Cooking Classes at Oryana
Cooking classes at Oryana are hands-on, always interesting, and a great way to spend an evening whipping up wonderful, wholesome dishes and meeting new people. Learn to create nourishing meals that are easy, satisfying and fun, and feel confident that you can create those meals at home for your family.
Check out our new line-up of fall cooking classes! From Indian to Mexican to Japanese, there is something for everyone! We are also pleased to offer several great classes taught by area chefs/foodies.
September 16, 6 - 8 pm
My Big Fat Greek Dinner
Back by Popular Demand!
Instructor: Luise Bolleber
Have you always wanted to visit Greece but haven’t made it there yet? Experience a fabulous, fresh Greek feast in the meantime with this mostly vegetarian, Greek-inspired menu. Bring your appetite and be prepared to make and eat these traditional, tasty dishes: Spanakopita, Briami, Avgolemono Soup, Pastitsio, and more.
September 30, 6 - 8 pm Homemade Fermented Foods
Instructor: Nancy Schwalm
Eating an enzyme-rich diet can be a tremendous boost to your health. Fermented or cultured foods are a rich source of enzymes and are actually very easy to prepare in your own home. In this class you will learn about the benefits of fermented foods and prepare and take home a jar of cabbage to ferment in your own home. You will also learn creative ways to use fermented veggies in wraps, salads and appetizers.
October 14, 6 - 8 pm Indian Cuisine Made Easy Back by Popular Demand!
Instructor: Luise Bolleber
If you like spices, this class is for you! Bring India a little closer to home as you explore the diversity of flavors produced by the world of Indian spices. Tantalize your senses with the glorious aromas and flavors of Indian dishes such as Palak Paneer with Tofu, Samosas, Chickpea Fritters, Red Lentil Dal, Chicken Curry, Curried Fried Potatoes, and more.
October 28, 6 - 8 pm Soul Food - Eclectic Southern Cookin’
Instructor: Ralph Humes
Take a break for a little Southern hospitality! Cook side by side with chef/owner Ralph Humes of the Soul Hole in this fun, hands-on class. Learn how to create Southern dishes with flair and discover the sweet and savory flavors of some of Ralph’s favorites like Hoppin’ John, braised cabbage, cheesy grits, southern-style corn bread, and more.
November 4, 6 - 8 pm Festive Flavors of Mexico
Instructors: Eric Patterson & Jennifer Blakeslee
Join Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, owners of the Cook’s House and Wellington Street Market, and experience the flavors and aromas of Mexico. Discover how they use herbs and spices to create the incredible dishes Traverse City has come to know and love. Come and prepare fresh tortillas and fish tacos, a traditional green mole sauce, pozole, a luscious soup served in the restaurant, and more.
November 11, 6 - 8 pm Cooking with Miso
Instructor: Misaeng Suh Liggett
Learn how to create excellent authentic Japanese dishes using a healthy soybean paste called miso. Dishes include miso soup, an oil-free miso dressing and tasty miso glazed rice balls. You will also learn how to make a savory and versatile kombu dashi stock.
December 2, 6 - 8 pm Holiday Homemade Edible Gifts
Instructor: Julie Boyd
Many people love the idea of giving handcrafted goodies during the holidays but dread the thought of complicated, time-consuming projects that drain the fun of creating gifts from the kitchen. In this class, we'll whip up stylish and delicious culinary treats that take less than 30 minutes. These treats require no flour, no rolling, no icing and minimal mess and most are either vegan and/or gluten-free!
Cooking Class Instructors:
Luise Bolleber completed the Chef’s Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City in 1997. She was the kitchen manager at Oryana for five years until 2003 and continues to be passionate about preparing food that is not only delicious, but health-supportive as well.
Julie Boyd has been cooking for over 25 years and owned/operated her own full-service catering and specialty baking business in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. She has been part of the Oryana Lake St. Kitchen and Cafe since 2007 and also contributes to the creation of French pastry at Traverse City's Patisserie Amie.
Nancy Schwalm is a whole foods cook and natural foods educator dedicated to teaching people about eating well and using natural foods to improve their health. She is a graduate of Wayne State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Resources and graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York as holistic health counselor.
Ralph Humes is the chef/owner of the Soul Hole restaurant on Union Street. Before opening Soul Hole, chef Ralph was known for his specialty desserts called Sweet Alchemy, some of which he serves in his restaurant. Ralph epitomizes Southern hospitality with his warmth and easy smile and excels in an eclectic yet authentic Southern style of cooking.
At the Cook's House, Eric Patterson and Jennifer Blakeslee specialize in local, sustainable cuisine. They moved to Traverse City after leaving the Michelin-starred Andre's, a French Restaurant in Las Vegas. Both have traveled extensively and offer their expertise preparing ethnic dishes.
Misaeng Suh Liggett attended Tsuji cooking school in Tokyo and the NMC Culinary Institute. She has taught Japanese cooking workshops and Japanese language at NMC and privately since 2004.
Class information:
Classes take place at the Grace Episcopal Church located at 341 Washington Street in Traverse City. Park in the parking lot behind the church accessible via the alley and go directly to kitchen on the right side of the building. Class size is limited to 12 people. A minimum of 6 people is needed to hold each class. Sign-up sheets are at the Oryana Customer Service desk.
The cost for classes is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. (Payment is due when signing up.)
At each class you will receive copies of recipes and a valuable shopping coupon for use at Oryana. For more information call 947-0191.
What’s in store for you? Plenty! This class is packed with samples, food facts, recipes and new
products to try. With expert guidance you’ll set off on an adventure through the Oryana aisles to
discover a world of naturally delicious choices for healthy, great-tasting meals.
At this class, you will become familar with the layout of the store, and receive copies of all recipes and a valuable shopping coupon for use at
Oryana. Join us for this fun and informative class.
Cost: Free. Please pre-register at the Oryana Customer Service Desk.
Walk, Talk, Taste Class Schedule
Wednesday, July 28, 6 - 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, August 7, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday, August 18, 6 - 7:15 p.m.