Local Bridal Guide: 8 Philly Cooking Classes Perfect for Newlyweds

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On this week’s episode of The Bachelorette, we witnessed the first one-on-one date between Bachelorette Andi Dorfman and potential suitor, Brian Osborne (a Pennsylvania native and Temple University alum). The duo was in Marseille, France, and the plan was to spend a romantic evening strolling through the market picking up ingredients for the dinner they were going to prepare together.

To make a long story short, what ensued was far from romantic. I’d best describe it as a cringe-worthy song and dance filled with nothing but awkward silence and poor kitchen skills. The reason, you ask? Brian does not cook. And not only that, but being in an environment where he’s forced to cook is apparently so far out of his comfort zone that he loses the ability to put a sentence together.

If this sounds familiar—either on your end or your to-be’s—we thought we’d help the two of you broaden your recipe book. There are a ton of cooking classes available in and around the city, and they’re quite a fun and productive way for newlyweds to spend time together—and learn some actual, valuable skills. Take a look at a few of the great options we’ve rounded up below. Your stomach will thank you.

(Oh, and, in case you’re wondering, Brian did (somehow) receive a rose after that performance.)

Albertson’s Cooking School
Where: Classes held at various locations throughout the area.
What: This Main-Line cooking school teaches both food- and skill-based classes year round, with sessions being held at The Shipley School, Yangming Restaurant, South Philly’s Italian Market, and Madsen Kitchen in Broomall. Sign up to hone your grilling techniques, learn how to bake breads and pies, or test your knowledge of wine and cheese pairings. Classes begin at $40.

Bar Ferdinand
Where: 1030 North 2nd Street, Northern Liberties
What: The NoLibs bar will host three Al Fresco Paella Cooking Classes from now through August. Chef David Ansill will lead you through the traditional ways of making Spain’s most famous dish, and while your creation cooks, you’ll snack on tapas and Bar Ferdinand’s signature Paella Valenciana. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, check out the Foobooz listing here.

Clean Your Plate
Where: 937 North 6th Street, Northern Liberties
What: Chef Christine Dimacali makes learning to cook super easy by offering a variety of class formats to fit your needs. While she does host small, themed classes in her Northern Liberties kitchen, you can also hire Christine for a cooking party at your home or a private lesson with just you and your guy. She’ll even do a cooking demo for your group, if you’d rather just sit back and watch (more on that below). Classes range from $55-$95 and are limited to 6-8 students. Private sessions are priced upon request.

Kitchen Kapers
Where:1341 Nixon Drive, Moorestown
What: The Moorestown location of this popular chain is where they host a lengthy schedule of creative classes. Here you’ll have the opportunity to observe the head chef in action while also getting your hands dirty by preparing a few dishes yourself. They even have a bunch of sessions geared to couples—in July you’ll find a crab-themed dinner as well as a gluten-free one—which are perfect for an interactive date night. Classes range from $95-$110 per couple.

La Cucina 
Where: Reading Terminal Market
What: Inside this Philly landmark, La Cucina is teaching market-goers how to whip up delicious Italian staples with the freshest ingredients around. Date night classes are available here too, featuring decadent multi-course meals and sparkling wines. Classes are limited, but they also offer the option of hosting private parties in the space as well, should you want to bring along any fellow newlyweds. Prices are around $250 per couple.

Sur la Table
Where: King of Prussia Mall and The Promenade at Sagemore, 500 Route 73 South, Marlton
What: Though it’s easy to be distracted by the plethora of kitchen gadgets that fill the walls of this mega store, the magic is in their cooking classes (I can vouch for that). Not only are there classes available almost every day but the themes range from macarons to Thai favorites. We suggest you try their date night session that focuses on summer grilling. Prices start around $69 per person.

Vetri
Where: 1312 Spruce Street, Washington Square West
What: The newly completed expansion at this Marc Vetri hotspot includes an upstairs dining room and test kitchen that’ll be home to a slew of fantastic cooking classes. Two July classes have already sold out but keep your eyes peeled for the August class schedule, which will be announced in early July. Tickets cost around $300 per person.

And if watching someone else cook and just doing the eating part is more your speed, there’s always Cook, the hugely popular kitchen-classroom in Rittenhouse where you can enjoy chef tastings, culinary demos, and cooking classes. In these classes, you’ll get a front row seat as some of the city’s top chefs put their skills and delicious dishes on display. And, hopefully, you’ll take away a few lessons as well. Classes begin around $70 per person.

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