Modern Sauces
A hands-on cooking class culminating in a dinner served with wine and beer.
The old French culinary sauces have their place, but if it is a weekday and you need a delicious dinner there are an assortment of modern alternatives: faster, lighter, and just as tasty. These modern sauces are vegan friendly, too, with not an ounce of butter or cream used! No need to stay in France for culinary inspiration; our contemporary approach will skip madly around the globe!
MENU
Charmoula Marinated Halibut Brochettes on Couscous (Summer squash can be substituted for fish)
Pasta in Muhammara Sauce
Chimichurri Drizzled Roasted Summer Vegetables
Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Mojo (A geat place to use grilled firm tofu!)
Muy Loco Moco: Gochujang Sauced Burger on Garlic Rice with Fried Egg and Quick Pickles (or use seitan!)
*Let us know if you would like the vegan substitutions so we can shop accordingly for class at info@18reasons.org
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.
