The Art of Presentation: Spring

A hands-on cooking class culminating in dinner served with wine and beer.

It has always been true that “We eat with our eyes,” but in today’s world it has become equally true that we “Celebrate with our cameras!" Food presentation has become part of the popular culinary landscape, with bloggers, vloggers, and Instagram being key ways we are inspired by new recipes, or at the very least, the way we share what we're tinkering with in the kitchen with friends and family. Come learn presentation techniques with Chef Mike: social media may mystify him, but he has been using presentation techniques for many years. Bring your appetite, because food must taste great before any other goal. But bring your iPhones and log-ins as well, as we will be making "Pinteresting" food all night!

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Colorful Beet Salad with Dill Oil, Goat Cheese, and Citrus

Crispy Skinned Salmon on Yukon Gold Potato Salad with Asparagus Sauce and Haight Ashbury Onions

Art Gallery Spring Strawberry Soup with Pink Peppercorn Meringues

Born in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, Mike Weller grew up in suburbs of San Jose, where he discovered cooking as his first profession and lifetime passion. After wandering through typical teenage jobs at pizza joints and ice cream parlors, Mike’s first “restaurant” job was with Sambo’s Coffee Shops, slinging hash and cooking eggs for the bar rush and Sunday breakfast crowds.  He moved on to help open several restaurants, attend the California Culinary Academy, and study under European chefs with Michelin backgrounds. Later, Mike served as an executive chef for catering companies, wineries and country clubs.  When his son was born, Mike transitioned his career into teaching, returning to the CCA where he eventually became the Executive Chef and Director of Academics.  Having taught for Le Cordon Bleu North America in both online and brick and mortar schools, Mike is thrilled to return to teaching in a neighborhood-based community.  When he is not teaching he tends to his backyard garden, helps his wife to can and preserve food, and loves to cook for his friends and family.