Whether you are a seasoned professional or clueless in the kitchen, the Culinary Academy at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa has a class for you. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, guests will spend two hours mastering the craft, participating in food samplings and receiving irreplaceable recipe secrets from world-class chefs at the hotel’s Fairhope, AL restaurant. Guests will have the opportunity to explore every corner of the culinary world ranging from grilling and sautéing to creating pastry masterpieces. Also experience the art of wine and cheese pairing and learn the classic recipes that are essential in preparing a traditional Thanksgiving feast. All classes are $25 unless otherwise noted. Please call 251-928-9201 for more information and to register for classes as they are limited in size.

Culinary Academy 2010 Schedule

Jan. 17, 2010 - Cooking Essentials I: Introduction to Cooking
Even if you have been cooking for years, a chef will offer many insights and secrets that you can use at home. Here is a sampling of what you will learn: culinary do’s and don’ts, how to hold a knife, knife cuts, how to sharpen a knife, sanitation and nutrition.

Feb. 20, 2010 - Cooking Essentials II: Soups
Soups should be an essential part of your diet. They will keep you warm in the winter and are the perfect complement to salads in the summer. The menu for this class includes: loaded baked potato, gazpacho and “Grand” gumbo. Dazzle your friends and family when you use your new gourmet cooking skills at home.

March 20, 2010 - Cooking Essentials III: Salads
Salads are a must for any time of the year and bring balance to your diet. In this class learn how to prepare baby mixed greens with goat cheese and a strawberry-poppy seed vinaigrette, spinach salad with a hot bacon-dijon dressing and Grand Marnier macerated tropical fruit salad with wild berry yogurt sauce.

April 17, 2010 - Cooking Essentials IV: Entrees (Saute)
Learn the art of sauteing, meaning “to jump”, while being taught the step by step process of making the following dishes: sauteed chicken breast with a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, teriyaki glazed flank steak and plantation shrimp pasta.

May 15, 2010 - Wine Class with Gourmet Cheeses ($30)
This class is perfect for both novice and expert wine lovers. We will be tasting and discussing wine varieties. Learn insights on how to choose the perfect wine and how to pair it with food. The growing regions of wine will be discussed while you sample gourmet cheeses from around the world.

June 19, 2010 - Cooking Essentials V: Grilling Basics
Prepare yourself for the summer grilling season. A chef will instruct you on the techniques of grilling meat, poultry and fish. Grilling can be a way to enhance flavors while also reducing calories. This is a great class for couples.

Explore the hotel’s various amenities including access to 36 holes of Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Alabama golf and a world-class European-inspired spa. For more information on The Grand Hotel’s Gulf Coast accommodations, please visit www.marriottgrand.com.