New Orleans: French Quarter Cooking Class & Meal

Summary

Louisiana flavors come alive in a french quarter kitchen with laughter stories and gumbo steam

You’ll step into a real New Orleans kitchen in the French Quarter, watch a local chef cook classics like gumbo and jambalaya, taste each dish as it’s made, and share laughs over fresh pralines. Recipes go home with you — so does that feeling of being part of something bigger than just lunch.

What’s the experience like?

“If you don’t get your roux dark enough, it’s just soup,” Chef Kevin said, waving his wooden spoon like he was conducting jazz. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a cooking class, but the whole room felt like someone’s big family reunion — except most of us had never met. The New Orleans School of Cooking sits in this old molasses warehouse (I could still smell the wood and something sweet in the air), right in the French Quarter. I kept glancing up at those brick walls, thinking about how many pots of gumbo they’ve seen over the years.

We watched as Chef Kevin made jambalaya — he told stories about his grandma’s kitchen and how every family argues about which sausage is best. The spices hit the pan and suddenly it smelled like every corner restaurant I’d passed that morning. There was this moment when he tossed in the holy trinity (onions, celery, peppers) and everyone leaned forward at once, like we’d catch more flavor if we got closer. He handed out little samples as each dish finished — gumbo first, then jambalaya, then these pralines that melted before you even realized it.

I tried to scribble down notes on my recipe sheet but mostly ended up drawing little crawfish instead. Someone behind me asked about vegetarian options and the staff explained how they swap things out for dietary needs — sounded pretty flexible if you call ahead. By dessert (pecan pie that tasted like toasted sugar), people were swapping stories about their own hometown foods. It wasn’t hands-on, but honestly? Watching Chef work was half magic show anyway. I still think about that praline sometimes when I walk past bakeries back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans cooking demonstration class

• Arrive at New Orleans School of Cooking
• Learn Louisiana cooking basics
• Watch chefs prepare gumbo and jambalaya
• See demonstration of pralines and other desserts
• Enjoy tasting the prepared dishes
• Drink complimentary beer, iced tea, and coffee
• Receive recipes to take home

Top questions

Is this New Orleans cooking class hands-on?

No, it’s a demonstration class only — you watch the chef prepare dishes but do not cook yourself.

Where is the cooking class held?

The class takes place at the New Orleans School of Cooking in a renovated warehouse in the French Quarter.

What dishes are demonstrated during the class?

Dishes may include gumbo, jambalaya, pralines, corn & crab bisque, shrimp or chicken creole, crawfish etouffee, bread pudding, bananas foster, or pecan pie.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes; vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/nut-free options are available for an extra fee if you call ahead after booking.

Are drinks included with the meal?

Yes; coffee, iced tea, water and one local beer are included with your meal.

Do I get recipes to take home?

Yes; you’ll receive copies of all recipes demonstrated during your class.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes; all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the demonstration last?

The reference content doesn’t specify exact duration; please check directly with provider if needed.

What’s included

Your experience includes generous tastings of all dishes prepared by your chef instructor—gumbo, jambalaya, pralines and more—plus complimentary coffee, iced tea or a local beer. You’ll also receive copies of every recipe demonstrated during your New Orleans cooking demonstration class before heading out into the French Quarter again.