Hey, You Know How You Always Complain About COOK Tickets Being Sold Out…?

One of the biggest complaints about COOK has nothing to do with my constant (and HILARIOUS) excoriations of the crowds at Open Stove for not loving Barfly and Strange Brew (two of the best drinking movies EVER), but the fact that tickets for the best classes are often sold out before most people even get a chance to register (hence our monthly sneak preview posts).

But now, you all have nothing to complain about. Because right now, there are some awesome September classes that still have seats available because, you know, its the end of summer and kids are going back to school and people have other things to worry about than getting the chance to talk about ice cream (and other desserts) with the guys from Big Gay Ice Cream.

Anyway, here’s the good stuff that COOK has left right now:

Friday, September 4, 7pm: A Vegetarian Tailgate with Beth Kaufman Strauss of Grateful Plate
No better way to kick off football season than with a delicious tailgate! Join veteran COOKing instructor, Beth Kaufman Strauss of Grateful Plate (a meal delivery, personal cheffing and holistic health coach service) for an evening of flavorful, vegetarian tailgating fare. Guests at Kaufman’s class will learn new recipes to add to their repertoires as well as different cooking methods and techniques. With her holistic health coach background, Kaufman incorporates new and familiar ingredients packed with health benefits into her tasty recipes. In September, join Kaufman for a menu consisting of: Kale Artichoke Dip with Pumpernickel Bread; Thai Tempeh Lettuce Wraps; Philly Seitan “Cheesesteak” with Broccoli Rabe, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Provolone; and Mini Apple Galette with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Saturday, September 12, 2pm: COOKbook Author Event: Desserts Through The Ages with Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint of Big Gay Ice Cream Book
Big Gay Ice Cream started out humbly in 2009 as a part-time, seasonal ice cream truck in New York City. Since that time, the business has seen a whirlwind of publicity and has grown beyond its status as New York favorite to be hailed by many as the best ice cream parlor in the country (if not the world!). With a playful attitude, Big Gay Ice Cream spins a new take on old-school soft-serve by creating fun and unique ice creams, toppings and frozen treats that appeal to a diverse mix of clientele. Founders Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff are now focusing on growing their Big Gay Ice Cream brand. Having opened two shops in lower Manhattan, the duo opened their first shop outside New York City this April right here in Philadelphia. That same week saw the publication of “Big Gay Ice Cream Book: Saucy Stories and Frozen Treats,” their first cookbook. Join the two ice cream wizards for a book signing and history lesson. Using milestones as their guide: 1874 (Baked Alaska), 1886 (Coca-Cola), 1904 (Banana Split), 1936 (“Gone with the Wind”), 1936 (Trader Vic’s), and 1940 (Mountain Dew), guests will be treated to a multi-course dessert tasting menu through the earliest decades of the modern dessert – Big Gay Style. All of the tableware and flatware will be on loan from NYC’s beloved Fishs Eddy store, bubbly will be served throughout the event, and everyone will get to leave with a copy of their cookbook. This is gonna be a fun, fun, fun one!

Wednesday, September 16 6PM: Fall Beer Study with Meredith Rebar and Garrett Lee Williams of Home Brewed Events $95
Beer lovers, rejoice! It’s almost autumn which means Oktoberfest-style and pumpkin beers galore! Join local beer-based education event planners, Meredith Rebar and Garrett Lee Williams of Home Brewed Events, for an evening of drinking and discussing a variety of fall beers, including: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (an authentic collaboration with Brauhaus Riegele in Augsburg, Germany); Paulaner Oktoberfest (served at the original Oktoberfest 200 years ago); Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (the mother of all pumpkin ales); and Sam Adams Fat Jack Double Pumpkin (which features over 28 pounds of pumpkin per barrel). Please note that light refreshments, but not a full dinner, will be served during this class.

Saturday, September 19, 6pm: COOK Restaurant Sneak Peek: Breakfast For Dinner with Scott Schroeder and Pat O’Malley of Hungry Pigeon
Fabric Row in Queen Village will soon be home to one of the year’s most highly anticipated new restaurants, Hungry Pigeon. COOK is pleased to host a preview with chefs Scott Schroeder of American Sardine Bar and South Philly Tap Room, and his old friend and former colleague, Pat O’Malley, of NYC’s Balthazar Bakery. The two have a long history of working together, beginning at the wildly successful ¡Pasion! Restaurant. Though working in different cities for the past ten years, they have remained close friends and Hungry Pigeon is a project a long time in the making. Join the two talented friends and chefs for a preview the restaurant’s breakfast offerings at dinnertime, including: Pennsylvania Dutch Pancake; Steak & Eggs Benedict; Cured Salmon, Pea Leaves, Buttermilk; Hash Browns; Roasted Eggplant & Okra; Chia Pudding with Granola and a Fruit Hand Pie.

COOK [Get your tickets here]