The Queen of Southern Resorts – the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa – announced a year-long series of culinary weekends that offer hands-on learning, exceptional tastes and sophisticated fun. The 12 culinary weekends start with a Beverage Academy on a Friday night and teach everything from making classic Grand drinks to tasting tequila, scotch and whiskey options. The next morning Grand chefs will teach culinary classes appropriate for both novice and advanced cooks. Enjoy an insight into great drinks and fine food while enjoying your stay at the Grand Hotel.
Grand Culinary Weekends:
Jan. 19 & 20, 2018 – The Basics. “Intro to Mixology” on Friday night is a fun class featuring hand-crafted, well-balanced cocktails made from absolutely fresh ingredients, including the Grand Mojito and The Accomplice. “Cooking Essentials” shares insights on basic cooking philosophy and one-pot cooking.
Feb. 16 & 17, 2018 – Cocktails, Soups & Salads. Learn to mix a few cocktails and learn how they have evolved over the years. Featured cocktails are the Whiskey Sour and Tom Collins. Start Saturday morning with Cooking Essentials II, focusing on elegant soups and salads.
March 16 & 17, 2018 – Bourbon & Eggs. “Bourbon Demystified” shared insights in Southern dark liquors and features Bucky’s Mint Julep and Old Fashioned. The next morning use eggs to create a quiche, frittata, soufflés and classic Eggs Benedict.
April 20 & 21, 2018 – Gin & Jumping. Learn how to create a few classic gin cocktails including a French 75 and a Bramble. On Saturday learn the art of sautéing, meaning “to jump,” while being taught the step-by-step process of making seared scallops, carrot puree, caramelized fennel and shrimp scampi.
May 18 & 19, 2018 – Wine & Dine. Get comfortable with wine by using all your senses in “Wine 101” and explore both red and white varieties. Start Saturday morning with grilling basics and prepare yourself for summer cooking. A Grand chef will teach grilling techniques for meat, poultry and fish. This is a great class for couples.
June 15 & 16, 2018 – International Flavors. Scotch is the granddaddy of all whiskey. Discover the finer points of Scotch so you can make the right selection. The next morning travel from Scotland to Monaco and enjoy curries and other North African cuisine.
July 20 & 21, 2018 – Tequila & Bratwurst. Sample great tequilas and learn everything you have ever wanted to know about Mexico’s magical elixir. Head to Germany the next day for a cooking class with schnitzel and other German dishes.
Aug. 17 & 18, 2018 – Set Sail. “Rum: The Pirate Juice” explores the history of rum and created classic cocktails including daiquiris and mojitos. Head back to shore on Saturday to create elegant breakfast and brunch dishes.
Sept. 14 & 15, 2018 – Whiskey A Go Go. Learn about the history, favors and how Irish whiskey pits into tasty Grand cocktails. “Baking Basics” on Saturday morning teaches how to make a variety of breads including cornbread, braided loaf and the Grand Loaf. Bring some home to share.
Oct. 19 & 20, 2018 – How Sweet It Is. “The World of Liqueur & Cordials” shares insights on vital ingredients in many cocktails. Learn to make Crème Brule, Dark Chocolate Mousse and Crepe Suzette in “Pastry Basics” and you will be an instant success at home with your family and party guests.
Nov. 16 & 17, 2018 – Merci and Thanksgiving. Winter is a great time to delve into the world of French brandy and cognacs. After an evening with these barrel-aged spirits, it is time to start preparing for the holidays. “How to Cook a Thanksgiving Dinner” breaks down the holiday preparations into manageable steps. Our chefs take you through each course and you will leave confident in preparing this year’s Thanksgiving meal.
Dec. 14 & 15, 2018 – Holiday Magic. Enjoy the Grand decorations and learn how to make “Warm Drinks: Cold Nights.” Make a few warm cocktails and prepare for cold nights ahead. “Make a Gingerbread House” will do just that. Build and decorate a gingerbread house and leave with a Christmas treasure to remember. $35 for each Gingerbread House built.
The beverage classes begin on Friday nights at 5:30 and cost $20 each. The culinary classes begin on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and typically cost $25 each, unless noted otherwise. For more information and to register for classes, visit Things to Do in Point Clear, Alabama or call 251.928.9201. Hotel rooms are not included, but packages are available at www.marriottgrand.com. Participants must be 21 or older in classes incorporating alcohol. Here are the highlights of the 12 featured culinary weekends. Classes for the first six months will be in a Grand ballroom while the main building is closed for its transformation.
