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Cooking Like A Pittsburgh Pro

By Blake Matthews

I write about restaurants for a reason. I have the culinary skills of Tony the Tiger and even asking me to pour milk on a bowl of cereal is taking things a step too far. But Partner in Dine (PID) has done such an amazing job being the chef de cuisine that I feel it's about time I made an attempt to give back. If you're like me and are considering taking a class or two to perfect (or discover) your gastronomic dexterity, this five-star menu of multi-culinary Pittsburgh cooking classes should certainly help get you started!

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(Source: www.gaynorsschoolofcooking.com)

Gaynor School of Cooking

309 E Carson St
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 325-2703
Hours of Operation: Check website for class schedule and details
Price of Admission: Classes range from $45 – $395, depending on duration and content
Directory Listing

From baking to wine tasting, grilling to global gastronomy, Gaynor School of Cooking (also known as Sweet Water Cooking) on Pittsburgh's historic South Side offers a variety of class types for any aspiring chef. The venue is also available for private classes or events.

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(Photo Credit: Rania's Catering - www.rania.com)

Rania's Catering

100 Central Sq.
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 531-2222
Hours of Operation: Check website for class schedules and details
Price of Admission: All classes are $50 for adults, $30 for kids
Directory Listing

You may know Rania from her numerous appearances on Pittsburgh Today Live's Cooking with Rania segment on KDKA-TV, but you should also know that she is just as good of a teacher in person as she is on the small screen. From her Mt. Lebanon location, Rania and her team offer private and group classes of all different sizes and themes.

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(Photo Credit: CrateCook.com)

CrateCook

1960 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
(412) 341-5700
Hours of Operation: Check website for class schedules and details
Price of Admission: Classes range from $30 – 325, depending on duration and content
Website

You wouldn't ever really notice CrateCook if you hadn't been told it was there. The classroom is (conveniently) located in the back of a wonderful little kitchen equipment store by the same name in the Greentree Shopping Center. They offer short and sweet Lunch & Learn sessions where $30 buys you lunch AND a lesson on how to make it! I happened to be shopping for cake pans one day while a class was going on and everyone looked to be having an absolutely wonderful time.

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(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Food, Glorious Food

5906 Bryant St
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 363-5330
Hours of Operation: Call for updates on classes or to schedule a private lesson or event.
Price of Admission: Most classes fall around $50
Directory Listing

Food, Glorious Food in Pittsburgh's Highland Park region is a great place to better your baking skills and satisfy your sweet tooth. They offer classes of all types, but these guys really know their way around an oven and piping bag.

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(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Giant Eagle: Market District

Market District Robinson
100 Settlers Ridge Center Dr
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 788-5392
Store Hours: Open 24 Hours
Directory Listing

Market District Shadyside
5550 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Store Hours: Open Daily 6:00 Am - 12:00 AM
(412) 681-1500

Market District South Hills
South Hills Village Square
7000 Oxford Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15102
Store Hours: Open 24 Hours
(412) 831-1480
Check your location's website for demonstration details and times
Price of Admission: Most demonstrations are free

Don't forget about the in-plain-sight options! Giant Eagle Market District locations throughout the region frequently offer season-friendly demonstrations, guest speakers (including famous ones!) and more at little to no cost.

So if you're like me and you don't necessarily have the time to dedicate to culinary school, be sure to check out some of these great locations for a quick fix on how to properly fix dinner (or dessert)!

Blake is the opinionated foodaholic behind the Taste of Pittsburgh restaurant review blog. As a Steel City transplant originally from Chocolatetown, USA, she's on an adventure to find the best-kept culinary secrets of the city and revel in every bite.

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