Southeast (SE)

The Teen Table is a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for teens who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, learn to cook for themselves, and spend time with other teens who enjoy good food.

Whether they’re brand new to cooking or already have some experience, we’ll focus on building practical skills and confidence. Rather than following strict recipes, teens will learn how to think like a home cook—how to make decisions, work with what they have, adjust as they go, and turn simple ingredients into food they’re excited to eat.

We’ll also cover meal planning, kitchen organization, time management, using ingredients thoughtfully, making adjustments, and cleaning up. Most importantly, teens will gain the confidence to cook without needing a recipe to tell them exactly what to do.

Every class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve made—because cooking is more fun when it’s shared, and learning how to feed yourself well is a pretty great skill to have.

The goal is simple: to help teens feel at home in the kitchen, make food they enjoy, and learn how to take care of themselves through cooking.

November Menu:

• Herb Roasted Chicken

• Seasonal Vegetable Sides

December Menu:

• Veggie Chili

• Cornbread

What to expect:

• Price is per person and includes the class, all ingredients, and dinner.

• Each class is hands-on and centered around preparing a meal together. We’ll cook, talk, experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out along the way. There’s no pressure to already know what you’re doing or to be a “chef”— just a welcoming space to learn at your own pace.

• Some food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, but please note that we may cook with eggs, dairy, nuts, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. If you’re unsure whether the class will be a good fit for your dietary needs, please inquire before registering.

• This series is for kids aged 13-18

About our Instructor:

Chef Leta Merrill is the founder and Pasta Maia, a seasoned culinary instructor, and also a mom of teens. She loves cooking with families and teaching young cooks in a fun, hands-on environment. Inspired by the Cucina Povera philosophy of simple, resourceful cooking made with love, Leta brings old-world Italian warmth and a love of gathering around the table to every class.

Join Chef Zach for an evening of crafting Chapathi and Paratha, two beloved traditional Indian flatbreads. These unleavened breads are flaky, buttery, and perfect for pairing with curries, dipping into hot chai, or even enjoying as a meal on their own when filled. In this class, we'll learn to make a single dough and transform it into both chapathi and paratha, with the paratha filled with flavorful curried potatoes. Dipping sauces covered too!

What to expect:

• Class will include all instruction, tools, recipes and ingredients.

• There will be some demo, and some time for hands-on cooking.

• Wine & beer available for purchase during class.

• Our breads will contain wheat flour, oil, butte and chili. Please inquire before registering if you are unsure if this class will be a good match for your dietary needs.

About our Instructor:

Zach Goldman came up in New York City kitchens, working from dishwasher to chef. Looking for more out of life, he sold everything and wandered the US on a motorcycle. He landed in Portland - because it's wonderful - and he likes foraging for Oregon Chanterelle mushrooms. Besides cooking at Cookshop, he teaches private cooking lessons, consults on home kitchen renovations, and works in wineries in the Willamette Valley. He lives in Northeast with his partner, Kayleigh, and their cat, Bren.

Compartiremos nuestras recetas favoritas y hablaremos sobre la historia del maíz en las culturas indígenas de América, así como los beneficios para la salud del método tradicional de procesamiento del maíz, la nixtimalización. Este evento es de cupo limitado y requiere inscripción previa. La inscripción se abre el 10/24 a las 10:00 am.

Tired of eating sad desk lunches and pretending instant noodles are “a vibe”? Join Chef Jimmy for “Learn Sushi-Making Basics”, a hands-on cooking class through Classpop! where you’ll learn how to make something delicious without Googling “easy dinner ideas” mid-meltdown.

What’s Included:

• A fun, hands-on 2-hour cooking class led by a talented local chef.
• An authentic experience hosted at a local public brewery, distillery, craft beer bar or wine bar.
• All ingredients and cooking tools provided.
• Expert instruction, tips and chef secrets you’ll use daily.
• A full meal you cooked yourself (yes, you!)
• A recipe you’ll want to brag about in the group chat.

What to Expect:

• Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense.
• A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills.
• Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game.
• Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

What to Know Before You Go

• Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for this hands-on experience.
• 21 + years old to attend the class.
• ⏰ Please arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session. Upon arrival, check in with the host or staff at the entrance and mention that you're attending the event.
• Enjoy a selection of beverages available for purchase on-site.

