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Sharpen Your Skills and Savor The Experience

From mastering pasta-making to exploring global flavors, our cooking classes offer something delicious for everyone.

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World Class Culinary

World-class culinary experiences

We offer over 500 classes each year, demystifying the art of cooking in our comfortable, inviting and well-equipped teaching kitchens. We’ve been doing it for 29 years.

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What our guests are saying

This was the perfect activity to enjoy with my granddaughter. The instructor, Laura Thomsen, was kind, thorough, and detailed.

Winter baking kringle pastries
Alicia G.
Guest at “Winter Baking: Kringle Pastries” class
Winter baking kringle pastries

The staff is always very prepared and professional. The classes are presented skillfully and you leave feeling that you can prepare the same thing at home.

Danish pastries - art of dough
Ann D.
Guest at “Danish Pastries: Art of the Dough” class
Danish pastries - art of dough

BBQ Tacos class was a great value and experience. Instructor was a fantastic, an energetic presenter with anecdotes to share from his experiences.

Camille K. BBQ Tacos
Camille K.
Guest at “Bad-Ass BBQ Tacos & More” class
Camille K. BBQ Tacos

I learned the difference in knives, that each has a purpose — to improve the appearance of food. Tips and tricks were valuable. Definitely worth the time.

Knife cutting skills
Charlie R.
Guest at “Knife Skills For The Home Cook” class
Knife cutting skills

I bought this for my friend’s 60th birthday present. Chef Catie was amazing. If you are looking for a unique gift, I’d highly recommend a class at The Culinary Center.

Christy B. Danish Pastries
Christy B.
Guest at “Danish Pastries: Art of the Dough” class
Christy B. Danish Pastries

The instructor was accomplished and very fun. My son and I had a great time. The next night I made three of the dishes for a holiday party!

Table filled with all food sorts
Cynthia E.
Guest at “Fun Party Hors D’eouvres” class
Table filled with all food sorts

This is the second class that my friend and I have attended. Both classes were a lot of fun, very informative, easy to follow recipes and the food was terrific.

Greek food
Dan J.
Guest at “Get Your Greek On! Mediterranean Favorites” class
Greek food

Took the Pro Series class and absolutely recommend it to anyone that is seriously interested in learning more about cooking. It far exceeded my expectations.

9 week pro series chefs
Emily P.
Guest at “9-Week Professional Culinary Arts Series: Cooking Fundamentals For The Serious Cook”
9 week pro series chefs

What a wonderful evening. The staff was great, the process was really fun, and of course the food was delicious. Would highly recommend this to anyone.

Jared M. Mexican Food
Jared M.
Guest at “Couples Cook: Homestyle Mexican” class
Jared M. Mexican Food

I’ve always enjoyed the food at The Culinary Center of Kansas City. This past lunch for November, was amazing!

Joselyn G. Tuesday lunch meal
Joselyn G.
Guest at “Tuesday Lunch: November 2024 Edition”
Joselyn G. Tuesday lunch meal

A wonderful cooking experience… a culinary bargain. This was my first cooking class and definitely will not be my last. See you again very soon!!! 😁

Judith M. Cake Baking
Judith M.
Guest at “British Baking Dessert Experience: Millionaire’s Shortbread & Victoria Sponge Cake” class
Judith M. Cake Baking

I have taken multiple classes and I appreciate the time and experience the chefs and their assistants provide to make it more than just another cooking class. Highly recommend!

Katelyn O. Fruit Cake
Katelyn O.
Guest at numerous classes
Katelyn O. Fruit Cake

The instructor was great and willing to answer any and all questions. I’ve already made biscuits and gravy and bread from the recipes she provided. I highly recommend this class.

Gluten free
Kelly V.
Guest at “Gluten-Free Cooking & Baking” class
Gluten free

The staff is always so friendly and Teacher Leesa was knowledgeable and encouraging. Thank you for another great time learning with friends!!!❤️

Christmas cookie decorating
Kim L.
Guest at “Christmas Cookie Decorating” class
Christmas cookie decorating

The class was so fun and hands on! The best was tasting our creations! It was a great date activity and we both had a blast. I will be returning many times in the future!

