Simple Gourmet brings kids and young adults into the kitchen for fun, learning and delicious food! Our goal is to enrich children's palates, encourage smart nutritional choices and teach cooking essentials which will be useful throughout their lives.

Simple Gourmet Kids Cooking Classes are wonderful events for birthday parties, after school activities, Girl Scout get-togethers and more!

Click here to view our current cooking class schedule.

Fall 2009 Cooking Clases

For Teens

Simple Gourmet Teen Classes are specially designed to encourage independence and promote cooking skills so these young adults can prepare healthy, delicious meals at home!

For the ultimate in culinary experiences, let us put together an "Iron Chef" Teen workshop. Teens will work together to create a meal and then be critiqued on presentation, timeliness, teamwork and use of the "secret ingredient." They'll leave confident in their culinary abilities and inspired to cook.

Or try our Teen Cake Decorating Parties. Each child will have an assortment of cakes and frostings, and will work under the guidance of a Simple Gourmet Chef to create their own stunning masterpiece.

Choose from these kid-friendly, seasonal menus:

Italian

• Lemony Hummus with Warm Flatbread
• Grilled Pizzas with Homemade Marinara and Assorted Toppings
• Cork-Screw Pasta with Basil-Lemon Pesto
• Chopped Italian Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Olives

All-American Picnic

• Warm Artichoke Dip with Vegetable Dippers
• Homemade Salsa and Chips
• Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Peach BBQ Sauce
• Baby Potato and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Creamy Chive Dressing

Latin

• Tomato & Avocado Salsa with Chips
• Roasted Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas with Creamy Poblano Sauce (also available vegetarian)
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey Glaze
• Sunburst Salad with Mango, Jicama and Citrus Dressing

Asian

• Steamed Edamame with Salt and Sesame Seeds
• Grilled Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Chicken Fried Rice with Almonds and Scallions
• Orange Glazed Snap Peas

Desserts (choose one):

• Mini Chocolate Cakes with Lots of Cream
• Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Individual Fruit Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream
• Warm Season Fruit Crisp with Crumble Topping
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

For Kids Ages 8-13

Parties begin with each child decorating their own paper chef hat, and then they break into teams to prepare one of our child-friendly menus. When the children are finished with their complete culinary experience, they will enjoy eating the meal which they have created. Every child leaves with a packet of recipes so they can test out their new skills at home. Parties are approximately 2 hours in length.

Choose from our kid-friendly, seasonal menus.

For Kids Ages 5-7

Parties begin with each child decorating their own paper chef hat, and then they work in a group to prepare one of our child-friendly menus. After they finish making a delicious healthy meal, they will sit down for lunch. Parties are approximately 1 ½ hours in length.

Choose from our kid-friendly, seasonal menus.

Activities for Children and their Parents

For ages 5-7

Have fun in the kitchen with your kids! Get together with other parents and children for events like:

• Halloween Haunted House Gingerbread Decorating
• Holiday Gingerbread Decorating
• Junior Chef cooking classes

Oct 23 or Oct. 30, 2009: Haunted Gingerbread House Decorating - All ages welcome!
Dec. 4 or Dec. 10, 2009: Gingerbread House Decorating - All ages welcome!

Click here to view our current cooking class schedule.

Gifts

Kids' aprons, chef hats and gift bags make the perfect, personalized gift! Consider the following options:

• Aprons (with Simple Gourmet Kids logo and/or your guests' names)
• Fabric Chef Hats (black or white, with Simple Gourmet Kids logo and/or your guests' name)
• Gift bags are available in the following themes - or contact us to create your own!
• Cookie Bag (mix, silicon spat, whisk, scoop)
• Muffin Bag (muffin mix, tin, muffin papers, whisk, silicon spat)
• Basics (measuring cups, measuring spoons, silicon spat, whisk, spoon, spatula with metal caddy)

Contact us for details and pricing.

Locations

Cooking parties can be held in your home of in a professional kitchen. We work with many professional kitchens in the greater Los Angeles area and will help determine the best location for your event based on the number of guests, date and other details. Our locations include:

• Greater Los Angeles
  • N. La Brea Ave.
  • W. Pico Blvd.
  • W. Washington Blvd.
  • West Hollywood
• East of L.A.
  • La Cañada
  • Pasadena
• South Bay
  • Hermosa Beach
  • The Simple Gourmet Kitchen at Redondo Beach
• Orange County
  • Diamond Bar
  • Newport Beach

Let us know if you have a special location in mind or would like to host a cooking party in your home!

Plan Your Event

As a full-service company that specializes in exceptional customer service, Simple Gourmet will make your next party memorable. From intimate dinner parties for 10 to large holiday parties, our friendly staff and exceptional food are a perfect match. Contact us for seasonal menu options, pricing and location details. Use the contact form below, or call us at 310-318-6484.

FAQs

• How many kids?
  If you choose to have your party in a private home, we will work with as many children as the host's kitchen can comfortably accommodate. If you choose a professional kitchen, you can bring up to 20 children.
• How old do the kids have to be?
  Our classes and parties are recommended for ages 8 and older. Our Parent-Child activities are recommended for ages 3 and up.
• What about costs?
  Pricing is based on the location chosen and number of children. Please contact us for a quote by calling 310-318-6484 or using our contact form for a quote.
• What's the layout of kids' parties?
  Classes are 2 hours in length and are 100% hands-on. The class is broken into teams and work in smaller groups to make a full menu, including dessert.
• Do I need to have special equipment and/or tools in my kitchen to host the party?
  We will consult with the host to determine what equipment and tools we need. The host's kitchen must have a working stove-top, oven and adequate counter space.
• What about adult supervision and instruction?
  For classes and parties, we provide one Simple Gourmet staff member for every 4-5 children.
• Are parents allowed to stay, watch and/or participate?
  We've found it's more beneficial for the children if the parents are not present for the class. We welcome parents to join the group at the end of the party for a small taste of the meal the kids have prepared.
• Do I need to bring a birthday cake?
  It is not necessary to bring a birthday cake. All Simple Gourmet Kids menus include a dessert. We provide birthday candles.
• What about gift bags and party favors?
  Themed culinary gift bags make a great party favor and are available starting at $12 per bag.