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Was your Thanksgiving feast a major fail? Never fear. There's time to redeem yourself. Three local establishments are offering holiday entertaining classes that will up your host/hostess game in time for the December holidays.
Winter Tablescaping Class: On December 5, learn to create tablescapes that would make Sandra Lee jealous with Terri Wahl, owner and chef at Auntie Em’s Kitchen in the Eagle Rock. Wahl is known for her use of found objects and personal mementos in her unique presentations for her catering business, and she'll show you how to utilize those same techniques for at-home holiday dining and decorating. The classes will concentrate on simple yet stunning flower arrangements, fun color combinations, and re-imagining of common household items to make your holiday table pop with an eclectic edge. The class will take place from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the restaurant, and runs $40 per person including wine, cheese, and materials. You can make reservations by emailing this address.
Tamale 101: Executive Chef Thomas Ortega and co-owner Demi Stevens are brining back their tamale making course to Redondo Beach's Ortega 120. Each Wednesday beginning December 5 from 7 - 9 p.m., the two will lead an intimate tutorial on how to assemble the traditional Mexican holiday fare, which are an integral part of the Christmas celebration. Every week students will learn to make two different types of the stuffed masa treats, with fillings like short rib, carnitas, chicken, queso and jalapeno, or vegetarian. While the tamales steam back in the kitchen, attendees snack on tacos, house margaritas, chips, guacamole, and dessert, which are all included in the price of the class ($40). A revised Tequila University crash course will also take place, where Stevens will school attendees on the agave-based spirit. If your tameles end up being a flop -- or you just want more to take home to your guests -- you can purchase tamales by the dozen ($25) to take away. You can make reservations by calling 310-792-4120.
STREET-style holiday eats: Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are hosting an unconventional holiday-eats class at the Border Grillin Downtown L.A. The chefs, more commonly known as the Two Hot Tamales, will pluck recipes from Feniger's recently-released STREET cookbook, as well as teaching aspiring cooks dishes from their popular Border Grill truck. The price might seem steep at $75, but it also includes Saturday morning cocktails, a recipe booklet, and a multicourse lunch along with the demos. Call (213) 486-5171 for reservations for the class, which takes place on Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
