COOK’s July class schedule features one of the most interesting line-up of classes that we have ever offered. Here are a few of the diverse demos we have going on next month that are not-to-be-missed:
Wed 7/3, 7pm: Regional Southern BBQ Styles with Justin Swain of REX 1516
There is a reason everyone in the south eats BBQ: because it’s delicious. But it’s by no means the same from state to state. Each Southern locale has its own particular variety of barbecue, particularly concerning the sauce. North Carolina sauces vary by region; eastern North Carolina uses a vinegar-based sauce, the center of the state enjoys something called “Lexington-style” barbecue, which uses a combination of ketchup and vinegar as their base, and western North Carolina uses a heavier ketchup base. South Carolina is the only state that includes all four recognized barbecue sauces, including mustard-based, vinegar-based, and light and heavy tomato-based. Memphis barbecue is best known for tomato- and vinegar-based sauces. And that’s just the tip of the barbecue iceberg!
Next month, Chef Justin Swain of South Street’s southern food mecca, Rex 1516, will take guests on a journey through the various regions and styles of southern BBQ. Any and every BBQ enthusiast in Philly needs to be at this finger-lickin’ good class!
Sat 7/13, 7pm: Modern Hawaiian Fare with Kiki Aranita and Chris Vacca of Poi Dog Snack Shop 
If you know Philly’s booming street food scene, then you, no doubt, know about Poi Dog. The Vendy Award-nominated food truck is the brainchild of former Classics instructors, Kiki Aranita and Chris Vacca, who have brought Hawaiian cuisine to the streets of Philadelphia with gusto. And this is not your average food cart! The pair offers some of the most delicious and underrated fare around and it’s one of the most exciting recent additions to Philly’s food scene in general.
Poi Dog offers a menu of classic island fare with a contemporary spin. At COOK, they will be demo’ing: ahi poke, Saimin with pork belly adobo, Kalua pork plate with lomi lomi salmon and banana lumpia with chocolate haupia dipping sauce. You may not know what half of those things are now but if you come to this class you will be very glad you did!
Wed 7/17, 7pm: A Global Hot Dog Adventure with Keith Garabedian of Hot Diggity
Philadelphia Inquirer restaurant critic, Craig LaBan, called the hot dogs at Hot Diggity “superior” while Food Network personality (and former host of “Double Dare”) Marc Summers proclaimed the Hot Diggity wieners “the best hot dogs” he has ever had! And they should know. Hot Diggity has made it their mission to bring hot dogs back to the City of Brotherly Love. The city and hot dogs have a rich history together, but the rise of other local favorites has pushed the humble hot dog to the back burner. No more, says Chef-Owner Keith Garabedian!
If you think of Oscar Meyer when you hear the words “hot dog”, think again. At COOK, Keith will give guests a taste of hot dogs and hot dog styles from around the globe. This is a hot dog lover’s dream and the perfect place to learn how to spice up your own hot dog game this summer.
