When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
De Gustibus Cooking School
Why De Gustibus Cooking School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
De Gustibus Cooking School in New York City, established in 1980 and currently operated by Salvatore Rizzo, is an esteemed culinary destination known for offering engaging cooking classes and tastings that combine education with entertainment. Located on the 8th floor of Macy's flagship store at 151 West 34th Street, this cooking school provides an inviting setting where food enthusiasts, friends, and individuals alike can meet, learn, and explore the art of cooking and wine pairing. With a rich history of hosting celebrity chefs, sommeliers, cookbook authors, and restaurateurs, De Gustibus presents a unique culinary performance at each class, making it a fantastic meetup spot for those passionate about cuisine. Attendees enjoy the chance to interact closely with some of the most celebrated chefs in the industry and receive hands-on instruction in gourmet cooking techniques. The school emphasizes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, supported by a highly organized and friendly staff. The classes also include complimentary tastings of alcoholic beverages provided by licensed suppliers, enhancing the social and sensory experience. Whether you want to learn new recipes, refine cooking skills, or simply enjoy an evening of great food and wine, De Gustibus Cooking School offers an exceptional environment that both educates and entertains its guests.
Here's what people think of De Gustibus Cooking School
As of recent, De Gustibus Cooking School holds a 4.3-star rating based on 13 reviews.
User reviews of De Gustibus Cooking School highlight its strong reputation for quality cooking classes with a focus on learning useful techniques and recipes conveyed in an accessible way. Positive feedback frequently mentions the entertaining and knowledgeable hosts such as Salvatore Rizzo, as well as engaging and approachable professional chefs who create a friendly, interactive environment. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized events, the opportunity to ask questions directly to renowned chefs, and the inclusion of wine pairings that complement the food samples. Many guests note leaving the classes inspired to try new cooking skills at home and praise the overall hospitality and atmosphere that feels both educational and enjoyable. On the other hand, negative reviews are limited but occasionally touch on challenges such as difficulty sourcing some specific ingredients used in recipes or the premium price point of the classes, which might not fit all budgets. Some attendees also express a desire for more diverse class scheduling or expanded options. Overall, the vast majority of reviews commend De Gustibus Cooking School for its unique culinary experience, excellent instruction, and memorable social setting, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in deepening their appreciation and understanding of cooking and gastronomy.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Martin Saposnick
The Friday Night Flights was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of Sicilian Wines with the Vintner from Firriato Winery was present to give special insights. Salvatore Fraterrigo orchestrated the evening with perfection. The tidbits of food accompanying the wines was prepared by the chef at Norma restaurant The cannoli made with sheeps milk ricotta was spectacular. Of course Anthony Giglio added depth and aged perfection (much like the wines) and added knowledge, humor and enjoyment to the evening. It was on the 8th floor in Macy’s NYC it’s worth enjoying an evening there.
John Cortese
I’m not necessarily looking to become a great-at-home chef, but I’ve been to over a dozen classes here and have a great and unique experience every time. Always enjoy the food, the wine pairings the entertainment, the ability to ask the chef questions and watch them cook. It feels like a hidden secret right smack in the middle of midtown!
Catherine Grdovic
Had the greatest time , Anthony Giglio was charming, informative and funny. Kept the crowd entertained at all times.
Leslie Salas
I took a class here on cooking in the Puglia region of Italy, and it was a fun experience. It was a demonstration vs. a participatory class, but they were very good about explaining what they were doing and answering questions throughout the presentation. They have a giant mirror hanging over the kitchen so that you can see what they are doing. I came home with a lot of new recipes to try out and a full belly. I spoke a bit with the staff after the demo, and they all seem very excited about the work they do.
John Belmonte
We have been long time supporters, very nice experience , always an amazing staff and chefs .We find it always educational and fun. Remember its a tasting not a meal wine is always fantastic, enjoy the education the experience.
How to reach De Gustibus Cooking School
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Why De Gustibus Cooking School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at De Gustibus Cooking School with your friends?
Gathering friends at De Gustibus Cooking School offers a vibrant, immersive, and memorable way to spend time together while enhancing your culinary skills. This is not just a cooking class; it is a culinary theater where education meets entertainment in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The experience goes beyond simply following recipe cards — it’s about interacting with world-class chefs, engaging in lively discussions, sampling exquisite food, and savoring thoughtfully paired wines. The school’s state-of-the-art kitchen boasts large screen TVs that offer crystal-clear views of every step the chef takes, ensuring everyone in the group feels involved, regardless of where they sit. This shared immersion ignites curiosity, sparks conversation, and creates a natural, joyful bonding experience for groups of friends or family members looking to celebrate, learn, and laugh together. The staff’s friendly, helpful demeanor and finely tuned organization make each event flow seamlessly, so your group can relax and enjoy the evening. Whether you and your friends are cooking novices, food enthusiasts, or seasoned home chefs, De Gustibus provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment that appeals to all skill levels and tastes.
What activities does De Gustibus Cooking School offer for group meetups?
De Gustibus Cooking School specializes in a variety of culinary experiences that cater ideally to groups. The main attraction is the live chef demonstration classes, where renowned chefs prepare multi-course menus live while sharing their secrets, techniques, and stories. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, making it an interactive and engaging experience rather than a passive observation. These demonstrations are enhanced by large screens that project close-up views of cooking techniques, allowing everyone to see fine details and feel like they are right next to the chef. Sampling plays a key role — guests taste every course of what is made, often accompanied by wines carefully selected to complement the dishes. The school also offers hands-on cooking classes where groups can actively participate in the preparation process, learning practical skills together under professional guidance. These fun, collaborative sessions strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, perfect for groups seeking both entertainment and education. Private and corporate events can also be tailored here, allowing your group to customize the experience from a simple demonstration to a full cooking competition or themed culinary exploration.
