May 2014 marked a new life for Des Moines’ old firehouse on 900 Mulberry Street. For the past year, the historic building has been home to the Des Moines Social Club — an organization that started about seven years ago and quietly worked to change the social scene in the heartland.
In just a short year in its new home, the Des Moines Social Club has become the hub for Iowa’s creative. Its many stages, galleries, and classrooms offer opportunities to learn, listen, laugh, move, and to eat!
As a foodie and food blogger, I’m big on the “to eat” part.
Calling all of us who are tired of making the same ole casserole. Those who are ready for a little guided cooking adventure. Or, those of us who are excited to start utilizing our ovens, grills, and gardens to their full potentials….
I have some exciting news from the Des Moines Social Club
Now, in the newly added state-of-the-art culinary loft, not only can we get a great dinner, but we can also learn to cook something new and create culinary wonders!
Classes for all levels and interests are available at the culinary loft. There are classes like Culinary 101 and 6-Ingredient Date Night, taught by Amanda Mae Phillips, the Social Club’s culinary arts director… and many more classes taught by renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and local food authorities like George Formaro, Jennifer Miller, C.J. Bienert, and Nick Renkowski, to name a few.
If you’re interested in exploring foods from other cultures, there is a class for that! The global kitchen class will be taught by cooks from around the world who have now made Des Moines their home. And if you are more interested in learning more about drinks, there is a class for that, too!
In my mind, the culinary loft provides space for an important art form that affects every home.
Zach Mannheimer, the Social Club’s executive director, agrees. In his words, “The culinary loft was created to satisfy the desire of the greater Des Moines community to take culinary classes in all levels of skill.” Zach believes the culinary loft naturally builds upon the already existing excellent culinary scene. And, as he put it, “it [the culinary loft] firmly establishes the culinary arts as an art form working alongside all the others in a local art center.”
Although the culinary loft is a gorgeous space with natural lighting and the latest technologies, Amanda Mae Phillips tells me that to her, “it is about the conversations that will take place. Conversations about getting back to the roots of food.”
Did I mention they serve you wine while you cook?
Ready to take your kitchen game to the new level? Sign up! Here is the list of classes and culinary events.
And today, you have the chance to score two free passes to your choice of class at the culinary loft!
The lucky winner will be responsible for contacting Amanda at the Des Moines Social Club (515-369-3673) to book your seats. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
I’d love to win this because I love cooking for my family and friends, and I’m always up for learning new techniques and skills!! Plus, I’ve always wished I had gone to culinary school 🙂 maybe one day!
Thanks, Kara! Good luck with the giveaway.
My husband enjoys cooking, and it’d be fun to win these as a surprise for him. 😀
This sounds like so much fun! I’d like to win so we can have an interesting date night.
All the best with the giveaway!