Laura U. Pizza Calzone
Laura U.
Guest at “Pizza & Calzone Workshop: Mastering Scratch Dough and Classic Fillings” class
Laura U. Pizza Calzone

Every event we’ve attended has been exceptional, informative, and extremely well organized. It’s a welcoming space, can’t wait for my next class.

Maggie C. French Chateaubriand
Maggie C.
Guest at “Timeless Menus: A French Châteaubriand Dinner” class
Maggie C. French Chateaubriand

Amazing experience. Highly recommend. The food prepared was dramatically better than the majority of the fancy restaurants in Kansas City. The biggest surprise is that I prepared it.

Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner
Maureen M.
Guest at “An Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner” class
Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner

We had such a wonderful experience! We attended for my husband’s birthday and it was the perfect course for us. We learned fun and efficient ways to make food that felt elevated!

Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner
Meagan O.
Guest at “What Would Julia Do? Cooking In The Style Of Julia Child” class
Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner

This was the first class that my husband and I attended. Chef Gary took time to answer all our questions and invited us to step up and take a closer look at everything. I highly recommend!

A taste of the Mediterranean food
Michele K.
Guest at “A Taste Of The Mediterranean” class
A taste of the Mediterranean food

Chef Bruce was outstanding! Terrific instructor who was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly enjoys his work. Our group of four traveled from Manhattan and had a delightful experience.

Fresh pasta with two sensational sauces
Mindy W.
Guest at “Fresh Pasta-Making + Two Sensational Sauces” class
Fresh pasta with two sensational sauces

We watched demonstrations to learn how to make pico de gallo, Mexican rice, salsa verde, chili sauce, and tamales with chicken. Great class!

Rebecca M. Night Tamalada Party
Rebecca M.
Guest at “Saturday Night Tamalada Party!” class
Rebecca M. Night Tamalada Party

Fantastic class with Chef Richard McPeake! The food was delicious and we got hands on experience. Well worth it! Highly recommend. We’ll come back for more!

Ruby P. Spanish Tapas
Ruby P.
Guest at “Spanish Tapas” class
Ruby P. Spanish Tapas

My husband and I attended the Wine 101 class and we loved it! Would recommend to anyone that enjoys wine and wants to learn more to attend!

Wine in glasses next to the cheese
Sarah P.
Guest at “Wine 101” class
Wine in glasses next to the cheese

We absolutely love this place! We’ve learned many techniques that we can bring back to our kitchen. The food we cooked was amazing!

Tracy O. Steak
Tracy O.
Guest at “Master Class: An Elegant Steak au Poivre Dinner” class
Tracy O. Steak

