City Editor Rilee here. With the season of outdoor-grilled steaks, corn on the cob, and fresh veggie kabobs in full swing, I decided to make sure the pavement isn’t the only thing getting hot. Before firing up my grill, I brushed up on my grill skills with a live Summer Grilling demonstration class with the pros at our local Publix Aprons® Cooking School.

You’re looking at a chargrilled pork chop with charred corn + black beans. | Photo by LALtoday

What the experience included (with pricing):

My $55 ticket included a front row seat to watch the professional Aprons® chefs demonstrate tips and tricks for cooking a four-course meal, along with expertly-paired wines with each course (aka a ton of bang for my buck). And yes, attendees get to eat everything. I tried:

Quilt Chardonnay (2019), available at Publix for $32.99
Barbecue bacon-wrapped po’boy sliders with remoulade slaw, paired with Elouan Pinot Noir (2019), $17.99
Spinach salad with pickled peaches, paired with Boen Pinot Noir (2020), $26.99
Chargrilled bone-in pork chops with coffee chop dry rub, charred corn + black beans, and three-pepper pico de gallo, paired with Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon (2019), $34.99
Iron skillet blackberry cobbler paired with Quilt Red Blend (2020), $49.99 ?

What not to miss:

It’s pretty easy to have a fun time when you’re eating a great dinner, but here are a few ways you can elevate your experience:

Register with friends. Between the delicious courses and entertaining commentary from professional chefs, you’ll have talking points for the whole drive home.
Pay attention between courses to learn about the wines paired with each dish.

Did we mention that you get to take the recipes home with you? Bring a pen or pencil to take notes on your recipe packet so you can replicate it to perfection.

Parties are seated together just as you would be at a restaurant. | GIF by LALtoday

What we’re still talking about:

Can I make a confession? Cooking is not my forte, but after this demonstration I felt significantly more optimistic about grilling on my own. Huge shout out to the Aprons®’ chefs for my increased confidence — they clearly and carefully explained each step, answered questions, and kept everyone entertained with jokes + anecdotes.

Talk about dinner and a show. | Photo by LALtoday team

How you can experience this:

Check out Publix Aprons® Cooking School’s website to find an upcoming class that suits your tastes.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Publix Aprons® Cooking School class
Price: $55
Website: https://Apronscookingschool.publix.com/location/lakeland-fl-468078908931
Address: 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL
Hours: Hours vary by class
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