Just in case purchasing fresh baked breads and pastries Wed – Sun doesn’t get you through the week, the Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop offers classes to teach you how to make their greatest hits yourself. From Parisian macarons to smoked meats (and of course, bread!) Fire Island bakers walk you through their recipes (with plenty of taste testing) so that you never have to go without your favorite baked goods. Additionally, special classes can be arranged at the bakery or at your own home for groups of ten or more. $90 per person. www.fireislandbread.com
La Bodega Wine and Spirits and Spenard Roadhouse recently launched “The Cocktail Club.” Meetings are every other month and are led by a Roadhouse bartender who will teach
attendees about the history of the featured cocktail, the ingredients, and how to make it at home. $35 per person. www.labodegastore.com/events/the_cocktail_club
South Restaurant + CoffeeHouse offers a number of specialty dinners and classes, sometimes featuring guest chefs from other restaurants like Jack Sprats or Sacks Café. Learn how to make paella and the perfect gin and tonic or sign up for a Prix Fixe menu with Executive Chef Shane Moore in the exclusive back room. Prices vary. www.southak.com
For coffee lovers, Kaladi Brothers Coffee offers two Espresso 101 classes: Basics ($40 per person) and Advanced Drink-making ($60 per person). Expert baristas share their vast knowledge of all things coffee along with lessons learned in some of Anchorage’s busiest cafes. www.kaladi.com
"this holiday season, give the gift of shared experience. It will bring you and your loved one more happiness, become a part of your story, increase your sense of connection, and stave off loneliness"