I took a fresh pasta cooking class tonight at Cook La and thoroughly enjoyed it! As soon as I walked in, I felt comfortable and excited to be there. Liz was extremely welcoming and made my friend and I feel at home. Liz had an olive terapande appetizer out which was really good- perfect to snack on while we created our master pieces! Chef Adam was our instructor and he was great! He was very patient, he answered all of our questions and did a great job at demonstrating each step of the process. We made three pastas: pumpkin ravioli with sage butter, fettuccine Alfredo, and gnocchi with al pomodoro and for our dessert we made tiramisu. First, we created the al pomodoro sauce which enhanced our knifes skills which is always helpful. Then we broke off into three different groups where we were responsible for each dish. My group was in charge of the raviolis (my group was so excited for that dish!) It was a lot of fun to work as a team and learn how to make the fresh raviolis. Adam was great about teaching us different techniques and giving us tips on how to fix any mistakes we made. We were able to move around to each station to get a feel on how each dish is made. It was fun learning how the gnocchi is made especially since I had no clue the imprints were made using a typical fork! As we waited for the food to cook, Liz was kind enough to refill our wine glasses and ensure that we were all taken care of. The food was amazing, completely fresh and rich is flavor. There was plenty of food left over so I went back for seconds since it was so delicious! The class was two and a half hours long but it went by quickly since you are busy preparing all the food and getting to know one another. I would definitely go back to Cook LA if they offered a menu I haven't taken before and I would definitely come back with my coworkers for a Corporate Event. Liz was very kind and you could tell that she genuinely loves what she does. She is passionate about cooking and about making sure her customers are satisfied which I deeply appreciate. read more

Cook LA - Fresh pasta making! - Cooking Schools Near Me

I am a bit puzzled after reading some of the one star reviews. I have taken 2 classes here and had a wonderful experience. Chef Liz is very patient and explains every step of the cooking process and makes sure everyone understands. I took the Thai cooking class and not only were the chefs great but the other students were very friendly. I had a blast! read more

Chef Liz was great! We went for Valentines day. I do all the cooking in the house and my wife can barely hold a knife.She does now thanks to liz WE HAD A BLAST. We did the Tapas class, great recipes. We all go our own work stations. Very informative and very fun space to cook in. I would recommend it! read more

Came here for an Indian Cooking class this weekend and had a great time! It was a small group of us and the instructor was great. The food was awesome too. Definitely recommend it! I will be going again for sure. read more

I too, am a bit puzzled at some of the one stars. I found Cook LA to be a fun, hands on, intimate setting to learn to cook. Liz was fun and the people who attended were great people to meet and spend an evening with. I would absolutely attend another Cook LA class read more

I have taken 2 classes here, one with each Chef and have been so impressed. I took the Gourmet pizza class first with Chef Liz and she was such a breath of fresh air. She was funny, knowledgeable and very sweet. I am not a cook by any means and did not know what to expect, but I had such a great time in her class and bonus: the food was delicious! I also took the Havana Nights class with Chef Adam and was sad I didn't get to experience this with Chef Liz, but love Chef Adam as well. He was so patient and knowledgeable as well and answered our millions of questions. I was a little more critical of this since I grew up eating Cuban food and let me tell you, it was so devine! I have always wanted to learn how to make this authentic food, especially now that some of the ancestors have passed who knew the recipes! He taught an excellent class. Overall, I absolutely enjoy this company. Chef Liz is so personable! She alters the recipes if you do not like something or are allergic. She lets you focus on what you want to make and how you want to make it. She teaches you about food and how to make healthier options. The most amazing thing is that they teach you some kitchen techniques that while simple, I find myself using daily. I am so excited to take more classes and am spreading the word on what a phenomenal cooking class company this is. Truely a great find! Simple, healthy, tasty recipes (that you get emailed the next day!) that you can make at home. What more could you ask for? read more

Went here for my future sister-in-laws 30th B-day and it was a blast. They really teach you some pro chef skills here. Chef Liz is pretty funny and she teaches you some cool knife skills. Overall had a great experience and the outside area they have for you to enjoy the meal you cooked with friends is too cute. read more

It was awesome! Chef Liz is great and very personable. Our food was delicious! I don't know what those one star people are complaining about. If you love food and cooking you should definitely give this a try! read more

Good stuff. Would come again. Sephardic spinach patties were awesome and it chef was informative.

