Chesapeake Cooking Club Now at Vince’s Deli

Vince’s Deli is known for its “Famous Italian Cold Cut Sub” and most recently for it’s addition of a ‘Cookie and Cupcake Bar’.  Now owner Allen Blackenship is making the thirty year old business into a club as well. 

Blackenship is introducing the “Chesapeake Cooking Club at Vince’s Adult Cooking Classes & Culinary Instruction.”  He said the motto for the club is ‘fun, food, & friends - feed your passion in a laid back atmosphere.’ 

“I am providing lots of culinary instruction but in an interactive and social environment.  Recently we held a Knife Skills and Garnishing Class.  We covered proper knife skills and safety, as well as foundation basics like how to dice onions and potatoes, chop herbs, make a tomato rose, whittle radishes, and more. Everyone made their own creations to take home. Then we had a feast at the end of class with everything we've chopped, diced, minced and pitted,” said the Pasadena resident Blackenship.  He also added that he taught proper knife sharpening along with free sharpening of participants own knives.

He plans on having a‘5 Mother Sauces’ class in the next few weeks.  Blackenship said “Sauce is the crowning glory of any dish. From the basic five mother sauces, there are literally hundreds of variations of sauce that are used to dress, compliment, enhance and bring out the flavor of the food it is served along side. 

The basic sauces are the white sauce Béchamel, the light stock-based Velouté, the brown stock-based Espagnole; the two basic emulsified sauces, Hollandaise and Mayonnaise; and the oil and vinegar-based Vinaigrette.”

All classes include take-home recipes, a large plate of great food, cooking tips, plus soft drinks, coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. All equipment and apron provided.

The highpoint of each class is sharing a group meal that is prepared by the class. Doors open at 6:45pm class begins at 7:00 PM lasting 2 hours. 

“Prices for the classes vary.  Last week we did a class that involved steak and shrimp so it was a little more expensive.  In January we will be doing lots of soups and those will be less,” said Blackenship.

Employee Gary Gesell of Crofton said “People love these classes.  Couples use it as a ‘date night’ and bring wine.  It’s a great environment to socialize and learn skills at the same time.  Last night was a full class. It was a lot of fun, Al makes it more of a fun social outing, rather than a stuffy class atmosphere.” 

“We can be booked for a private group either at our facilities or at your house for a cooking party theme or a just a fun night out with your friends or group event.  It also makes a great date night as we can arrange for private nights for you and your date. Children’s Cooking classes will be coming soon.  Now that will be fun!” said Blackenship.