Throw a Party … That Cooks!

All hedonists love a party – or, at least they should. But what about cooking? For good food is a signature component – though surely not the only component – to any party’s screaming success (not to mention that gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins). Given that, it’s worth it for any good hedonist to learn a thing or two in the kitchen.

Last month, your Hedonista attended a media event hosted by Parties That Cook out at the Efeste Tasting Room in Woodinville. Known for its corporate team building events and private and home parties in Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, Parties That Cook is now opening up their clientele to more of the general public and getting into the cooking classes market. They start off the class with some basic cooking tips – like how to handle your knives and chop onions without shedding a tear (or a finger). Then this classmate group of strangers – who aren’t strangers for very long – break into smaller groups and work as a team on the seasonal menu specially prepared for that class, then regroup post-cook to enjoy the fruits of their labor (here with Efeste vino).

The October 16th class – entitled Sizzle and Swirl – had strong yet entertaining elements of a reality cooking show. They even take photos that you can later review and order if you’d like. The menu featured the following (and fun to prepare) tapas-style tasty delights:

Tiny Roasted Chestnut, Pancetta and Ricotta Pies
Crispy Green Onion Pancakes with Ponzu Glaze
Buckwheat Blinis with House-Smoked Trout and Sour Cream
Orange-Braised Fennel Bruschetta with Italian Cream Cheese
Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Marmalade and Crispy Potatoes
Tiramisu on the Go: Espresso Cookie Sandwich with Sweet Mascarpone-Amaretto Filling

Next Cooking Class: This December 5th, 2010, Parties That Cook is hosting their Holiday Appetizer Cooking Class at the Volterra Drawing Room. Cost is approximately $75 per person. Here’s the menu that’ll be featured:

Puff Pastry Spirals Filled with Gruyere, Prosciutto and Sage*
Lamb Skewers with Pomegranate-Mint Sauce
Bacon-Wrapped Persimmon with Melted Blue Cheese and Balsamic Honey Glaze*
Buckwheat Blinis with Smoked Trout and Sour Cream
Tartines of Caramelized Onions with Shallot-Cranberry Confit*
Cinnamon Churros with Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce*

* Can be made to accommodate vegetarians (with 5-day advance notice).

So, in case you feel the need to get some holiday culinaire and throw a party that cooks (be it your own cooking or a group thang) now’s your chance.

P.S. – Tomorrow’s their “Tantalizing Tuesday” – their big discount day, in which the first 5 to book apparently get 20% off – in case booking a December event is a must-do.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable coverage, of the give venue/meal/performance/product/service.