The French Guide to Summer Apéro

A hands-on in-person cooking class culminating in a dinner served with wine and beer. This class is limited to 14 students. Review our registration and cancellation policies here. 
 

The apéro (short for apéritif) is a tradition thoroughly ingrained in French culture, when friends and family come together over pre-dinner drinks. In recent years, a new term has emerged - “l’apéro dinatoire” - which keeps the elegance of the traditional apéritif, but deviates from the formality of a traditional multi-course dinner party. 

The apéro dinatoire is made for chic yet casual grazing on a spread of bites made from simple, abundant and seasonal produce. Showcase the bounty of the season - and have a menu flexible enough to allow you to enjoy the party while hosting. Join Zoe and learn how to prepare and plan for a summertime feast that will be sure to impress your friends and family! 

MENU

Kir Royale—Champagne with Crème de Cassis Cocktail

Radis au Beurre—Radish with Radish Leaf Pesto & Salted Butter

Fried Zucchini Blossoms with Lemon & Herb Scented Ricotta*

Piperade—Slow Cooked Sweet Yellow, Orange & Red Bell Peppers with Olive Oil, Onions & Tomatoes Served on Grilled Bread

Pan Bagnat—Summer Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Nicoise Olives, Olive Oil Cured Tuna, Basil, French Radish, Green Peppers, Scallions & Aioli

Brandade de Morue—Whipped Salt Cod Gratin 

*Menu is subject to change based on seasonal ingredient availability. 

This menu contains the following common allergens: Fish, Shellfish, Egg, Dairy, Wheat. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions that concern your ability to cook along, please e-mail info@18reasons.org before purchasing a ticket.

Let’s Cook Together! 

Zoé McLaughlin was born in Paris and raised in San Francisco. She graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked in restaurants in France while she wrote and published her first cookbook – a collection of family recipes influenced by her multicultural upbringing. She now lives in San Francisco, where she works in the non-profit culinary world and hosts online cooking demonstrations. She has a passion for bringing together the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Bay Area with the time tested techniques of classical French cooking.

_{Photo courtesy of Zoe McLaughlin}