The list of classes of a culinary nature attests to the keen interest of Edmonds residents in all things gourmet. Many classes feature award winning chefs like Bobby Moore from Barking Frog, Erin Coopey, Cookbook Author, Instructor and Owner of Glorified Home Chef and many more.

Sweet Basil’s School of Cooking’s owner Jeanne Judd has been satisfying our community’s culinary curiosity for over 35 years. Judd has taken and led culinary education tours throughout the West Coast and in France, Italy and Mexico. Her menus and recipes are delicious reminders of distinct times and places.. Her name Sweet Basil’s reflects the theme of cooking with fresh herbs, most harvested from the beautiful gardens that fill her property. Her cooking school was a leader in the “Farm to Table” movement.

Judd is by her own admission a bit “old school”. “I still send out class schedules in print, via snail mail and I encourage attendees to call me to register for classes taught at my home location. I make each class special by using fine china, silverware and crystal to set the tables when the finished meal courses, prepared during the class, are served to the group.”

Attendees get extra education on wines paired with the foods served. At the end of the evening, guests may be treated to a visit by the resident poodle, named Julia, for the famous chef by the same name.

Sweet Basil’s is located at 5820 156th St. S.W., Edmonds. During warm months, class attendees may enjoy dining in the lush green areas between the plantings of vegetables and fruits. Email sweetbasils@aol.com or call 425-743-7438 to learn more.

One may also register for Judd’s very popular classes and tours available at Everett Parks and Recreation, taught at the Senior Center Demo Kitchen, 3025 Lombard Ave.

A Chef’s Kitchen owner Debbie Bodal conducts cooking classes at 16905 Talbot Road in Edmonds. Imagine the view! “I have been hosting cooking classes in my home for over 10 years,” she says. “Edmonds has many great boutique restaurants, each having their unique food style. Having lived the first 17 years of my life overseas, mainly in Southeast Asia, I have a passion for Asian cuisine because of its unique fresh and healthy ingredients. However, I love foods from all over the world and that is why I host guest chefs to share their talents and culture in my classes.”

The well-appointed kitchen creates a festive atmosphere and an opportunity to gather with friends. Small class sizes allow for hands on involvement with presenters. Bodal often hosts classes whose proceeds fund local charities like ECA and the Boys and Girls Club. Visit www.a-chefs-kitchen.com to enroll, email achefskitchen@comcast.net or call 206-406-1517.

PCC’s Edmonds location has a great offering of classes held in their fully equipped teaching kitchen. Both “hands on” and “demonstration” type classes are offered on various cuisine, health and holiday themes. Free Walk, Talk and Taste classes are held at the store as well. Classes fill up quickly, so consult their website to see what’s on the schedule, and to enroll.
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SPECIAL EVENT! Oct. 7, from 5-9 p.m.: Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant 201 5th Ave. Suite 101 in Edmonds. Windermere has partnered with Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant to benefit Edmonds area food banks. Order from a special menu on this special evening and your favorite Windermere Broker will be your server! All tips during this evening will be donated. Call Windermere sales agents for reservations. Windermere can’t wait to serve you so that we can all serve those in need. Contact your favorite Windermere broker for reservations. I love when restaurants send me NEWS!

Salt and Iron: oysters and steak is opening on 321 Main St. Opening date TBD still, but hoping late this year or early next, says owner Shubert Ho. “It will be awesome! Definitely different, Salt and Iron will feature a full bar with craft cocktails and first class food,” Ho said.

Readers, share with us! Please email your culinary class experiences, photos too — restaurantnews@myedmondsnews.com.

– By Kathy Passage

A specialty gourmet food broker for over 30 years, Kathy Passage has in-depth knowledge on food and the special qualities of ingredients used in the exquisite products she helped bring to market. Kathy brings this unique perspective from the “other side of the plate” to writing about the food and restaurant scene in Edmonds.