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Global Flavors: 4-Week Youth Cooking Series
About the Class
**IMPORTANT NOTE: The student MUST take the Junior Chefs: Knife Skills & Kitchen Basics class on October 7th before registering for this class.**
Explore Italian, Asian, American, and Mexican Cuisine!
Ready to take your taste buds on a world tour? In this exciting 4-week cooking class designed for youth, we’ll explore delicious dishes and bold flavors from four rich and diverse food cultures: Italy, Asia, the U.S., and Mexico. Each week focuses on hands-on cooking, new techniques, and learning about the ingredients and traditions that make each cuisine unique.
Week 1: Italian Classics
Learn the art of fresh pasta, homemade sauces, and more! We’ll talk about flavor layering, herbs like basil and oregano, and how simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.
Week 2: Asian-Inspired Dishes
From stir-fries to rice bowls and dipping sauces, this week introduces new flavors like ginger, sesame, and soy. Youth will practice knife skills, sautéing, and building balanced meals.
Week 3: American Comfort Food
Gumbo, corn bread —American favorites get a fresh twist. We’ll dive into presentation, seasoning basics, and fun plating techniques to elevate everyday dishes.
Week 4: Mexican Fiesta
This flavorful finale focuses on chicken mole, salsas, and traditional spices like cumin and chili. Students will practice working with tortillas, preparing toppings, and bringing it all together for a final group meal celebration.
Throughout the series, youth will also learn kitchen safety, proper sanitation, knife handling, and the importance of teamwork in the kitchen. Every class encourages confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation through food.
This class is perfect for youth who are curious about cooking, eager to try new things, and excited to create delicious meals they can share with their families.
Parents will be invited to share a meal with the kids and chef on the last day of class.
Location
About your Instructor
Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.
Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.
Schedule
Tuesdays, October 14 – November 4, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
This Session
October 14, 2025 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Experience Level
Beginning and IntermediateAges
Kids, 10 – 13 years old
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