This place is great. The chefs are sweet, the recipes interesting and overall its delicious. It's a nice atmosphere as well. I learned a lot and had fun with the other people who were in the class. I've done the French, Cooking with Beer and am headed to Indian tonight. Also it's byob...so that's fun. read more

What a fun place! Professional relaxed creative and fun! I highly recommend that place the chefs outstanding the owner delightful yay please go! Fun for a birthday work group or school. We were a work group and the team raved about it!!! read more

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My friend and I really enjoyed the Creole cuisine class (August 11, 2013). Chef Liz and Chef Adam were very friendly, knowledgeable,and helpful with teaching us the proper way to hold and use or knives for cutting and dicing vegatables and ingredients. We split up into groups to actually prepare each of the dishes and they guided us along the way to ensure that we felt comfortable and confident in preparing the meals. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and we were fortunate enough to get to work with three other groups that were friendly and sociable. The meals turned out great! And as a plus, they email you all of the recipes after the class. I will definitely be attending more of their classes in the future and plan to invite more friends in the future. read more

This was a wonderful evening. I stepped out of the stress of the week and basked in the warmth and fun of collective cooking. The soups were delicious and unique yet functional recipes I could take away and do again. Liz and Adam clearly enjoy what they do because they pass on the energy to their attendees. Happy with the comments and tips such as the best way to peel garlic or how to expertly sharpen a knife. Found the class a great way to spend down time where I come away with something new to add to my creative arsenal. Food is good. Cook LA does it right. read more

Haven't been able to organize an event with her yet due to scheduling issues on our end, but Liz has been very patient with us and shown great customer service. read more

My mother and I attended a class here recently and all I have to say is SAVE YOUR MONEY AND RUN! Liz (I can't even call her a true Chef) was rude and snappy. I always give local business's a try even if they had bad reviews but now I see why this one has so many, because they are true! We came to Cook LA to learn (hello we're not cooks, which is why we came!) and Liz was very harsh with us because we didn't hold our knife right and my mother made a funny comment and Liz said "okkkkaaayyyyyyyy whatever, awwwkward" Seriously, who talks like that? Is she in grade school? We also caught her giving everyone dirty looks throughout the night if they didn't ask a question right and we also noticed that she goes from place to place and even puts her hair up in a bun without washing her hands either before touching the food! We were appalled to say the very least. So unprofessional?!?! read more

I think a lot of the experiences on here are pretty extreme--we had a good time, learned a few things, and enjoyed the food and company. I can understand *some* of the negativity, because I could see how Chef Liz might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think a lot of that might have to do with the vibe of group. We had a pretty good group (8 people) who were all relaxed and there to learn a few new tricks. Chef Liz does seem a little disorganized and a touch frazzled; she couldn't really remember things in the recipe, and was asking Chef Adam to track down ingredients for her. I could see how if it were a larger and/or rowdier group, she might lose it a little bit. However, she was perfectly pleasant and helpful the vast majority of the time. The only part where I thought she was a little harsh was when one of the dishes didn't quite turn out. I don't think she meant to come across as critically as she did, but it seemed like she made the girls who cooked the dish feel really bad, and the rest of us were trying to be reassuring. Chef Adam was absolutely awesome. He was super professional, friendly, and had all sorts of tips and tricks. If we decide to take a class again, I think we'd definitely sign up for one of his. He does more of the artisan-style classes like pasta and more funky ethnic foods. I will say that it was a touch pricey. The ingredients and wine weren't crazy expensive or anything, and the instruction was pretty minimal once we divided into groups. I think things would have worked a bit better had they divided the room into two groups that made two dishes each, rather than four groups making individual dishes. Then each chef could have spent more time with the groups answering questions and giving more instruction. I do think we'll be back for one of Chef Adam's class, but only if we can score discounted tickets. read more

Truly phenomenal experience!!! We had our company party here to create team building and friendly competition and it was the best decision. It was such a memorable experience. They staff was so wonderful and helpful. We know we will be holding our company parties here for years to come. read more

Took a Macaron class with my daughter and we had a blast! Chef Liz is very knowledgeable and very patient and super fun! Was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and have some quality mother/daughter time. This is a great place to have a girl's night out event and she also does corporate events. Great atmosphere. Will be going back soon! read more

