6 perfect dinner (or lunch) dates for the amateur chef

Date night isn’t easy, especially when your special someone fancies themselves a pretty good home chef. Thankfully, there are ways to indulge their passion for food while getting them out of your kitchen.

These six food experiences across Atlanta will help you create a memorable date night where you cook, taste and learn more about food and wine. It’s the perfect way to experience food no matter how proficient you are meal prepping on your own at home.

Bellina Alimentari

Perfectly situated in Ponce City Market, Bellina Alimentari is an authentic Italian restaurant with a speciality market and culinary room. Monthly classes, that focus on Italian cuisine are available for $55 per person. You’ll learn how to make fresh, handmade pasta among other delicious meals. There’s even wine tasting for those who want some vino with their pasta.

Location: Old Fourth Ward - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: bellina-alimentari.com; Contact: 404-330-9933.

A and S Culinary Concepts

The A&S Culinary Concepts food studio provides cooking classes for all skill levels. A laid-back and hands-on environment makes for casual fun. The highlight of their class options is the Big Green Egg Boot Camp. This all-day experience starts at 7:00 AM as you ignite your Big Green Egg and smoke some meat. After an afternoon break, you come back and finish cooking. You end up with an entire meal you, and a guest, get to enjoy for just $160.

Location: 9945 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek; Website: asculinaryconcepts.com; Contact: 678-336-9196.

Leaning Ladder Olive Oil

Accomplished chefs from the greater Atlanta area share their specialties and teach a little fine cooking using Leaning Ladder olive oils and vinegar. Classes start around $69 and vary in price, but most don’t exceed $89 per person. You’ll find options in almost every cuisine, and learn to make some delicious food whether it’s curry and Pad Thai, Tamales or Paella and tapas.

Location: 105 E. Main Street, Woodstock. Website: leaningladderoliveoil.com; Contact: 678-401-2609.

The Food Tutor

For a truly unique experience, check out The Food Tutor. They do things a little differently, and bring the cooking class to you. Enjoy a special cooking date in your own kitchen with the support of a talented chef. It’s $50 per hour for a two-person class, which lasts a minimum of three hours. You and your special someone can focus on stocks and sauces, desserts or even cook a full course meal. The topic is up to you. You can even shop for the ingredients if that’s something you enjoy (or the chef can buy for you and add it onto the cost of class.)

Location: Lindbergh - 2479 Peachtree Road, Suite 1307; Website: thefoodtutor.com; Contact: 404-625-7912.

Publix Aprons Cooking School

Cooking in a grocery store is a little more low-key, but Publix’s cooking classes offer options for any amateur chef, whether they’re your child or your partner. Hands-on classes and Wine & Dine demonstrations provide you with so many options. Classes range from $50-$80 for a single experience, but there are also 5-week courses available for $300 per person. Some favorite classes include sushi making, one-pan meals and classes that focus on specific ingredients.

Location: Alpharetta - 4305 State Bridge Rd.; Website: apronscookingschool.publix.com; Contact: 770-751-8560

The Purple Corkscrew Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Sometimes, it’s all about the food, but other times, it’s all about the wine. The Purple Corkscrew understands that even an amateur chef needs a break sometimes. Their cozy and eclectic wine room is perfect for a little wine tasting. Enjoy a fight of three 2-ounce pours and charcuterie for $20 per person for an hour and a half. You can also gather a group and reserve the tasting room for an additional fee. There’s wine for every palate and at every price point, and their adjoining shop makes it easy to grab a bottle of your new favorite to bring home.

Location: Avondale Estates - 32 N. Avondale Rd #A; Website: purplecorkscrew.com; Contact: 678-515-8232