FREE Cooking Classes For Manzanita Clients
Provided by Chef Eric Seif of Yavapai College and Chef Chris Smith of Merkin Vineyards
Transform Your Meals with two professionally trained chefs!
Join us for an exclusive cooking class from Manzanita Outreach and two chefs: Chef Eric Seif of Yavapai College and Chef Chris Smith of Merkin Vineyards. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your cooking skills and learn how to create nutritious, delicious meals that make the most of the food assistance provided by Manzanita Outreach.
Chef Chris Smith, affectionately known as "Chef Smithers," is the culinary mastermind behind Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria in Cottonwood. Collaborating with rock star and winemaker Maynard James Keenan, Smith has created a farm-to-table dining experience that features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables from their greenhouses and orchards across the Verde Valley. With over a decade of experience in the local food scene, including executive chef roles in Sedona and Cottonwood, Smith brings a commitment to homemade, from-scratch cooking that highlights the flavors of Arizona. His creative approach and dedication to quality have earned him recognition, including a win at the Chocolate Walk competition and participation in the World Food Championships. Through his partnership with Keenan, Smith continues to innovate, crafting menus that change daily and offering diners an intimate glimpse into the cooking process at their open kitchen.
Chef Eric, originally from Long Island, New York, moved to Arizona nearly 30 years ago, igniting his culinary journey. His passion for cooking began with a humorous encounter in an Italian restaurant where he was mistaken for an employee. Despite working various jobs outside the culinary field, Chef Eric volunteered in kitchens to hone his skills and expand his culinary knowledge. He worked in vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Manhattan during the early 90s and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale. Over the last eight years, he has served as a vegan chef at a holistic retreat center in Sedona, a fine dining chef, and a culinary consultant. Chef Eric’s culinary philosophy focuses on blending different flavors and techniques, creating harmonious and flavorful dishes while fostering a journey of perpetual learning for his guests.
Learn how to prepare better meals from a professional!
Why Attend?
Expert Guidance: Learn directly from Chef Eric and Chef Chris, who will guide you through each step of preparing extraordinary meals.
Nutritious & Delicious: Discover recipes that are as nourishing as they are delightful, perfectly tailored to increase the nutritional value of your everyday meals.
Skill Building: Master basic cooking techniques to help you utilize your food more effectively, reducing waste and saving money.
Free!: There is no cost to attend. But space is limited, so pleas sign up as soon as possible!
Class Details:
Next Class: TBD, 2024
Location: Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus, Verde Greenhouse Café; 601 W Black Hills Dr, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Register Now to Secure Your Spot! Spaces are limited to 20 participants, and registration is essential. Sign up today to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique culinary adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add new flair to your kitchen skills, these classes are designed to provide valuable insights for everyone.
Enhance your culinary prowess and enjoy the art of cooking with Chef Eric. Can’t wait to see you there!