Learn to Cook Anything! Culinary Fundamentals - 03/08/2026

Learn to Cook Anything! Culinary Fundamentals
Hands On | Full Meal
Sunday 03/08/2026
3:00pm - 6:00pm
$95/person
Instructor Lisa Burgess
Adults 18+ (Ages 14 and up welcome with paying adult)

Menu
Hummus, Veggies, Flatbread (App)
Classic Caesar Salad (Vinaigrette, Sauces, Emulsions)  HANDS-ON
Chicken 2 Ways  (with Tzaziki) (Roasting, Pan Searing)  HANDS-ON
Roasted Veggies (Limited Knife Skills, Seasoning, Roasting) HANDS_ON
Focaccia Bread (Baking) DEMO and PARTIAL HANDS-ON
Dessert - Chef's Choice, Seasonal DEMO

Class Description
What if learning to cook didn’t mean memorizing endless recipes—but instead mastering a handful of essential techniques? This hands-on class is built around the idea that almost all cooking is simply a variation of a few foundational methods. Once you understand those methods, you can cook confidently, creatively, and without relying on a recipe card. 

Your instructor is Lisa Burgess. Lisa has extensive experience in the restaurant industry including as a sommelier. Her previous management positions included working at several notable Kansas City establishments including Venue, Cafe Sebastienne at The Kemper Museum, and The American Restaurant. Lisa has a passion for culinary education, she spent more than ten years as a culinary arts instructor at The Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage in Independence, Missouri, and manages a catering company employing students from across the metropolitan area who work alongside industry professionals.  For Lisa, cooking and sharing a meal is more than a task-it's a powerful tool for education, a means to unite families and communities, and a bridge across cultural divides, she can’t wait to see you in the kitchen!

In this class, we’ll explore the core techniques professional chefs use every day—skills that allow them to cook almost anything by instinct rather than instruction. You’ll learn the “why” behind the cooking, not just the “how,” gaining tools you can apply to countless dishes at home. We’ll break down and practice the fundamental methods that form the backbone of nearly every cuisine:

• Sautéing and searing for flavor and texture
• Roasting and baking for depth and consistency
• Boiling, simmering, and stewing to build body and richness
• Poaching and steaming for delicate, precise cooking

Along the way, we’ll focus on the chef skills that matter most: proper knife work, mise en place, seasoning with intention, and understanding simple ratios that replace rigid recipes. You’ll see how small adjustments in heat, fat, liquid, or timing can transform the same ingredients into completely different dishes.

This class is perfect for home cooks who want to cook with confidence, improvise with what’s in their fridge, and finally understand how food works—not just follow directions. Leave empowered to cook smarter, trust your instincts, and realize that with a few core techniques, you really can cook almost anything.

About Our Shared Cooking Experience
One of the things that makes our classes special is the community we build around every workstation. For most classes, each cooking workstation accommodates four people, and we thoughtfully pair individuals and couples together to create a collaborative, social experience. Over the years, we've watched countless friendships form over chopped vegetables and simmering sauces.
 
Most guests find that cooking alongside new people adds to the fun and creates unexpected connections. Whether you're signing up solo, with friends, or as a couple, you'll likely share your workstation with others who are just as excited to learn, laugh, and enjoy a great meal together. Please note that if you registered with other people on the same order, you will automatically be seated together. If you signed up as a party of four, you will automatically have your own workstation for most classes. If you'd like to sit with another registered guest and you haven't booked your seats together, please let us know in the "Comments" section when you sign up, and you will be seated together and placed at the same workstation.
 
We understand if you'd prefer a more intimate experience with just your own group. If you'd like to reserve an entire workstation for your party, simply purchase four spots and you will be given your own private workstation in most of our classes. This guarantees your group will have the space to yourselves. Please note that a few of our classes have six people per workstation. These include our Sourdough, Sushi, and Tamale-making classes. Questions about our class format? Feel free to reach out—we're happy to help you find the perfect cooking experience!

Dietary Restrictions & Allergies
We want everyone to enjoy our classes safely and comfortably! If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, let us know in the "Comments" section when you sign up. Our chefs do their best to accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with as much advance notice as possible. Please note:

• We are not a nut-free facility and cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
• Some dietary restrictions may be challenging to accommodate depending on the class menu.
• If you have severe allergies or complex dietary needs, we strongly encourage you to call us at 913-341-4455 before registering so we can discuss whether we can safely accommodate your requirements.

Our team is committed to making your experience as inclusive as possible, but we want to be upfront about our limitations. The more notice you give us, the better we can prepare. When in doubt, please reach out—we're here to help you determine if a particular class is the right fit!

Refund Policy
We provide a full refund if you need to cancel more than three (3) weeks prior to the start of a scheduled class. You will receive an Account Credit if you need to cancel at any time within three weeks but prior to the class start time. Please note that any refund issued for classes purchased using a Gift Certificate or Account Credit will result in reinstatement of the original Gift Card or Account Credit and will bear the same expiration date. Account Credits issued for cancelations within three weeks of a class will expire one year from the date of issuance. We reserve the right to cancel a class for any reason, at any time, in which case you will receive a full refund.

Other Notes

• Please enjoy a 10% discount on all items in our retail store during the full calendar day/night of your class or event. Our retail store will be open for browsing prior to class, during any breaks, and after class. 
• This class is for adults 18+. Children 14-17 years old are allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please let us know in the "Comments" section of the sign up form if you plan to bring a minor. 
• Please click here for a full description of our FAQs and Policies. Finalization of your registration tells us that you have read and understand them. 
• Want to buy a Gift Card for you or someone else? They’re available here.