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Hipcooks, Stress Free Chefs

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Administrator in Lifestyle

words by Caroline Schweich

There are those who seem to be able to whip up an amazing dinner for 12 (or two for that matter) at a moment’s notice, just grabbing “whatever” is in the fridge and turning it into something absolutely fabulous. And then there’s the rest of us.

First, I stress about the planning: that’s everything from who to invite, who not to invite, what to cook, how much it’s going to cost, how I cannot spend my entire time in the kitchen once my guests arrive thus exposing my anxieties to my friends, and then the piece de resistance: Can I coordinate the whole thing so it’s actually ready on time and at the same time? Frankly, before I can even drive to the market, I usually just decide to can the whole idea and have my husband barbecue (which, for some strange reason, doesn’t seem to stress him out at all).

If this sounds familiar – and you surely have your own personal variation of cooking anxiety – I suggest you check out Hipcooks. Hipcooks is a cooking school that feels more like a dinner party. Except that you DO actually learn to cook in a stress-free, friendly environment. Then you get to eat what you cooked – and have a glass of wine – with a bunch of strangers who have now become more than just friends: They are your cooking allies. Founded and owned by Monika Reti, Hipcooks started in 2004 in a loft in the Brewery downtown as a part-time hobby for Monika, then an MBA investment banker/closet chef. Little did Monika know how many would-be desperate chefs there are in the world, and Hipcooks quickly became a full time gig with an additional location on Robertson Blvd. There’s now a Hipcooks in Portland, Oregon, and one soon to open in Austin, Texas.

I recently tried the “Persian Immersion” class held in the East L.A. (Brewery) location. Hipcooks classes don’t have measuring cups, they don’t use recipes, and it’s basically a little of this and a little of that as your teacher guides you through the meal prep. And don’t worry, you won’t be surrounded by a bunch of pros. Our class had all levels of chefs from the true novice (“So, how do you chop parsley?”) to the more experienced (chop-chop-chop) and mostly in between. We learned to make five dishes, and I have actually made two of them by myself at home since then: They were delicious and simple and easy to remember and I didn’t
even need to check the recipe that Hipcooks emailed me
after my class!
My class of eight donned our aprons upon arrival and gathered around the counter. We were given various jobs of de-stemming and chopping herbs; basically, just getting comfortable with the whole thing. The first two dishes we made were my favorites and the ones I immediately tried at home: Persian meatballs with herbs and a cucumber-and-yogurt salad. Then we tried the fancier stuff: two chicken dishes along with a most fragrant rice, which weren’t that complicated but did require me to go out and purchase a few specific ingredients that I didn’t have in my kitchen. (On top of being an anxious cook, did I mention I’m a lazy one too?) And finally, an inspired rosewater and cardamon ice cream. I’m actually thinking of reconsidering my A #1 rule: No electrical appliances as gifts, and allowing my husband to get me an ice cream maker for my birthday. Then, the best part: We sat down with a glass of wine and our scrumptious creations and had a nice dinner party.

What a great way to meet people (and then invite them over for potluck dinner). Hipcooks offers a wide range of classes (including privates) from ethnic foods to French cuisine, romantic dinners for two, to cocktails and appetizers, brunch, brown bag lunches for the week, desserts, parties for 15 or more, and everything in between. So go on, liberate your inner chef, take a class or two and throw a dinner party, brunch, or cocktails. You’ll surprise yourself, impress your old friends, and bond with your new chef friends.

www.hipcooks.com

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Tags: Cooking, Hipcooks, Monika Reti