Frequently Asked

What is your class cancellation policy?
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  • We provide a full refund if you need to cancel more than three weeks prior to the start of a scheduled class. Please email cook@kcculinary.com if you need to cancel your class reservation. You will receive an Account Credit if you need to cancel at any time within three weeks but prior to the class start time. Please note that any refund issued for classes purchased using a Gift Certificate or Account Credit will result in reinstatement of the original Gift Card or Account Credit and will bear the same expiration date. Account Credits issued for cancellations within three weeks of a class will expire one year from the date of issuance. We reserve the right to cancel a class for any reason, at any time, in which case you will receive a full refund. We cannot offer a refund or class credit if you do not email us prior to the start of the class.
  • For series classes: We will gladly give you a full refund if you need to cancel more than three weeks prior to the start of a series. Within three weeks of the start of a series, no refunds or credits will be given. In the event you miss a class in the series, no refunds will be given and it is not possible to make up the class(es) in a future similar series.
What are the age and/or attendance requirements for your classes?
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  • Each class description has the age and/or attendance requirement for that particular class. Your registration tells us that you have read the class description, including the age and/or attendance requirements for that particular class, and that the person(s) for whom you are registering meet those listed age requirements.
  • Our class age/attendance requirements fall into the following categories:
    • Adult Only (21+)
      • Only adults over the age of 21. No exceptions. Primarily for alcohol focused classes like wine and liquor tastings or classes with a heavy component of paired drinks.
    • Adult (18+)
      • Adults over the age of 18. Children 14 – 17 years old are allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please let us know if you plan to bring a minor.
    • Junior Chefs (9-14)
      • Only for kids 9-14. Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult.
    • Little Chefs (5-8)
      • Only for kids ages 5-8. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Prices are per child + adult team. Adults can supervise up to two children, but must pay for one team seat per child.
    • Family Friendly (9+)
      • All ages 9 and up are welcome. Each child below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
    • Family Friendly (5+)
      • All ages 5 and up are welcome. Each child below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
    • Girls Night Out
      • Have a great night out with your girlfriends. Kick back, relax and enjoy some great food and even better drinks while learning some cool new cooking techniques. Ladies 21+ only.
    • Couples Cook
      • Enjoy creating a fantastic variety of dishes with your significant other or just a group of great friends. These classes are designed to let you bond while also getting a chance to learn new cooking techniques. Groups of 2 or more only. 21+ only.
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
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If you communicate your food allergy or dietary restriction to us at least 48 hours prior to class, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate you. For most classes, we have substitution items available for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets. That said, we cannot guarantee that all food allergies or dietary restrictions communicated to us prior to class can be accommodated. Unless written notice is given prior to class, we will assume that each registrant has no food allergies that will affect their experience in the class.  Once notified (whether prior to the class or during the class), the student will be required to sign an Allergen Waiver (or if it is a child under 18 years, then by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of that child). Without this signed Allergen Waiver, and for the safety of the registered student, the student will not be able to attend (or continue) in class until such time as we receive it. Click here for a copy of the Adult Allergen Waiver (18+).  Please click here for a copy of the Under 18 Allergen Waiver. We cannot guarantee that there will be no traces of nuts or other food allergens in the classroom or in the foods you will be eating or working with. Should you choose to attend class (or should you choose to send a child) you will be doing so at your own risk.

What if I want to sit with another registered guest?
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If you would like to sit with another registered guest(s) please provide this information in advance of the class, preferably in the Comments section when registering.  We pre-assign seats, so we cannot guarantee you (or the child you are registering) will be seated together without this advance notice.

What clothing and shoes should I wear to my cooking class?
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For hands-on classes, comfortable and kitchen-safe shoes are required.  For any of our Professional Culinary Arts classes, you must wear a white chef jacket (available through our Kitchen Shop, if desired).  Other than that, you can wear what you like, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the class. Most people dress casually in our kitchens.

Do I have to bring anything, like my own knives or equipment?
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You don’t need to bring anything to class, we will provide all equipment, tools, and food items. The lone exception is specific uniform for the Professional Culinary Arts classes noted above.

Can a non-registered guest accompany me to class? Can I bring someone to just sit in the back of the room and watch me as I take a class?
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Non-registered guests may not accompany the registered student to class.  This includes, but is not limited to, infants, adult guests of registered children, babysitters, or any other non-registered guests. In order to make this a pleasant learning experience for all students, and due to liability issues, no young children or babies are allowed to accompany you to class or wait for you in the back of the classroom.

Can I bring in outside food or alcoholic beverages to a cooking class?
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  • Our policy does not allow for outside food or beverage to be brought in for any event or class, provided, however, if the class description suggests that, due to the topic covered in the class and/or the length of the class, it is recommended or encouraged that the student bring a snack or sack lunch to the class if desired, then the student will be allowed to bring in outside food for consumption by the student.
  • Notwithstanding our policy that no alcoholic beverages be brought into the class or event, we do allow unopened bottles of wine, in which case you will be charged a $35 corkage fee per 750 ml.  Please note that we have full bar capabilities and we do offer alcoholic beverages for purchase (beyond what is already included in your chosen class or event).
If the weather is bad, how do I know whether the class I registered for will be held?
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We will make a determination about the status of class as soon as possible, and no later than two hours prior to a class. We will notify you using the email you provided to us at registration.  We may also, or instead, notify you via the phone number you provided at registration and will leave both a voicemail message and text message if we are unable to speak with you.  We assume that you will be checking the email and phone provided at registration for messages.  If the class time is during non-business hours, we cannot guarantee that phone calls to our offices will be checked and/or returned prior to class start time. If the class is cancelled due to inclement weather or any other unforeseen event, you will receive a full refund back to whatever the original payment method was.

