Delicious dates: food and wine classes provide a delectable night out.

• Author: Lewis, Di
• Position: Executive Living

When it comes time to decide what to do for the weekend, dinner and a show can become the default. But when looking for something creative to do with a date or a fun way to catch up with friends, there is an often-overlooked option--cooking classes and wine tastings.

"We have people walk in almost daily and say, 'I didn't know you were here,'" says Diane Sheya, culinary director at Viking Cooking School in Salt Lake.

Eat, Drink, Learn

Most cooking classes are for the "nonvocational cook," Sheya says, adding that people with zero to average cooking skills are encouraged to join the fun. "It's for people like you and me interested in cooking Thai food or grilling or a night out with your husband or girlfriends. It's just a fun place to come."

Heather Smith, culinary director at Orson Gygi, says cooking classes can be a nice alternative to a restaurant because not only do guests learn new skills, but it's a more relaxed atmosphere. Restaurants can sometimes make you feel rushed, but with a class guests have several hours to fix and eat a great meal, Smith says.

Attendees also get a chance to talk to people they came with and whoever else might be in the cooking group, Smith says, making it a fun time to catch up with friends or make new ones.

Another reason cooking classes are so popular is the versatility, says Kristen Daniel, City Creek Harmons event coordinator. The Utah-based store frequently has people who attend on date nights or for girls' night out, but Daniel says people often attend for corporate team building sessions, family nights, reunions and even birthday parties centered around cooking.

"Basically if someone comes to us and says, 'We want to do this: We try and do it even if it's really out there," Daniel says.

Salt Lake's Kiler Grove Winegrowers hosts events ranging from neighbors having dinner to book signings to a Great Dane rescue fundraiser. Each event depends on the group, says Co-owner Mike Knight, adding that everything from wine tasting and education about pairings to a small, private event with friends or clients is possible.

On the Menu

Though classes run the gamut of types of food being prepared and wine tasted, there are some basics of what you can expect.

Many classes give hands-on experience. Both Smith and Sheya say people attending classes get to do the food prepping and cooking under supervision of the chef. Some classes are aimed at helping those without experience gain basic skills; others work better for...