There is only one seat left for the August 3 session of "Taste of Asia," a unique class with no cooking, just assembly. This class will cover four summertime appetizers from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. Extensive sake and beer tasting is also included.  More info is available here . There are only 3 seats left for the Cantonese session of the "Taste of China" deep-dive series. In this hands-on series, we will learn how to break down the flavor principles of three different Chinese culinary traditions, deconstruct recipes and customize the recipes to your liking. The tuition also includes beer and wine tastings all evening long. The first class in the series starts on September 20 and registration is now open.  More info is available here . (Sorry, the entire fall season of the Urbana Park District "Flavor Principles of Ethnic Cooking" series is sold out).

  "A Taste of China" will survey the vast flavors of Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shanghai cuisines. In this hands-on series, we will learn how to break down the flavor principles of each culinary tradition, deconstruct recipes and customize the ingredients to your liking. Do come hungry and thirsty because we’ll be cooking and tasting at the same time. The tuition also includes beer and wine tastings all evening long. The first class in the series starts on September 20 and registration is now open.  More info is available here .

  On Tuesday, August 30, I will be teaching a new class at the Common Ground Food Co-op called "A Taste of Asia." This class will cover four summertime appetizers from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. What's unique about this class is that there will be no cooking, just assembly. Come hungry as we will have plenty of tasty treats as well as beer and sake tastings all evening long.  More info is available here .  

  Season 3 of the "Flavor Principles of Ethnic Cooking" series will start on September 22, but seats are selling fast. Register now to claim your space as we continue our exploration of great eats from around the world. This fall, we will be making stops in Greece, India, and Korea. This fun dinner-party-style demo class includes a two-curse dinner complete with wine and beer tastings.  More info is available here .

  Reminder:  Registration for Urbana Park District's fall classes start on on August 3. For the fall, I'm planning classes featuring Greek classics, Indian delights, and a taste of Korea. Draft menu outlines can be viewed  here . This week's ethnic cooking class is scheduled for Thursday, July 21 at 6:30pm. If you booked a seat, you're all set (sorry, this session is currently sold out). Handouts will be provided as usual, but you may preview the menu and recipes  here . Come hungry as we will have plenty of good eats as well as some Japanese beer and sake to taste.

  I love to cook, but I love to eat more. And what I love to eat most are tasty ethnic dishes with interesting ingredients and potent flavors. My favorite pastime is trying new dishes in restaurants and then attempting to recreate them at home. I'm a curious foodie and an adventurous international culinary explorer who has traveled to 25 different countries (so far). There's no dish that I won't try at least once. You can read more about me here .  Stay tuned for news about upcoming classes and events around Champaign-Urbana!