Nivardo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved every minute of it. Jimmy went over every step clearly and answered everyone’s questions. The food was very tasty! Thank you again.

Cheryl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chef Jimmy did a great job with our class. He answered all our questions and it was a fun time.

JeffreyCharles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An excellent class all around. Chef Jimmy was prepared and led us through the steps giving valuable tips along the way. All in all an enjoyable afternoon.

Whether you’re in it for date night, a fun night out with friends or just here to finally learn how to cook something that’s not dry, this cooking class is the perfect fit!

Book now!

For additional information and dates visit Learn Sushi-Making Basics

Tired of eating sad desk lunches and pretending instant noodles are “a vibe”? Join Chef Jimmy for “Make Dim Sum Dumplings”, a hands-on cooking class through Classpop! where you’ll learn how to make something delicious without Googling “easy dinner ideas” mid-meltdown.

What’s Included:

• A fun, hands-on 2-hour cooking class led by a talented local chef.
• An authentic experience hosted at a local public brewery, distillery, craft beer bar or wine bar.
• All ingredients and cooking tools provided.
• Expert instruction, tips and chef secrets you’ll use daily.
• A full meal you cooked yourself (yes, you!)
• A recipe you’ll want to brag about in the group chat.

What to Expect:

• Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense.
• A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills.
• Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game.
• Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

What to Know Before You Go

• Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for this hands-on experience.
• 21 + years old to attend the class.
• ⏰ Please arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session. Upon arrival, check in with the host or staff at the entrance and mention that you're attending the event.
• Enjoy a selection of beverages available for purchase on-site.

Nivardo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved every minute of it. Jimmy went over every step clearly and answered everyone’s questions. The food was very tasty! Thank you again.

Cheryl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chef Jimmy did a great job with our class. He answered all our questions and it was a fun time.

JeffreyCharles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An excellent class all around. Chef Jimmy was prepared and led us through the steps giving valuable tips along the way. All in all an enjoyable afternoon.

Whether you’re in it for date night, a fun night out with friends or just here to finally learn how to cook something that’s not dry, this cooking class is the perfect fit!

Book now!

For additional information and dates visit Make Dim Sum Dumplings

Join Chef Fabi for a fun and hands on Empanada Class. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in-person class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the art of making delicious empanadas. Chef Fabi will guide you with a step-by-step hands on process of preparing the dough, making the filling and salsa, and folding these mouthwatering treats. Become a pro and share these treats with your friends and family!

What to expect:

• Class will include all instruction, tools, recipes and ingredients.

• There will be some demo, and lots of time for hands-on cooking.

• Sampling what you made at the end of class or taking home leftovers. Be sure to bring tupperware!

• This class is dairy free friendly and gluten free friendly.

• Wine and beer available for purchase during class.

• Please purchase a ticket for each person attending. Kids 12 and up are welcome to attend with an adult.

About our Instructor:

Chef Fabi has been teaching cooking classes for over 10 years in the Portland area and calls Cookshop in SE home. She attended culinary school 12 years ago and has worked in many kitchens since but found her love of being a cooking instructor along the way. She studied a variety of savory and sweet cuisines while in culinary school, including Asian cuisine and baking and pastry! Chef Fabi was born in Mexico to a Mexican and Spanish family and learned how to cook from her Mama, Fabiola. She now shares her families recipes in all of her cooking classes with you!

Experience the bold flavors and timeless traditions of Middle Eastern cooking in this hands-on class. We'll start with smoky baba ganoush, a creamy roasted eggplant dip that's perfect for scooping up with fresh pita. Next, you'll prepare juicy, seared kafta seasoned with warm spices, and finish the evening with basbousa, a tender semolina cake soaked in fragrant citrus syrup.

Filled with vibrant herbs, warm spices, and fresh ingredients, this class is a delicious introduction to some of the region's most beloved dishes. Whether you're new to Middle Eastern cooking or looking to add fresh inspiration to your kitchen, you'll leave with recipes you'll want to make again and again.

