The Taylor School Cooking Class Fundraiser 2008!!

Hidden Café, Chef Joseph Soliman.
Saturday, January 20, 2008 from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To be held at the Garlic Lover’s Café, Route 4, East Greenbush. 
Cost: $55

By far one of the greatest “secret” restaurants in the Capital District, Joseph Soliman’s Hidden Café offers a unique menu with a Mediterranean flair. Known for amazing appetizers like hummus, falafel and stuffed grape leaves, Joseph draws from other influences: "My mother-in-law is Portuguese, and I use a lot of her recipes, such as the one for homemade smoked sausages," said Soliman. "We want everything to be a bit upscale with lots of fresh ingredients, yet we want to keep the prices affordable for really good food." Joseph will be showing us some of his classic menu offerings that focus on the use of fresh ingredients in a hands-on environment!  

Debbie’s Kitchen, Chef Debbie Klauber.
Sunday, January 27, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  To be held at Debbie’s Kitchen, 465 Madison St., Albany.
Cost: $55

Gayot.com, the Guide to Good Dining, gushes, “If you don’t think a sandwich can be a work of genius, you obviously haven’t been to Debbie’s Kitchen. Dill havarti, smoked turkey, snow peas, pears, black-bean hummus, and roasted-garlic mayo are some of the more common things you’ll find them piling on to the legendary creations. And don’t even think about driving while eating one of these monsters---you will need both hands for your lunch. Debbie doesn’t limit her magic to sandwiches, though: just take a look in the dessert case to see what we mean. Pies, brownies, cookies, tortes, mousse cakes---you probably won’t have room for another bite after one of the sandwiches, but be sure to buy one for later. The shop also features an ever-changing selection of unusual side dishes and salads, most of which are vegetarian-friendly.” Join Debbie on January 27 to learn the secrets to a fabulous brunch menu.

Mid-winter Suppers: Soups, Salads, and Breads with Polly Kimberly, Alizabeth Smith, and Rachel Williams. 
Saturday, February 16, 2008, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  To be held in the Wellington-Lay Kitchen on Emma Willard’s campus.
Cost: $35

Given by three mothers who love to cook and care about healthfulness, simplicity, and flavor that is both sophisticated enough for adults and pleasing to young palates, this class will provide you with recipes that are paragons of convenience and delectability.  Join us to prepare easy soups and breads that can be made ahead, that freeze well, and that are filling and delicious.   Many of those who have sampled our culinary endeavors have called the experiences “fantastic,” “amazing,” and “mind-blowing!”  If you think your family would sneer at a squash soup or a roasted root vegetable salad, think again!  Come prepared to chop, mince and sauté before we sit down together to enjoy a mid-winter’s feast paired with wines from local wine sellers. 

El Loco Mexican Café
Sunday, March 2, 2008, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
To be held in the Wellington-Lay Kitchen at Emma Willard School.
Cost: $55

With an extensive Tex-Mex menu that includes entrees such as chicken ancho spinach enchiladas, pork tamales, vegetarian chili, and blue cornbread, El Loco has been called the “best Mexican restaurant in the Capitol Region” by many of its reviewers.  Gayot.com comments, “While not exactly faithful to the traditional cuisine of Mexico, El Loco serves up tasty, Tex-Mex fare. Equally as important as the food, however, are the great margaritas, the funky, neighborhoody vibe and an impressive list of Mexican cervezas. We usually order up the chunky, cilantro-laden salsa fresca to go with our chips, but if you like, you can belly-up to the salsa bar and help yourself to mild, hot and loco varieties. The portobello-and-spinach burrito and the veggie chili served in an edible bowl are faves, but if you're feeling indecisive, go for one of the combo platters.”   Join Chefs Marcia Toliver and Banks to learn how to make tamales, among other Mexican treats.