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Recently went there for a team building Thai cooking class and couldn't have had more fun. They started off with yummy appetizers served and after we were given a quick knife lesson. Many of us were beginners so we got some great tips. All of the chefs were helpful and walked around. We got to eat the appetizers we made and then we were set up for our main course meals. We broke up into groups and followed recipes. Everything turned out great. Would highly recommend this place for a group. I set it up for our group and Liz walked me through everything and was super helpful. The staff was great and I heard only raves from the group wanting to do it again! read more

I attended a children's birthday party and it was great! The chef and her helpers walked the children through making their own pasta. The children were excited and had lots of fun. On the outside of the kitchen was a wonderful outdoor area where the parents could sit and hang out while the children were cooking. The class was timed well and fun was had by all. The pasta was delicious and the children were proud of their work. All of the parents talked about how impressed we were with the venue and what a great idea it was for a birthday party. read more

In reading all the wonderful reviews, I think that Liz does extremely well with her classes, but I would not recommend her for a client event. I hosted an evening, 17 people in total and had guaranteed 25 in writing two days prior, one day prior I said it would probably be 31. The day of the event, I said it could possibly be 33. I truly thought that the guarantee was "set" at 25, (but okay, I accepted 31 at the most). The evening of the event, I paid in full for 33, knowing I'd double check my notes at the office the following day. People seemed to have a good time, although two guests, along with my husband and one of my employees told me they thought the food very disappointing. I thought the food and presentation to be "loving hands at home", and not what I had expected for a "top notch" cooking school. So, why the one star? When I called Liz the day after the event and asked for a credit of $80, she very sarcastically said, "Well, $80 won't break ME", implying that I was "wrong" to request the amount to be equal to the guarantee. I then asked if she had a moment, I wanted to give her some feedback on how I felt the way the evening went. She said she had a minute or two. I told her I was disappointed in the food and presentation, that the Arancini balls had seemed mushy, (not the incredible ones I've had other places), and that the empanadas didn't seem to have much vegetable filling. I added that I thought their service could have been more hands on, that my husband and I served wine, my staff member helped Adam serve spring rolls. I thought they should have done more. Very defensively, she said there was her side to what happened. I said, "of course there is" and yes, I wanted to hear hers. I remained calm, never raised my voice, but that was not to be for Liz. She proceeded to complain about the cruise line rep who'd arrived early to set up a projector, (I said I was sorry if she had disrupted their prep), she said my staff member had wanted to help...I agreed, and said, yes, she may have, I didn't know that she insisted on helping. In a nutshell, Liz told me that I wasn't a professional chef and couldn't know good food, and finally she knew what was really wrong, it was that I was cheap, She repeated this several times. (Apparently, she had this opinion from our initial conversation on pricing months before...when I dared to compare a $40 per person price for a cooking demonstration, and light dinner to what I could do elsewhere. We subsequently changed the menu to chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls (which was the only chef demo done), arancini balls, vegetarian empanadas, olive tapenade with bagel chips from a bag and a pan bread with black seasoning on top. I didn't question the price once set. I furnished the wine and dessert, did not complain about the price. I entertain socially, personally, and for charity and business, 20-30 times per year, at home, restaurants, our office, and various other venues. From my perspective and experience, the event was overpriced for the quality. I've been in the service business for 30 years, having the largest woman-owned company in the San Fernando Valley. What Liz doesn't recognize is that I didn't need to put myself out there to criticize for the sake of criticizing...I simply wanted to give her feedback as one business person to another. She chose to name call instead. I hope she can learn from this...she obviously does many things right, but incapable of accepting any negative comments. (To her credit, she had been kind enough to carry over an $800 deposit, when I had to cancel a previous date in January, as we simply did not have enough rsvps.) read more

This was a fun experience. I found Chef Liz to be motherly, rather than condescending. This is a good place for a girls night out, or for a first date. It is a little expensive for what it is, but they often have discounts available on goldstarevents.com read more

I entirely enjoyed my time with friends during the "Tapas" night at Cook LA. Liz and Adam blew us away with every aspect of the cooking class -- from "knife" skills to the actual preparation and enjoying our meal. I will most certainly be back to the classroom known as Cook LA. read more