Menu:

• Baba Ganoush

• Grilled Kafta with Tahini Sauce

• Basbousa (Semolina Cake with Citrus Syrup)

What to expect:

• Class will include all instruction, tools, recipes, and ingredients.

• There will be demo & hands-on cooking and instruction.

• Class will end with everyone enjoying their dish together (bring a container to take your left-overs).

• Our meal includes eggplant, beef, alliums, wheattomato, wheat, alliums, and dairy. Please contact us BEFORE registering if these items may be an issue.

• Beer & wine available for purchase.

• You will leave class with some new knowledge on cooking with the seasons and a new recipes to add to your cookbook!

About out Instructor:

Chef Marco is a New Jersey native and moved to Oregon in 2018. His father was a chef and culinary instructor at the Culinary Institute of America which meant Marco grew up in kitchens; cooking alongside him and learning everything he knows. He worked his way through the ranks in New York restaurants becoming versed in many cuisines. They opened and ran a restaurant together in NJ for several years before Marco went on to get his degree in agriculture. He’s passionate about food systems and worked on several farms in the Hood River area as well as in several restaurants in the Portland area including Cafe Olli. His farming background aids him in cooking with the seasons and he specializes in Italian food.

Laminated dough includes many pastry shop favorites: croissants, danish, and puff pastry. In this class, we’ll focus on the items from the first two categories, making yeasted, layered, delicious baked goods that always seem daunting to the average home cook. Learn to all the fundamentals to creating these amazing pastries at home!

What to expect:

• Class includes all ingredients, recipes, tools and instruction.

• Instruction via some demo and some hands-on cooking.

• Our recipes will include wheat flour, dairy, sugar, and eggs.

• Plenty of sampling, plus recipes to take home.

About our Instructor

A San Francisco native who has lived in Oregon since 2010, Luca Ponti has been helping in the kitchen since he could talk. He started cooking professionally at Veritable Quandary, a quintessential Portland restaurant, where he developed his skills ranging from osso buco to pastry. He later became Lead Baker and Kitchen Manager at Sweedeedee in North Portland. where he became known for his exuberant energy, creativity, and the best pie in the state of Oregon, according to People Magazine. He is now the owner & creator of SquirrelmealsPDX: an at-home private chef experience!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, what better time to up your pie making game! Join Luca Ponti as he walks us through his go-to pie dough and shares all the tips needed to make delicious desserts for Thanksgiving and beyond. We’ll cover three delicious pies to add to your holiday repertoire.

What to expect:

• Pie instruction including demo on fillings, assembly of pie.

• Some hands-on time with pie dough.

• Pie sampling, plus recipes to take home.

• Each student will take home a shaped pie crust to finish filling and baking at home!

About our Instructor

A San Francisco native who has lived in Oregon since 2010, Luca Ponti has been helping in the kitchen since he could talk. He started cooking professionally at Veritable Quandary, a quintessential Portland restaurant, where he developed his skills ranging from osso buco to pastry. He later became Lead Baker and Kitchen Manager at Sweedeedee in North Portland. where he became known for his exuberant energy, creativity, and the best pie in the state of Oregon, according to People Magazine. He is now the owner & creator of SquirrelmealsPDX: an at-home private chef experience!

Join Nikki Arcé, of Camellia Vegan Patisserie, for an evening learning how to make French Macarons! These iconic cookies are naturally gluten free, light and airy, and in this class, they will also be egg & dairy free! Nikki will teach you all the tricks to a successful vegan macaron, and create several different flavor combos.

What to Expect:

• Registration fee includes all materials, ingredients, instruction and equipment.

• Students will work in small groups, with each student taking home a box of macarons at the end of class.

• Items made are gluten free, but we will include sugar, chickpeas, and almonds.

About our Instructor:

Nikki Arce is on a mission to elevate vegan pastries! After undergrad and graduate studies in Nutritional Science, Nikki has also studied pastry in culinary school, and recently copleted the Plant Based Pâtisserie diploma at Le Cordon Bleu London.

In May 2022, Nikki founded Camellia Patisserie, “Tea Pastry” in Latin, in efforts to bridge a new found love of pastry arts and tea culture. Camellia Pistrina, utilizes French pastry techniques with Asian flavors mixed with Pacific Northwest ingredients.