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La Jolla, California, Cooking Classes

May 23, 2012 | By | 1 Reply More

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

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Category: cooking classes

About the Author ()

I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer, so in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People vacation in La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide insider advice for out-of-towners. Hey. I figure if I can write insider tips about exotic destinations on Authentic Luxury Travel, I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. In the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones. Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. I hope you find it helpful. If you are coming to La Jolla or another area of San Diego and would like my help in planning your trip, please read "Need Help Planning Your Trip" and then email me at ehansen298@aol.com. Elizabeth Hansen

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  1. Mark says:

    Hi if you are interested you can visit Oceanside Mission for cooking classes about Christmas Traditions Dessert in December 11th. Thanks!

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