Learning to Cook: Buford Hwy Farmer's Market
Cooking is like riding a bike; it's a learned skill. There are as many unique ways of acquiring this skill as there are people, so one approach doesn't have to fit everyone. However, if you're new to the kitchen, give yourself permission to fail often and spectacularly. After all, it's only food, and offended taste buds heal faster than skinned knees!
Still, even if you are fearless in the kitchen, the best thing to do when you want your cooking to improve quickly is to practice with a teacher. I've always dreamed of being mentored by a fabulous chef, but since that's not in the budget or on the calendar, the next best thing is to take a class.
I love the hands-on approach at Cook's Warehouse and Viking School, and many of the tips I share come from my time in those classes. However, those options get expensive in a hurry which is why I was thrilled to discover the classes at Buford Highway Farmer's Market (BHFM). My friends Katie & Akash are the ultimate "gatherers" and rounded up a group of friends to take a class this week, and it was SUPER fun!
Better still, it cost $35 with $10 coming back to you in the form of a gift card. This might be the best deal in town!!
If you live in Atlanta, you know Buford Hwy is the ethnic food center of the city and the BHFM is the center of the action. Even if you aren't signed up for a cooking class, it's worth swinging through just to pick up some produce.
Check out the pepper section...
Every aisle is divided by ethnic foods and offers a huge variety of imported brands and products. My favorite was the Mexico aisle with all of the loose spices! SO much more affordable than what you find at your standard grocery store.However, I wasn't there to shop, but to learn a few things about Indian food. Our instructor, Gulshan Singh, was terrific and led us through her recipes for Achari Mutton, Tomato Garlic, Chutney, Mushroom Masala with peas and Naan.
The kitchen is very casual (no fancy mirrors and a marginal sound system), the instruction is practical, and the atmosphere is fun. This is almost entirely a demonstration class, so if you don't want to get your hands dirty, you'll be happy. If you prefer hands-on, adjust your expectations to being a viewer and taster. (Not a bad gig!)The one exception for this class was with the Naan where we were able to roll out and "decorate" our own dough. The result wasn't always pretty, but the taste was delicious!If you want to learn more about cooking but don't want to spend much money, this is a great option! If your significant other is equally intrigued (or just wants to eat good food), I think this is also a great date night option!
What other cooking schools do I need to check out in Atlanta?
I'm SO game!