When you think of Cups La Jolla, you think cupcakes. Right? Well, now you can think cooking classes, kids night out, food instruction, gift making. Cool, huh? Did you know that behind the doors of their kitchen is a secret room with a demonstration kitchen?  The perfect setup for a date night, group outing, or a solo “me” time get-away.  I had the chance to take a class last weekend. The class I took was the “Chino Latino Fusion Cuisine” with Chef Isabel Cruz noted for her San Diego restaurants, Cantina, Barrio Star and the Coffee Cup. I learned a few “secrets” from this talented chef. I learned how  to remove the skins off Jalapeños (after burning them sweat them off by placing them in a bowl and covering them in saran wrap and never touch the peppers with your bare hands- one touch to the eye and ow-wee), the key to fast garlic preparation- buy garlic bulbs already peeled and vacuum sealed,  and to cover the Sugar/Water while on the stove (speeds up the caramelization process but don’t forget it’s there or you’ll get burnt sugar).

Blackened Corn on the Cob

The three-hour instruction/hands-on class included recipes from Isabel’s cookbook and restaurants. We collectively made a four course meal with very simple and fresh ingredients.  We even got to sample Cups’ own Dulce de Leche Cupcakes. It was an overall wonderful experience. I definitely will be back.

Student doing hands-on

Sample of Classes to come:

October 3, 10, 17, 24– Farm-To-Table: You will actually walk to the La Jolla Farmer’s Market and go back to the kitchen to learn how to prepare dishes using fresh fruits and vegetables you just picked up.

October 8, 22– Parents Night Off -Cupcakes and a movie: Great idea! Leave your 5-9 year old and take off for a couple of hours (out to dinner, walk on the beach), come back and your kids will have decorated some cupcakes, met some new friends and watched a movie.

October 9- Burger Bromance: A class taught by former Executive chef of Roseville. Burger Secrets and techniques. Note on the description ” *This class is not exclusively for men.”

*Disclosure: I got to take the Chino Latino Class courtesy of Cups but was not required to write a post.