What do the various interaction levels (like “Hands On” or “Demonstration”) mean in the description of classes?
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We offer four different kinds of interaction levels:

  • Hands-On – Our hands-on cooking classes offer the most interactive culinary experience. Students will actively measure ingredients, chop, mix, shape, cook foods, and fully immerse themselves in the cooking process under the guidance of our instructors.
  • Light Hands-On – For those who want to dip a toe into the cooking process without taking the full plunge, our light hands-on classes strike the perfect balance. Students will assist with some prep work and cooking tasks, but instructors handle more intricate or dangerous technique demonstrations.
  • Demonstration – Observe our skilled instructors demonstrating recipes without hands-on participation. Learn tips, tricks and techniques for preparing dishes by watching in our state-of-the-art demo kitchen. Demonstrations allow you to soak up knowledge from our skilled chefs.
  • Chef’s Table – Periodically we transform our cooking school into a limited-run pop-up restaurant centered around exciting culinary themes. Students can immerse themselves in a specific cuisine or type of dining experience through these unique prix fixe dinners. Past themes have included speakeasy cocktail parties, around-the-world culinary tours, tiki bar takeovers, and eras like the opulent 1920s. These are exclusive themed restaurant nights prepared by our talented chefs, that give guests a taste of dining experiences from across time and geography without leaving town.
How much food will we get to eat during class?
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The amount of food you will eat varies depending on the class, and will be spelled out in the class description. Here is the food service levels for our classes:

  • Tastings & Appetizers – These classes provide an array of small bites and shareable plates. The varied sampler satisfies cravings for snacks, appetizers, or exciting new ingredients to incorporate into your everyday cooking.
  • Light Meal – Students will enjoy a light meal as part of the course. The experience will leave you satisfied, but not stuffed.
  • Take Home Only – These hands-on classes focus on preparing dishes and baked goods to take home and enjoy later. Students can expect to leave with prepared recipes ideal for sharing with families and friends. These classes include limited tastings to enjoy throughout the class.
  • Full Meal – Students will enjoy a complete multi-course meal during these immersive classes. The experience results in a made-from-scratch meal you can sit down and enjoy on-site at the conclusion.
  • Full Meal + Take Home – In addition to preparing and dining on a fresh, multi-course meal in class, students also take home ingredients or fully prepared dishes to enjoy again. Get additional value from extra portions, prepared elements, or homemade components like bread or dessert.
  • Light Meal + Take Home – Students will enjoy a light meal during these immersive classes. The class focuses on a take home component prepared in class that the student can enjoy with family and friends.
Do you have a bar that serves alcoholic drinks for purchase?
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Yes, we have a full bar. In some classes, we will offer beer, wine, and soft drink service only. In other classes, we will offer a choice of full bar items (beer, wine, mixed drinks, and soft drinks). Please note that for some classes, we have a policy of not serving any alcohol. This includes our Knife Skills classes and any Professional Series classes.

If a member of your staff takes my photo in class, can I request that the photo not be used?
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During class, our staff may take photos of guests. We will always ask guests before we take photos. That said, your registration acts as your approval to use your image (or the registered guest if you are registering for someone else) in any of our marketing materials, including but not limited to social media, online use, and print materials. If you do not agree with this photo waiver, please note that in the Comment area when registering or call us at 913-341-4455.

Do you offer gift certificates?
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Yes! We sell physical gift cards in our kitchen shop and you can purchase eCards online.

Do you offer any discount if I sign up for multiple classes?
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At this time, we do not offer any discounts for multiple class registrations. We are working on a loyalty program for our guests who sign up for multiple classes, please stay tuned for that.