The city of New Orleans has a lot of terrific things going for it, but few of its features can compare to its world-famous Cajun and Creole cuisines. Many visitors to New Orleans are content to sample its culinary fare while in town, but for those hearty souls looking for something special the New Orleans School of Cooking allows guests to work with a trained chef to cook up their very own meal.
Money Saving Tip! New Orleans School of Cooking is included on the Go New Orleans Pass. If you are sightseeing in New Orleans, then you can save a lot of money with a pass.
New Orleans School of Cooking History
The New Orleans School of Cooking was established in 1980. Over the course of the past five decades, it has developed a fine reputation throughout the city as an attraction that manages to combine education and fun into a single enjoyable destination. Their world-class kitchen and well-regarded General Store are housed in a historic structure that once served as a molasses warehouse. It’s been renovated, and sits in the midst of the French Quarter near such other New Orleans highlights as Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and the Visitor Center of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
What’s at the New Orleans School of Cooking
The New Orleans School of Cooking offers three types of cooking experiences. Their “Open Demonstration Classes” allow guests to sit and observe a talented chef well-versed in Cajun and Creole cuisines as they prepare a three- or four-item meal. You won’t need to lift a finger the entire time and still you’ll be able to enjoy a fabulous meal when all is said and done.
“Open Hands-On Classes” allow guests to roll back their sleeves and try to whip up some culinary magic themselves. An expert chef will guide participants through the process of creating an “authentic Louisiana meal.” At the end of the whole thing, everybody sits down together and enjoys the fruits of their labors.
For those visitors wanting the absolute most distinctive experience available from the New Orleans School of Cooking, private demonstrations are available for special groups and events. It’s something to keep in mind if New Orleans cuisine is your favorite thing in the world!
The New Orleans School of Cooking General Store is not to be missed. Here you’ll find all sorts of culinary goodies available for sale that you can take home with you. Whether you’re in the market for a Cajun cuisine cookbook, have a hankering for a bottle of hot sauce, or just want to snag a souvenir apron, this General Store has something for everyone.
Tips for taking a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking
- Given its prominent location near the heart of the French Quarter, parking at the New Orleans School of Cooking can be a bit of a hassle. The New Orleans School of Cooking doesn’t have its own dedicated lot, but parking is available about a block away, between the school and The Shops at Jackson Brewery.
- Two Open Demonstration Classes are offered daily: one from 10:00am to 12:30pm and one from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. You can scout menus in advance and make reservations ahead of time on the New Orleans School of Cooking official website.
- Open Hands-On Classes consist of ten people using five cooktops, so they fill up quick. If you’re interested in this particular New Orleans School of Cooking experience, you’ll definitely want to book your spot well in advance of your visit. Also, Open Hands-On Classes are restricted to individuals over the age of 18 years old.
- Each class you attend at the New Orleans School of Cooking entitles you to a complimentary recipe card, allowing you to take all you’ve learned home with you and give it a shot in your very own personal kitchen. Don’t forget to snag yours before you leave!