphic designer with over 30 years of experience in the marketing communications industry. His favorite pastime is trying new dishes in restaurants and then attempting to recreate them at home. He's a curious foodie and an adventurous international culinary explorer who has traveled to 25 different countries (so far). He has also been a irregular contributor to Smile Politely since 2007.
Since retiring as a graphic design professor at Parkland College in 2019, Paul has been cooking at home a lot more and has found himself reconnecting with his passion for seeking new culinary experiences and exotic flavors from around the world. With these upcoming cooking classes, he hopes to share his experiences and discoveries by recreating some of the best tasting ethnic dishes he's enjoyed from his travels around the world. For printable recipe cards and more information about Paul's cooking classes, please go to www.cooking-with-paul.com