Are the classes hands-on or more demonstration based?
Put on your apron – you’re cooking! The reason I teach cooking classes is to teach others to cook and it starts with having each student team prepare at least one recipe during class. Once you’ve done it in our kitchen, then you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to do it in your kitchen.
Can I really call the Sunny Hotline?
Anytime! Once you’ve taken a class, all calls and emails are welcome to help you replicate the dishes. My favorite emails are the ones where my students take a dish they’ve learned and create their own spin on it like Andrea Humphries who took my Indian Cooking class and then went on to add beef to the curry chickpea (“chole”) recipe. I would recommend her to introduce beef chole back in India…if the cow wasn’t so holy.
What are the types of classes taught?
There are 3 genres of classes: 1. Ethnic cooking (Thai, Indian, Cuban, Peruvian, and Mediterranean) 2. Skills classes (Roasting, Knife Skills, and Mixing the Right Herbs and Spices) 3. Quick and Healthy (Cooking for the Busy Body, Fast Gourmet, One Meal Makes Many, and One Pot Dishes)
How much does a class cost?
Each session is $60 for 3 hours of instruction and all material. A drink (sometimes wine) will be paired with each meal), and be sure to bring tupperware in case there are leftovers.
Where are classes taught?
In Arlington 3 blocks from the Ballston Metro stop on the Orange line. Many classes are taught literally in Sunny’s kitchen while larger classes are taught at nearby facilities and community rooms that can accommodate larger groups.
Do we eat the food we make?
Heck yeah! Plan on eating our wonderful creations. My love for cooking comes directly from my love for food. While my students will often hear me say, “Eat well to live well,” I often feel that I live to eat well!
What are class sizes?
Most scheduled classes are for 8-10 folks, but larger classes and corporate team building cooking classes of up to 15 are run as well.
Can I have my own private class?
Yes. If you already have a group of friends, contact me and create your own class time and syllabus.
Where else can I take your classes?
I teach for Arlington Adult Education, so look for me on the course catalog each trimester.
Do you teach anything else?
I teach private yoga classes. On a one-on-one basis, I also provide Life Coaching to help build skills including time management, money smarts, career effectiveness and planning skills.
Why do you teach?
Teaching helps others grow while pushing me to grow further myself. All my life I’ve loved to learn, so teaching for me is an opportunity to spread this love for learning to others. I leverage the secrets to my corporate success and my invaluable MBA training to help you be more effective.
Do you combine fitness and cooking?
Absolutely! One of the classes we teach at Coco Fitness is called “Healthy Starts.” This is taught on a Saturday morning and includes 75 minutes of Hatha yoga followed by a 1.5 hour cooking class on healthy brunch recipes.
When do you add new classes we can sign up for?
Each season I create a new class schedule, so look for the new schedule for the upcoming season the first week of March, June, September, and December. I always try to give you the classes you want, so if you you’re looking to learn something in particular, send me your request and I’ll do my best to put it on the next schedule.
What skill level do I need to have?
I have a couple of classes targeted for beginner cooks and the rest of them are open to anybody. We cook multiple recipes in each class with varying degree of skill requirements. We also do all recipes in pairs. This along with a wonderful atmosphere where you’re encouraged to play and make mistakes makes it easy for folks of all skill levels to learn together and create masterpieces you’ll be able to go home and replicate.
How do I give someone a class as a gift?
Simply checkout online or contact us directly, and when we process your order or contact request, we’ll set the gift up for you. Many people give the gift of cooking, and we give the recipients at least six months to take any class of their choice. It’s original, it’s generous, it’s fun, and it helps them build a life-long skill.
What if I have allergy or dietary concerns?
Contact us directly, and we’ll talk through this with you prior to class. While electronic communication is convenient, we have found talking these out in person is the best way to help you make the right decision and we easily modify recipes for specific classes based on participants.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel and get a full refund minus credit card fees up to 2 weeks prior to class. Within 2 weeks of class, no cancellations, but you can send someone in your place by letting us know.
What makes Sunny’s cooking unique?
It’s nutritious AND delicious! You don’t need butter and cheese to make a dish taste good. Using the right ingredients and cooking them for the right amount of time will give your mouth the party it wants while fueling your body. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Let me show you how.
