De Gustibus Cooking School: A Unique New York Experience in Macy’s Herald Square
My husband is a bit of foodie. He has always worked in the restaurant world and as a result, he loves to cook and is pretty good at it. For his birthday this year I wasn’t sure what to get him but I knew I wanted it to be unique, memorable and something we could enjoy together. He definitely didn’t need another kitchen gadget.
After much searching, I decided a class at De Gustibus Cooking School at Macy’s was the perfect gift. It’s located on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square in a beautiful newly renovated space that features a state-of-the-art Miele kitchen. Crazy, right? In the middle of Macy’s there is this amazing cooking school – truly a hidden New York City gem full of history.
Walking in the door, you are greeted by the fabulous Owner and Director Salvatore Rizzo, along with dozens of photographs of the famous chefs that have cooked at the school since it opened in 1980. You see a young Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Martha Stewart and even Julia Child, all of whom have taught at the school at some point in their distinguished careers.
De Gustibus is a recreational cooking school where anyone is welcome to enjoy the demonstrations led by superior international chefs and wine experts. Classes are offered in the spring and fall, and may be purchased individually or as a series, based on availability.
We spent a few hours that evening with award-winning chef, David Burke, famous for his appearances on Iron Chef America and Top Chef Masters. David is the owner of many amazing restaurants including David Burke Fabrik and David Burke Kitchen; he is also the author of two cookbooks.
Every session at De Gustibus features a chef cooking and entertaining with stories of their careers, while students observe, ask questions and enjoy a five-course, four-star meal paired with wines. The food selections on the night we attended were delicious, as expected, including a mushroom cappuccino I have been dreaming of ever since.
The main course consisted of an Ash Crusted Salt Brick Tuna Crudo, Curry Oil Tapioca, Aji Amarillo, Poached and Roasted Chicken Farotto, roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts, and finally – Chicken Ramen with Pork Belly and Handmade Noodles. Believe me, these are not the ramen noodles you buy from the grocery store! For dessert, we enjoyed an Orange And Strawberry Tart, and Candied Bell Pepper Caramel with Vanilla Ice Cream. Your mouth is watering, I know it! Of course it was all paired with the perfect choice of red and white wines. It was a lovely evening for my husband and I and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you are visiting New York City and looking for a unique experience to share with your friends back home and to post on social media (the food pics will make them jealous!), look no further. Check out De Gustibus Cooking School and be sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out!
