Reinvent Your Skills at San Diego Cooking Schools

Do you wanna be San Diego's next Top Chef? Or are you just Thai-Curious?

Sure it’s thrilling to watch chefs battle on TV and to buy a cookbook with a picture of something scrumptious on the cover. But, watching TV and buying books doesn’t exactly get dinner on the table.

Fortunately, there are budget savvy and convenient ways to learn how bring that extra BAM to your own kitchen — without so much as leaving your own nook of San Diego. The following is a selection of some of our favorite cooking schools that offer unique culinary experiences in casual environments, and are taught by some of San Diego’s very own local celebri-chefs. And, unlike those cooking shows, you actually get to taste that anticipated dish – a delicious and fulfilling lesson indeed.

Reinvent your kitchen skills at San Diego cooking schools.

Cooking With Class
Located in Mira Mesa, Cooking with Class Cooking School’s gorgeous interior reflects a more comfortable kitchen setting than cooking school atmosphere: The walls are flecked with paintings depicting colorful European street scenes and the dark wood panels will remind you of your own mother’s kitchen. The vibe is extremely relaxed and humble, and yet subtly advanced. In addition to multi-flat screen TVs for viewing close up cooking demonstrations, the state of the art audio system enables every sizzle, sauté, and slice to be heard. 8290 Miramar Road, 858.578.2665, sdcookingwithclass.com

Familiar Faces Behind the Knife: Richard Sweeney (Former Executive Chef at Confidential; Top Chef Season 5 contestant); Matt Gordon (Executive Chef at Urban Solace); Bill Sauer ( Executive Chef— The Marble Room) Christian Graves ( Executive Chef at Jsix and LOUNGEsix)

Insider Tip: Periodically, the school also offers classes in horticulture and flower arrangement, so check frequently to see what new classes are offered this month.

Sushi on a Roll
Now located in a new facility, SOARbar, near Petco Park, Sushi on a Roll holds small classes of up to 30 students. The intimate yet social atmosphere of SOARbar is a reflection of Chef Jeff Roberto’s expertise in not only the art of sushi making, but also in the art of entertaining. SOARbar’s unique circular sushi bar offers students a 360 degree view of each detailed technique and instruction. The circular shape of the bar facilitates a communal and interactive culinary experience, allowing for a fun experience amongst friends, or as a distinctive way to charm new clients. 1620 National Avenue, 619.702.1468, sushionarollsd.com

Insider Tip: Anxious to kick-start your Kampai? The Balboa Food and Wine School is featuring several classes starring Chef Jeff Roberto and his sushi know-how throughout the 2010 year.

Great News! Cooking School
Located in the bustling Pacific Plaza in the heart of Pacific Beach, Great News! Cooking School and Discount Cookware is a spot all local aspiring chefs and seasoned gourmets need to take seriously. The state of the art cooking school in the back of the space lays the grounds for a chef’s dream kitchen: Cupboards are filled with kitschy kitchen devices and a colorful range of various casseulots; vases are overflowing with spoons and spatulas in every size and shape; and with a gleaming display of freshly-sharpened knives between two walls of state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, it’s no wonder so many celebrity chefs and caterers eagerly find their way to the Great News facilities.

With cameras and conveniently placed TVs around the room, the set up is great for checking out every dice and slice of the knife, and even detailed shots of the intricate plating techniques. Between class breaks, students are able to explore Great News’ immense collection of cookware and tools for sale.

Students will find an extensive range of high-end cookware including the latest and greatest in cool kitchen gadgetries, and can enjoy an extra 10% off their purchases the night of class. 1788 Garnet Avenue, 858.270.1582, great-news.com

Familiar Faces Behind the Knife: Brian Malarkey (former Executive Chef at Oceanaire Seafood Room); Denise Vivaldo (Celebrity Caterer Extraordinare); Stan Glenn & Chris Bill (Master Meatcutter; Executive Chef of Iowa Meat Farms and Siesels)

Insider Tip: Get there at least an hour early to snag the spots at the chef’s island counter – it’s the best view in the house.

The Balboa Park Food and Wine School at the Prado

Situated in heart of San Diego’s claim to culture – Balboa Park – the atmosphere of The Balboa Park Food and Wine School is ideal for inspiring artistic expression and fulfilling those insatiable appetites. Its close proximity to San Diego’s downtown area is also very central and convenient for students and for the city’s best and busiest chefs.

The enormous facility, located inside the Prado Restaurant, enables The Balboa Park Food and Wine School to offer an extensive variety of classes, ranging from concentrations on wine, to entertaining and even special classes exclusively for couples looking to team up in the kitchen. From hands-on sushi showcases to classic instruction-style meal pairing wine and cocktail courses, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at this local favorite. The Food and Wine School offers insightful tips as well as small group instruction with an experience that is difficult to match. 1549 El Prado, 619.557.9441 ext. 203, balboafoodandwine.com

Familiar Faces Behind the Knife: Matt Gordon (Executive Chef at Urban Solace); John Alonge (Author- “The Wine Heretic’s Bible – Plain English Advice for the Casual Wino”); Jeff Roberto (Executive Chef at Sushi On a Roll)

Discover more local foodie tips and trends in our San Diego dining blog, and peruse our San Diego restaurants directory.