Filled to the brim: City may hold culinary classes twice a year

More than 20 chef-wannabes of all ages gathered at Blu Fusion restaurant this weekend for the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs on the island. Paul Johnson, recreation leader for Marco Island Parks and Recreation says these tantalizing classes are “cooking up interest.”

“We have nine kids in the youth program and 12 in the adult program. It’s maxed out,” explains Johnson.

“The adults like to try to make the things at home. I think they get a kick out of learning things they don’t know about. There’s a lot of talking and comparing recipes. If you’re in the kitchen a lot, you like to cook and learn new recipes, this class is definitely for you.”

According to Johnson, the cooking classes, which lasts four weeks, began last fall. Students get together on Saturdays at restaurants around the island, learning how the professionals make food taste so good. This year, chefs from Bay View, Blu Fusion, La Grotta’s and Da Vinci will share their expertise with the community.

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Max Frimberger, left, and Claudia Caceres watch as chef John Nelson teaches the culinary class Saturday at Blu Fusion restaurant.

Due to a high level of interest, there’s a good chance the city will add more culinary classes in the spring. Youth classes are for kids ages 11 to 17. Adult classes are for those 18 and up. Carly Winter says she decided to take the class when her mother mentioned it to her.

“I thought it would be fun because I never cooked before. I didn’t know if any of my friends would be in it but two of my friends are. It would be fun to get to cook but it’s more fun to have friends there too,” Winter explains.

A fellow culinary classmate, Max Frimberger says he’s got more serious plans in mind.

“My mom told me about it. She wanted to know if I wanted to do it. I did because I wanted to learn to cook. I’ve made chocolate cake, cupcakes and pastries so far. I would like to be a chef,” Frimberger confirms.

The executive chef at Blu Fusion, John Nelson, says he started cooking at age 15. He says the classes offer exposure people wouldn’t otherwise get at home.

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Students learned how to whip up real whipped cream as part of a pastry puff recipe at the city’s culinary class held at Blu Fusion restaurant.

“I started as a bus boy actually on the island. And then moved on to cook. I liked it and went on to college from there,” Nelson says. “It’s fun, you get to learn something new and you get exposed to something you’ve never been exposed to before. Being a chef isn’t easy, but it’s fun! There’s a lot of stuff to keep track of, a lot of long hours and hard work.”

During the kid’s class Saturday, Nelson taught students how to create puff pastries. He chose this recipe for kids because it’s fun, it comes out consistent and there aren’t any knives involved.

“We talked about puff pastries a little bit and we made the shells. As they were in the oven, we made the whipped cream,” Nelson explains. “You make whipped cream with cream, sugar and a little bit of lemon juice. The lemon juice makes it stand up, makes it a little bit sturdier, so it doesn’t run if you’re going to put fruit on the top. Once they were cool, we put them together and they ate. It’s easy!”

For more information on upcoming culinary class schedules, call Parks and Recreation at 642-0575.