Basic level sessions (novice)
Topic discussion deals with basic techniques of food selection and preparation, food identification, the safe and sanitary use of typical culinary tools. Enjoy one-hour discussion followed by two-hour cooking sessions with explanations, demonstration and some hands-on. You’ll prepare a buffet, then eat it!
Intermediate level sessions
Intermediate level sessions are intended for competent cooks with basic kitchen skills capability. Theme menus, culinary philosophies, hands-on instruction, and participation lead to a luncheon buffet with flavor development and plating presentation focus.
Team building corporate retreat: Culinary exercises in critical thinking, timing and strategy.
Bring your team here for a memorable reward and a productive exercise. Build into the session.
- Mediterranean Cuisine, the Many Small Plates
- Blue Zone Foods for Health, Happiness and Longevity
- Meso-American Heritage Foods
Option 1: Select two of these for the two days of instruction
Examples of single day sessions
Brunch Cookery (basic and intermediate)
Learn 101, how to make pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, poached eggs, breakfast sausage, properly cooked bacon, home-fries, fruit sauces, and syrups. Participate in the production of a hot and cold brunch buffet that you will enjoy!
Looks good enough to eat (intermediate)
Ever notice how some plates of food do not look very appetizing even though they may be made from fresh and delicious ingredients? Learn the Master Chef’s secrets of how to make the simplest meals look as good as they taste and find out how making food look more appetizing makes it more appealing and even better for you. Prepare a spa cuisine menu based on the Meso-American harvest of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone famous for longevity.
Hors D’Oeuvre workshop (basic)
Learn how to prepare these conversation stimulating items with an international flair so that you are available to party with your guests and not be stuck in the kitchen. Tiny tidbits, each a flavor journey, each a work of art, fun to eat, and easy to prepare. How do these outside the main meal food bites play into the bigger culinary meal experience? What are the basic concepts that make your guests want to reach out and enjoy?
The feast is the fun: Hands-on party foods (intermediate)
Just about everybody has some interest in food and food preparation. Invite your friends over for the feast they help prepare. Let the secrets of a successful fun with food home party that will keep your friends talking.
The structure of the meal (basic)
Not all dining experiences have structure. Some are just a blur! Learn how to create and connect courses within the meal, then try them and see for yourself.
Royale (basic)
Eggs and milk are the lacto-ovo start for a world of delicious preparation, both savory and sweet. Explore this world from crepes to flan, quickbreads to ice cream, and much more.
The secret of soufflés (intermediate)
Learn to make the classic cheese souffle served with salad and dressing and the delicious chocolate souffle with crème anglaise. It’s fun!
Option 2: Select one of these for the two days of instruction
Example of three-day sessions
Mediterranean cuisine: The small plates (intermediate)
Melting pot of North African, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines renowned for its health benefits. Many small plates of Spanish tapas, Greek mezze, Italian antipasti, French amuse can make an entire meal of many courses or a buffet. Includes grilling, roasting, sauté, marinades, dressings, grain, bean and vegetable cooking. Mediterranean cuisine typically includes meat, fish and poultry, but a vegetarian version of this course is available.
Meso-American cuisine (intermediate)
Casa Bellavista is in Costa Rica, right in the middle of Meso-America. A look at the basis of the cuisine reveals why the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the few “Blue Zones” in the world where long life has been documented by the National Geographic. Explore the ingredients, cooking methods and traditions that lead to long and happy life. Make your own tortillas, casado, pinto, ceviche and many other traditional preparations. Make creative preparations using the ingredients and cooking methods of the region. Learn the legends and lore.
Stocks, soups, and stews (basic)
Foundation to good cooking is to fill the house with aroma. Traditional and modern approach: long and deep or quick and easy. Borrows from global cuisines. Inspired by tradition and imagination.
Grilling and griddling (basic)
Learn to make marinades and flavored oils for basting while cooking fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken and pork. Prepare kebabs, cutlets, croquettes, so many things.
Family adventures: Light culinary instruction with easy and delicious recipes (basic)
Mom, dad, and kids make lots of yummy stuff and eat it for lunch.
- Simple soups, salads, fun sandwiches and pasta dishes
- Cookie and cupcake making and decorating
- Exercise time with trampoline, swimming, and horseback rides
- Art fun with rock painting, coloring, LEGOs, and edible slime time
Couples adventures: Easy and fun culinary (basic)
Bring your lover or your friends. Spend some casual time learning, cooking, tasting, listening, sipping, and relaxing.
- Aphrodisiacs and sensual foods, wake up your senses
- Food as art: Presentation, eating with your eyes
- Gourmet quickies, on the table in a hurry
