The new year is typically accompanied by resolutions that may or may not get checked off the list. May we suggest this year, resolve to become a lifelong food learner?

Exercise your brain as well as your body this new year by taking a class or two. This is The Food Issue of Beachin’ Magazine, so we put together a list of cooking schools and classes across the Gulf Coast. Why not learn a new skill and fill your belly all while having a fun time?

The variety of options ranges from demo-style group classes to getting your hands dirty in a hands-on class. We even have some mixology classes for those looking to hone their cocktail skills. The locations also spread from Fairhope and Gulf Shores to Pensacola. Did we miss a class? Email melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com.

Mari’s Italian Cooking Lab

What: In Fairhope, Marilena “Mari” Rutland is sharing the recipes and techniques she learned from her mother and grandmother while growing up in Italy with those who savor learning. Mari’s Italian Cooking Lab opened in June 2023 and has sold out every class on offer. Rutland shows her students how to take just two farm-fresh eggs and 200 grams of organic flour and turn it into pasta. Rutland is a dynamic teacher with a warmth and personality that makes you feel like her best friend in five minutes. Her Italian accent will make you feel like you flew to Italy. Students learn to make the pasta dough, roll it and shape it. Then Rutland does a demo and walks the students through how to cook fresh pasta once they get home and how to make a quick, simple and delicious sauce. These classes make a great gift, a fun date night or a solo journey.
To learn more or to register for a class, visit www.mariscookinglab.com.
Where: 462 N. Section St., Fairhope

Wildflowers & Fresh Food

What: Kristin Alpine has taken her medical background and combined it with her love of cooking, educating and entertaining to offer unique culinary experiences. Wildflowers & Fresh Food offers a variety of food experiences like classes, private chef services and interactive dinner parties. Alpine’s classes are more like cooking with your nurturing and supportive pal. Throughout the class, she highlights the health benefits and healing properties of the ingredients she uses in simple-to-make dishes. While she does not drink alcohol, she does enjoy showing her students how to make delicious and refreshing mocktails. When asked to describe the experience her students receive, she said, “It’s a live dinner party.” Since starting her business in Fairhope over five years ago, Alpine has expanded to add two additional teachers. Along with offering classes in her Fairhope kitchen, Alpine travels around the area and offers classes in Tennessee. For more information, visit www.wildflowersandfreshfood.com.

Pensacola Cooks Commissary & Classroom

What: Pensacola Cooks offers a variety of culinary experiences for everyone from adults and children to food entrepreneurs. They also offer in-home cooking classes and private classes, which make for a fun birthday party for the young or young-at-heart. The variety of classes covers everything from sushi to sourdough bread. They even offer a gluten-free baking class. The class calendar is updated regularly with new class offerings. To learn more, visit www.pensacolacooks.com.
Where: 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C, Pensacola

SoGourmet Pensacola

What: SoGourmet Pensacola is part of the Bodacious Shops on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. The Bodacious Events Kitchen offers interactive and educational cooking experiences throughout the year that vary from children’s lessons to burger classes. To learn more, visit www.bodaciousshops.com.
Where: 407 S. Palafox St., Pensacola

The Barn at Hope Farm

What: Tucked into the back corner of The Hope Farm property is the most beautiful barn. This barn has never housed barn animals but is home to a restaurant and space used for educational series. Each month, The Barn hosts one Art of Mixology class and one Wine Education class. Each class is educational, fun and delicious. The classes are fun for a solo guest, date night or a group. To learn more, visit www.thehopefarm.com.
Where: 915 Nichols Ave., Fairhope

La Martina Tapas Lounge

What: La Martina is in a small but elegant space in downtown Fairhope. The tapas lounge and cocktail bar is not only a wonderful place to go for a night on the town but also a place to learn the art of the cocktail. Maritza Salibi, co-owner of both La Martina and Sage Lebanese, guides students through the art of mixing the perfect drink. The classes not only teach you a series of cocktails but are accompanied by tapas. Each student is sent home with flavorful cocktail recipes they can recreate in their home. For more information, follow La Martina Fairhope on Facebook.
Where: 319 Fairhope Ave., Building B, Fairhope

Editor note: This article was originally published in the Winter 2024 issue of Beachin' Magazine, a quarterly free publication of Gulf Coast Media. Pick up a copy at racks around the island, at our office, 901 N. McKenzie St., Foley, or read it here: link to e-edition.