Everyday Elegance: A Culinary Adventure at Sur La Table’s “Date Night in Paris” Cooking Class
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!If you’re looking for a way to elevate your date nights and infuse a touch of elegance into your everyday life, then allow me to share the delightful experience my husband and I recently had at Sur La Table’s “Date Night in Paris” cooking class!
This charming evening transformed our usual routine into a romantic culinary adventure filled with laughter, learning, and delectable flavors.
Sur La Table has locations across the United States, making this a wonderful option no matter where you might be reading from, but our class took place at the Ann Arbor, Michigan location.
Join me as a recap our date night experience and learn a few etiquette tips for dining and conversing with others along the way!
“Date Night in Paris” Cooking Class at Sur La Table
From the moment we stepped into the Sur La Table cooking studio, we were transported to the iconic city of Paris. Once we tied on our black aprons and met the other couples sharing the class with us, the stage was set for a memorable evening.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Nina, we split into groups to begin the class. Together, each team created a delectable three course meal: a winter greens salad with candied bacon and farmhouse vinaigrette, classic coq au vin, and a sumptuous chocolate soufflé.
Prior to the class, I admit that we were slightly intimidated by the menu. However, Chef Nina quickly put our worries to ease and my husband and I were thrilled to learn how simple the recipes were in actuality, making it so that we could easily replicate the menu for a romantic at-home dinner date in the future, or share the experience with our family.
Cooking classes are more than just a culinary experience; they’re an opportunity to bond, communicate, and engage in a shared creative process.
Here’s why I believe this elegant date night idea is worth trying:
TEAMWORK: Cooking together requires collaboration, which can strengthen your bond and enhance your relationship.
LEARNING: You’ll both learn new skills and techniques that you can recreate at home, adding a touch of finesse to your culinary repertoire.
ENHANCE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS: You’ll have the chance to meet new people, practice your conversation skills, and share a unique experience, making it a fun and lively atmosphere.
DELICIOUS RESULTS: At the end of the class, you get to enjoy a tasting menu of the beautiful meal you prepared together.
A Unique Twist on Date Night: The Etiquette of Working in a Group
Cooking classes often involve working with people you don’t know, which can be a delightful experience! The Sur La Table Cooking classes typically range in size from 8-12, although we happened to have a smaller group of three couples, making it a group of 6.
Of course, taking a group class as a date night does give your traditional date night feeling a bit of a twist, so if you’re also looking for some one-on-one time, I would recommend making a reservation at a nearby restaurant or bar following the class. As most classes offer a tasting menu, you may want to nibble on an appetizer and enjoy a cocktail following the class to round out the evening.
When signing up for a group class, you are also signing up to make sure it is an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone!
Here are some modern etiquette tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF: A warm introduction can break the ice. A simple “Hi, I’m (Your Name)” goes a long way in making connections. For our class, we all shared our favorite food, which served as an ice breaker and helped to create conversation throughout the class - after all, what’s more universally shared than the love of baked goods and pizza?
BE OPEN TO IDEAS: Everyone brings their unique perspective, taste, and culinary skills to the class. Embrace the diversity and creativity of your group. You never know, you might find out you like something new or learn an interesting tidbit about the local restaurant scene.
SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES: With a cooking class, you may be eager to try all of the new skills yourself, but as you are working in a group, it’s important to be mindful of others sharing the experience. Take turns leading tasks and encourage others to participate. This fosters a sense of teamwork and camaraderie while ensuring everyone has a chance to learn something new.
STAY POSITIVE: Cooking can be unpredictable and mistakes can happen! Follow the directions of the chef and keep a cheerful attitude. Remember, everyone is learning together, and that is part of the experience!
Tips for Dining Etiquette and Table Manners
Once the food has been prepared, we were invited to sit down and enjoy the meal we had prepared together. While the class advertises a tasting menu, we were able to enjoy a full meal due to our smaller class size. Our group got along well, and if it weren’t for another class following ours, we likely would have enjoyed the food and conversation for much longer!
Of course, the art of enjoying a fine meal comes down to the details. Whether in class or a fine restaurant, keep these simple dining etiquette tips in mind to enhance your experience:
NAPKIN ETIQUETTE: Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. If you need to leave the table, place it on your chair. At the end of the meal, neatly place it to the left of your plate. Ready to recreate your meal at home? Here’s a tutorial for two different elegant napkin folds and more napkin etiquette tips for you to consider.
UTENSIL USAGE: Learn how to master dining etiquette and navigate the table setting with a private virtual training. You’ll want to remember to use your utensils from outside in, and make sure to hold each utensil properly. Remember, once you pick up and use a utensil, it should remain on the plate and not rest on the table.
MINDFUL EATING: When sharing the table with others, it’s especially important to embrace mindful eating. Chew with your mouth closed and avoid talking with food in your mouth. After a few bites, take a sip of your beverage to help pace yourself. These simple habits reflect good manners and respect for those around you.
ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION: Maintain a light and engaging conversation with your partner and the people at your table. Ask open-ended questions, share stories, and enjoy the shared experience.
Our “Date Night in Paris” experience at Sur La Table was not just about cooking; it was about creating memories, sharing laughter, and indulging in the art of fine dining. Learning the new French recipes also inspired us to bring a touch of elegance into our everyday lives, as the recipes were simple enough to replicate at home.
If you’re looking to elevate your date nights, consider signing up for a cooking class. Oh, and don’t let the “Date Night” fool you into thinking this class is only for romantic partners - it makes a great experience to enjoy with a parent, sibling or friend as well.
Overall, this elegant experience was a charming way to connect with my husband, learn something new, and enjoy a delicious meal together, and I think you’d enjoy the experience, too! Who knows? You might just discover a hidden talent for the culinary arts, but you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself and enhance your skills in the kitchen.
As you continue your journey to create a more elegant life, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, whether that be an experience or type of food! After all, it’s the way you embrace each experience that helps to elevate your everyday.
Looking for more date night ideas? Check out my recent post: Elevate Your Date Night featuring elegant date night ideas and must-know date night etiquette tips!
Have you ever taking a cooking class? What did you learn? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
