This past Saturday, I took a cooking class. Not just any class but a souffles class given by resident artist/goofball/hospitality chef/chef instructor Joe Wittenbrook. The class is held, not in a lab-like industrial kitchen, but in the front 'salon' of Joe's Duboce Park apartment that does double duty as his art studio. The studio cum kitchen is filled with random art objects and family photos that make you feel as if you're in the kitchen of a friend who happens to be a much better cook than you (and who happened to teach European cuisine at the CCA) After being introduced around to the rest of the small class, you are treated to bad jokes, friendly banter and a demo of the day's offerings before you're let loose to try it yourself. Because really, the best way to learn is by doing.
mmmmm chocolate....
We made 5 different souffles: cheese, spinach, chocolate, lemon and Grand Marnier. They were all delicious and all of them came out great despite mistakes and timing issues and the several bottles of wine that were drunk by students. It really took the fear and mystique out of souffle making. The 3 hour class flew by and after stuffing ourselves silly on the puffy golden goodness of the fifth souffle it was time to head back out into the sunshine (minor tummy aches in tow).
Easy as souffle!
Joe truly appreciates his students as he proves with the good natured hug he gives you on your way out. He's silly and a little unconventional, but stern when it comes to safety and technique. If you want a class with a personal touch check out Joe's schedule here.
Grand Marnier. My fave of the day!
Chef Joe's Culinary Salon
16B Sanchez street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Enjoy!
EB
What a fun class to take, especially because souffles can be so tricky. But hey, don't fret about digging into five of them. They're mostly air anyway, right? LOL
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | August 10, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Oooh such a misconception ... I know this now. So much egg. So much sugar. So much yumm.
Posted by: EB | August 11, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Mmmm LEMON & Grand Marnier...genius!
Posted by: cks | August 11, 2011 at 11:53 AM
That looks like such fun!! I love the description of the kitchen. And who doesn't like a good souffle. Yum.
Posted by: Shari | August 11, 2011 at 06:35 PM
I have always been afraid of soufflés and have never tried making them. The one with Grand Marnier looks fantastic! Pity I can't go to have a cooking class with Joe :-(
Posted by: Sissi | August 12, 2011 at 03:32 AM
@sissi I think with a clearly written recipe you would do just fine! Its honestly not difficult. Making one really does take the scare factor out of it.
Posted by: EB | August 12, 2011 at 11:04 AM
The Grand Marnier Souffle's picture really describe how good this is! Wooow!
Posted by: Chan | August 19, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Boy-o-boy would I love to dive spoon first into the Grand Marnier Souffle!
Posted by: Michael Franco | August 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I think I dove in face first!
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