Date Night Idea: Take a Cooking Class

I still remember our first date. I threw a fork across the room. Luckily, nobody was sitting at the next table in the small Mexican restaurant.

Okay. So I didn’t MEAN to throw the fork. I wasn’t trying to show off my mad Ninja skills or anything! I was so nervous, when I went to pick up the fork, I accidentally flicked it across the room instead. Yeah. Don’t even ask. I’m clumsy.

The funny thing is… this fork-throwing-nervous-tic continued to happen on nearly every subsequent date for some time. Actually, sometimes it still happens at home. Maybe I just like to keep hubby on his toes.

Anyway. My point is… dates shouldn’t disappear just because we have kids, right? Even if we DO want the fork-throwing to stop!

Sadly, like most parents I know, we’ve been postponing dates for one reason or another the past three years. Oh we go on occasion, but mostly, we’re tired, no sitter, broke, tired, tired, tired… So I’m challenging hubby and I to get more creative, plan ahead, and have some fun date night experiences this year.

Earlier this month, we went on a date to a cooking class! Yes, it’s like dinner AND an experience all at once. I found a Groupon deal for a chef equipment store that runs cooking classes nearly every night. You can pick from various topics like making crepes, lobster bisque, etc.

I chose the Breakfast All-Stars. Mostly because I waited till the last minute but also because I love breakfast foods!!

At the class, we worked in a professional kitchen with a real chef as he taught us how to make corned beef hash from scratch, shirred eggs in cups, and homemade muffins and pancakes. Then you get to EAT everything!

The class is partially hands on, with the chef finishing up the dishes. There was time to wander the aisles checking out cooking gear, tasting the flavored oils and vinegars (dark chocolate balsamic?? yum!).

How was it for an actual date? I loved learning something new with hubby. And the food was yummy. And NO clean up!

It’s not a particularly good date if you want “alone time” because there’s ten other people with you and no time to really “chat” with each other. So if you’re needing a date night where you can spill your heart out to each other – this is probably not the right idea. I mean, unless you really want to entertain (or annoy) your classmates!

But… if you’re looking to have fun and enjoy a new experience together, making memories and sharing laughs? It’s a great choice. And not too hard on the wallet if you find a deal like I did!

Also, it’s only about two hours of time, so you won’t be out super late. (and did I mention no dinner clean up!?). I’d definitely repeat this date!

What’s something exciting, interesting, new you’ve done as a date night? 

*no forks were harmed in the writing of this post.