Chef Liz and Chef Adam were both awesome!! Everyone was helpful, warm, welcoming, and kind. I felt completely eat ease and learned some great new skills. I definitely plan to take other classes there. The food was amazing and I felt completely comfortable being a total novice. I asked questions and everyone was so patient answering them. Just an absolutely wonderful time and I strongly recommend this place to anyone. ps. I saw a coupe of negative reviews that honestly don't make any sense to me and seems like they're talking about a different place entirely. I suggest you ignore those because they do not reflect the spirit of the place at all. read more

I had a wonderful time in Liz's kitchen! I'm also not sure about all these low reviews from that group, it doesn't match with the experience I had at all. We rented the space from her last year and couldn't wait to come back this year. She and her associate Adam were so easy to work with, and made it a joy to come into her space. I travel to schools all across the country with a professional Chef. The Chef was impressed with how much help Liz and Adam were during the class. Our group of 16 people all had a wonderful time and said that each and every one of them will be coming back next year. All in all I would say they definitely lived up to what I expect when I come into a kitchen for a class. Everything was ready for us, we all had a blast and the process was wonderful from start to finish. 5/5 stars and an A+ for Cook LA from an event planner, professional chef, and 16 class participants. We'll see you again in 2012! read more

THE COOK LA EXPERIANCE I thought the classes were wonderful and insightful. I have taken three classes there now and I find it to be an amazing experiance everytime. Chef Liz is allways willing to answer questions, and assist in imporoving your cooking skills. Chef Billie was a wonderful teacher as well. I hope I can take more classes in the future and I hope more people will be inclinded to take cooking classes there. All the recipies are thought through and the chefs take everything into consideration. IT IS THE PERFECTED LEARNING ENVIORMENT! read more

Hosted a group event for clients. Chef Adam was terrific. Offered great tips and the menu selection was awesome. Everyone had a wonderful time. Would definitely return again. They have a lovely patio that can be used when the weather is warm. read more

Just went to the Saturday, Farmer's Market cooking class...and had a blast. Very fun, open, casual environment, a great mix of people (class totaled 9), led by the laid back and very friendly Chef Liz, and her assistant chef, Chef Adam. Class started out with friendly chit cat, and then knife skills....which unlike other cooking classes I've been to, was very hands on. I actually learned a few things about how to properly hold, hone, and use a knife! (I cook almost every night, but have never had any technical knife training...and didn't think I needed it until Chef Liz pointed out ways to be more efficient with a blade. Next was cutting up all ingredients. This was fun, Chef Liz has the whole class work together to do chopping, while she explains about the item being chopped up, and how it applies to the recipe. After chopping, class breaks up into groups to tackle each element of the dinner. This was a very fun and cooperative way to create the overall meal, and everyone in the class was courteous, took their projects seriously, and yet Chef Liz and Adam make sure to foster a fun environment. This process, and the group, all all very inquisitive and positive, and Liz and Adam very encouraging and quick to answer questions, and assist in the preparation. After all sides were prepared, we paired into twos and prepared the main dish/protein. On Saturday it was seared salmon, and because Chef Liz wanted us all to understand exactly how to sear our fish, she had each of us prepare our own. The room isn't equipped to handle all those burners, and the smoke, and my hair and clothes smelled like fish for the rest of the night, but that would be my only complaint. I did really appreciate that Chef Liz felt it important enough to let all of us try for ourselves. Dinner was timed out and served perfectly, and Chef Liz and Adam obviously run a tight shift to keep the evening moving along without a hitch. The group gets to eat what they've created, and it was like sitting in on a family dinner. Everyone very complimentary of each other's work, and never was the convo dull. Chef Liz is a true hostess, and the end of the evening seemed to come too fast. (we were there from 6pm to 9...but it honestly felt like an hour!) I would highly recommend a Cook LA class to anyone. My fiance and I are foodies, and while we enjoy to cook very much...we could definately stand to learn a few things. Chef Liz's class was an entertaining and delicious way to learn about the culinary arts, and we will definitely use tips that she taught us in our future cooking. Fun night, fun people, great learning experience, and warm,friendly environment. No complaints here! And can't wait to go back! read more

