This class will acquaint you with some of the tastes and flavors of Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a present population of nearly 7 million, Laos has over 49 different ethnic minority groups with the Hmong, being, historically, the largest and most distinct. French influences are also present, given the country's colonial past. Laos's cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage and its food is marked by fresh ingredients (particularly garlic, ginger, onions, lemon grass, cilantro, chili peppers, and lime). Although the flavors of Laotian food can be complicated, its cooking techniques are simple. This class aims to make basic Laotian cooking accessible to you and your kitchen. You will leave the class comfortably skilled in cooking at least one authentic Laotian dish that will impress your family or guests.

Recipes: Spicy Crunchy Spring Rolls; Fresh Vegetarian Rolls; Cilantro Lime Laotian Beef Salad; Hmong Ginger Scallion Chicken

Class Type: Individual, hands-on cooking class

Class Notes: Learn the wrapping technique for making fresh spring rolls!

Nissa Pierson

Managing director of Ger-Nis International, Nissa Pierson, loves experiencing other cultures and learning more to understand how others experience their daily lives. In addition to running Ger-Nis, Nissa is a long-time culinary instructor, specializing in fresh herbs. Besides being a passionate teacher of fresh herbs, organics, & fair-trade, she enjoys spice (in food and life), good conversations and debates, kickboxing, surfing, and submersing herself in the food and cultures of the world. She is an aspiring French student and guitarist, as we speak. Contact Nissa

This class will acquaint you with some of the tastes and flavors of Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a present population of nearly 7 million, Laos has over 49 different ethnic minority groups with the Hmong, being, historically, the largest and most distinct. French influences are also present, given the country's colonial past. Laos's cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage and its food is marked by fresh ingredients (particularly garlic, ginger, onions, lemon grass, cilantro, chili peppers, and lime). Although the flavors of Laotian food can be complicated, its cooking techniques are simple. This class aims to make basic Laotian cooking accessible to you and your kitchen. You will leave the class comfortably skilled in cooking at least one authentic Laotian dish that will impress your family or guests.

Recipes: Spicy Crunchy Spring Rolls; Fresh Vegetarian Rolls; Cilantro Lime Laotian Beef Salad; Hmong Ginger Scallion Chicken

Class Type: Individual, hands-on cooking class

Class Notes: Learn the wrapping technique for making fresh spring rolls!

Nissa Pierson

Managing director of Ger-Nis International, Nissa Pierson, loves experiencing other cultures and learning more to understand how others experience their daily lives. In addition to running Ger-Nis, Nissa is a long-time culinary instructor, specializing in fresh herbs. Besides being a passionate teacher of fresh herbs, organics, & fair-trade, she enjoys spice (in food and life), good conversations and debates, kickboxing, surfing, and submersing herself in the food and cultures of the world. She is an aspiring French student and guitarist, as we speak. Contact Nissa

Please join us for an exciting evening of culinary delights

from Queens' top restaurants!

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Terrace on the Park

On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, Queens Centers for Progress will be hosting their annual Evening of Fine Food Event.

An Evening of Fine Food provides an informal setting for many people from the community, including a large representation of Queens business community, to socialize as they sample the gourmet delicacies provided by Queens' top restaurants and chefs. The event benefits over 1,200 children and adults challenged by mild to severe developmental disabilities.

Each year we honor an individual whose dedication to making a difference in the community is exemplary.

Some of the Evening's
Participants Include:

Anthony's Restaurant

Art O Polis

Austin's Steakhouse

Bourbon Street

Brooklyn Brewery

Buddy's Kosher Deli Restaurant & Caterers

Cascon Baking Company

Café Triskell

Kati Allo Greek Restaurant

Luigi's Restaurant

Caffe Sacco Coffee

Papazzio Restaurant

Strawberry's

Tandoor

Tavern 18

Tequila Sunrise

Trattoria Neo

Valentino's on the Green

Vetro Restaurant & Lounge

The Wonderful Wines of Tricana Imports

And the list continues to grow...

Are you nervous about cooking for your Valentine? In this class is designed for novice cooks, our chef will walk students through a delicious menu that’s surprisingly easy to put together. We’ll also share do-ahead tips so you’re not stuck in the kitchen the whole night!

Are you nervous about cooking for your Valentine? In this class is designed for novice cooks, our chef will walk students through a delicious menu that’s surprisingly easy to put together. We’ll also share do-ahead tips so you’re not stuck in the kitchen the whole night!