Great Escape: Learn To Create Culinary Feasts While Among Friends

Looking for a fun way to get out with your girlfriends while also picking up a cooking tip or two?

has a 90-seat demonstration kitchen where in-house and guest chefs teach a variety of healthy cooking classes each month. These interactive classes highlight the essential elements needed to create successful meals.

Past courses have included such topics as gluten-free cooking and all classes focus on healthy meal ideas to set you on a path to optimal wellness.

Register 72 hours ahead by calling (248) 325-3890, in advance of a session to reserve your spot. Be sure to arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of class.

Check out the Chop Shop

Birmingham’s is regularly frequented by groups of girlfriends, corporate events and baby and wedding showers, where guests can work with experienced chefs to prepare six to 10 meals to take home for the week ahead.

The only thing Chop Shop guests need bring with them is a cooler to transport their finished meals home; the Chop Shop provides all other materials and containers. Upon arrival, guests will don an apron, receive a brief orientation and then select a prep table to begin  preparing easy-to-make meals, which in April will include such dishes as bistro beef, herb-rubbed spring chicken, beef and bean enchiladas and creamy tortellini.

Entrees serve four to six people, and each guest prepares a minimum of six meals to take home. They can choose from a menu of 12 family entrees that change each month. A “make ‘n take” session of 10 meals costs $215; a six-session meal costs $150. Carryout is also available to those who don’t have time to participate in a prep session.

To reserve a spot at an upcoming prep session, register at least 48 hours in advance by calling (248) 594-2210.

Farmington Hills’ Longacre House Cooking Show is both tasty and informative

On the first and third Thursday of every month, Farmington Hills’ historic hosts its Cooking Show during which attendees eat a freshly prepared meal while learning how to prepare it at home.

Local chefs provide the instruction on how to prepare the delectable goodies attendees are lunching on, and each attendee receives a copy of the recipe. Prize drawings take place during each show.

The cost for attendees ranges from $18-$20, and only 30 spots are available for each show. Tickets are sold until 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday prior to each show. Call (248) 477-8404 to reserve a spot.