Took my boyfriend here Saturday night for his first cooking class and he absolutely LOVED it! We both had a blast! I have taken several hundred cooking classes but this was a little different. They started with some basic knife skills, which was fun, and the teachers were very interactive with the students walking around the classroom and helping everyone. Liz was especially great. She had a great personality, loved to laugh, and didn't mind laughing at herself either. They didn't make it feel too serious like some of the other cooking classes I have been to. It really felt like you were just learning new recipes from some good friends. Chef Adam was great as well, very personable and very knowledgeable. This is a great place to go with friends for a fun night or for a date! I definitely recommend checking it out. Oh, and the food was AMAZING too! It was someone's birthday and they even put candles in our desserts and we all sang happy birthday to her. So much fun! Side note, for others going there. There is no parking but there is PLENTY of parking across the street in the Ralphs parking lot. read more

I took my wife there for their Havana Tropical class. We had a great time, and learned quite a bit in a short amount of time. It was also my wife's birthday and they put some candles in the deserts we made in the class and surprised her with a little happy birthday singing. Good times. read more

Awesome!! I signed up for a class at Cook LA called "How To Make Fresh Pasta" with Chef Liz and and Chef Adam. When I arrived at the class after a long day at work, I was greeted at the door by Chef Liz who wore a big smile and offered me a glass of wine. The kitchen is very nice. Professional with a cozy feel. As Chef Adam explained every step of what we were about to do in a very straightforward manner, Chef Liz bustled around helping everywhere. This is a very hands on class and so the food you prepare really stays in your mind. So different from other cooking classes I have taken where you never leave your chair and you don't get to participate. We all split into groups which is a wonderful way to meet people, share new experiences and cook at the same time. At the end of class we all sat down to a wonderful meal that we had cooked ourselves with lively conversation, laughter and new friends. I am already searching the calendar so I can sign up for more classes! This isnt just a cooking class this is an evening well spent!!! read more

Just went to my friends baby shower at Cook LA and it was a blast!! Liz and the other chef (OMG I forgot his name, but he was so sweet) they were both amazing. We learned how to hold a knife properly, how to chop up veggies the right way and some amazing brunch recipes: poached salmon, frittatas, baklava...all so good! The chefs really made up feel welcome, and were so sweet in answering all of our questions. I can't wait to go back for a girls night class. read more

We were really please with our experience at Cook LA. We had an amazing time!! We enjoyed the food, the company, the environment and of course the newly acquired skills. Overall we had a blast! I recommend Cook LA to everyone. I look forward to your other classes. Thanks Liz!!! Vrej and Maggie read more

I just had my Birthday Party there and everyone had a fabulous time. My guests ranged in age from 20s to 70s, and almost everyone complimented me on what a great idea. The chef let us customize the menu for our needs and everyone left learning something. (plus a stomach full of yummy food and drink) read more

I was a little hesitant about taking this class because of some the negative reviews in the past, however all those negative criticisms are completely FALSE. Don't let the few unhappy customers deter you from taking classes from Chef Liz and Chef Adam. They are extremely warm and welcoming as soon as you step through the door and they were nothing but helpful and encouraging the entire time we were there. They made sure that everyone had the opportunity to make each dish and they would take you aside and explain how to make that dish again if you missed out on that part of the demonstration. They give you great one on one attention and I was nothing but pleased with the class. The class size is intimate enough where you each have your own cutting board and you can see the demonstration less than 5 feet away from you. there's also an overhead mirror so you can watch them cut and prepare things from above. Very cool. I have no reservations about taking additional classes here in the future. As a matter of fact, I've already signed up for another class in 2 weeks! read more

I had a wonderful experience at Cook L.A. I've taken cooking lessons before at other venues, and I have to say that this is the best i've been to so far - the class was very hands on in a friendly, relaxed environment. Loved the basic knife skill lesson prior to prepping the food. I took the Gourmet Pizza Night class with Chef Liz and she was very professional - she definitely knows her stuff! I'd definately take another class. read more

My boyfriend and I went to a sushi class for our anniversary and we had such a good time. I love the intimate class sizes. The amount of food they give you is definitely enough for a great meal. The environment was very relaxed and fun. read more

Great place for learning cooking skills. Chef Adam is patient, knowledgeable, and gives great demonstrations as well as explanations as to why things are done certain ways. Thanks cook LA! read more

I had been looking for a class to learn knife skills and saw this on Goldstar so decided to give it a chance. It was so much more than I expected! Liz is great, the class is fun and educational. It is a very hands on environment and we all pitched in and made a delicious meal from what we had learned to chop. Looking forward to taking more classes. read more

Just took the Japanese Finger Foods class. I learned to make sushi. How cool is that. Still love this place.