La Jolla, California, Cooking Classes

Jodi Abel teaches cooking classes in her home on Mt. Soledad in La Jolla, California.

San Diego’s Mediterranean climate is appreciated by everyone who lives here – but especially by local chefs who can plan menus around a wide variety of just-picked produce. They also have a bounty of fresh seafood available – and frequently delay planning the “daily specials” until they’ve seen what is caught and harvested in the morning.

Given this availability, it isn’t surprising that visiting foodies like to roam our farmers’ markets and take cooking classes while they are in the area. Several La Jolla chefs oblige by offering lessons in various settings.

La Jolla, California, Cooking Classes:

Jodi Abel models her cooking classes after one she took in a private home in Umbria, Italy. Guests cook in her spacious kitchen, snip herbs from her garden, and are served what they helped to prepare at her dining table.

Chef Jodi’s house is on Mt. Soledad and offers a panoramic view of San Diego from Mission Bay to La Jolla. When I was there, artichokes, tomatoes, herbs, and citrus were all thriving in the garden, and the table was set for a mother-daughter duo driving down from Santa Barbara. Her cooking classes last 4-5 hours, including dining with wine pairings.

They are popular for date nights, girlfriend getaways, families celebrating a special occasion, and anyone who loves to cook. Jodi also can accommodate up to 14 people for corporate team building experiences.

Jodi interviews guests beforehand to determine if they are foodies or novices and to get input on food preferences. She specializes in California cuisine and utilizing the ingredients that thrive in our Mediterranean climate.

In addition to cooking classes, Jodi offers Foodie Tours around San Diego.All the details are on her website.

Urs Baumann teaches cooking at the La Jolla Community Center.

Urs  first cooked professionally in his native Switzerland, but now lives in La Jolla where he has become a sought-after caterer. Personally, I wouldn’t consider setting the date for a party at our house until confirming Urs’ availability.

As if they weren’t already busy, Urs and his wife Ursula serve Swiss specialties at a booth at the Sunday Farmers’ Market in La Jolla.

About once a month, Urs offers a cooking class at the La Jolla Community Center (formerly known as the Riford Center). In fact, this class is really a cooking demonstration with Urs providing instructions and entertaining anecdotes while he cooks. Participants enjoy a glass of wine while they watch Le Chef work and then dine on a great meal before going home with all the recipes.

Urs’ next class is tomorrow, May 24, and he has another on Friday, June 22, which will feature basic French sauces. Check the Center’s calendar for future dates.

In addition to Jodi and Urs, Cups Culinary offers cooking classes. Check their website for the current schedule.

Bon appetit!

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS

Tags: California, caterer, cooking classes, cuisine, dining, farmers' markets, food, foodies, Jodi Abel, La Jolla travel information, recipes, San Diego, things to do in La Jolla, Urs Baumann

Category: cooking classes