Why is De Gustibus Cooking School the perfect destination for your group meetup?
De Gustibus Cooking School stands out because it combines superior culinary instruction with a social, theatrical environment designed specifically for shared experiences. The venue itself is intimate yet spacious, with long communal tables that encourage conversation and camaraderie among friends, rather than isolated individual seating. The welcoming and professional staff ensure that everything from arrival to departure feels effortless and inviting. For groups interested in hosting private events, the school offers tailored services that handle everything from menu planning to wine selection and event management, ensuring a smooth and memorable occasion. The reputation of the school is enhanced by its illustrious history of hosting some of the world’s most notable chefs, including Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck, lending an exclusive and authentic culinary cachet. Additionally, gift certificates are available, making it a wonderful surprise for a gathering or special occasion. By attending a class or event here, your group benefits from educational value, outstanding food, convivial atmosphere, and the unique opportunity to learn from top industry talent, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
How does the interactive format enrich the group experience at De Gustibus Cooking School?
The hallmark of De Gustibus Cooking School is its blend of education and interactive entertainment that invites guests to become active participants rather than passive onlookers. The format encourages attendees to ask questions and engage directly with chefs, creating a lively dialogue that enhances learning and enjoyment. The large video screens ensure that every technique, chop, and garnish is visible to all, enhancing comprehension and enjoyment for group members regardless of where they sit. This multi-sensory participation — seeing, hearing, tasting, and sometimes even feeling the textures and aromas — creates a fully immersive experience that bonds the group through shared discovery and delight. The relaxed yet professional atmosphere invites laughter, curiosity, and teamwork, transforming a simple cooking demonstration into a social event filled with stories, humor, and education. Such engagement makes the culinary lessons more memorable and meaningful, encouraging friends to try the recipes at home and cherish the unique moments spent together in a nurturing environment.
What role do the chefs and staff play in making the group meetup unforgettable?
The chefs and staff at De Gustibus Cooking School are integral to the event’s success, contributing skill, personality, and warmth that elevate the experience from a typical cooking class to a memorable occasion. The school is known for featuring chefs who are not only experts in their culinary fields but also excellent communicators who enjoy sharing their passion and knowledge. These chefs often bring their own stories, tips, and humor to the presentation, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere that captivates groups. Meanwhile, the front-of-house team ensures smooth logistics, swift assistance, and gracious hospitality from start to finish, making groups feel valued and well-cared-for. Attendees consistently praise the professionalism, enthusiasm, and approachability of the staff, describing the environment as friendly, well-organized, and welcoming — the perfect combination to make everyone comfortable and eager to participate. This dedication to excellence guarantees that every event unfolds seamlessly and leaves each group with a sense of satisfaction and joy.
How does De Gustibus balance education, entertainment, and socializing for groups?
De Gustibus expertly balances culinary education with entertaining presentation and a social setting, crafting an event that appeals to a broad range of interests within a group. The educational content, delivered by top chefs, focuses on clear, accessible explanations of techniques, ingredients, and recipes, making high-level cooking approachable and inspiring. The entertaining aspect comes from the chefs’ storytelling, witty hosting, and the dynamic layout of the culinary theater, which invites guests to enjoy the show as much as they learn. Simultaneously, the communal seating and interactive format foster natural conversation, shared tasting moments, and collective discovery, adding a vibrant social dimension. This multifaceted approach keeps the atmosphere relaxed, fun, and stimulating, perfectly suited for groups looking to celebrate special occasions, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a festive night out with friends and family.
What modern amenities and facilities enhance your group’s visit to De Gustibus Cooking School?
De Gustibus Cooking School’s facilities are designed to maximize comfort, visibility, and engagement for all guests. The classroom features a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with top-tier appliances to demonstrate professional-level cooking preparation. Multiple large screen TVs broadcast the chef’s work area in high definition, ensuring clear views for every participant. The seating is arranged in long communal tables, promoting a shared experience and easy interaction among group members. The venue combines elegance with practicality, offering an intimate ambiance that is perfect for both casual and formal gatherings. The school also provides attentive service, including wine pairings carefully selected to complement each dish, enhancing the flavors and the overall tasting experience. For group meetups, these thoughtfully designed amenities create a comfortable, engaging, and inspiring environment where education and enjoyment thrive hand in hand.
Why are gift certificates and private event options beneficial for groups at De Gustibus?
Gift certificates at De Gustibus Cooking School offer an excellent way for groups to share the gift of a unique culinary experience. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gifts, these certificates can be used for any scheduled class or event, allowing recipients to choose the experience that suits their interests and schedule. This flexibility makes the gift ideal for groups seeking a novel and enriching outing together. Additionally, the school’s private and corporate event options provide tailored experiences designed exclusively for your group’s preferences and needs. Whether you want a private cooking demonstration, a hands-on class, or a themed culinary evening, the staff collaborates closely with organizers to craft a personalized event from start to finish. This bespoke approach ensures that your group’s meetup is not only convenient and smooth but also uniquely memorable, combining education, entertainment, and social connection in a way few venues can match.
How do the multi-course menus and wine pairings enhance the group dining experience?
One of the standout features of De Gustibus Cooking School is the multi-course meals prepared during demonstrations, which your group can sample throughout the session. These menus are thoughtfully curated by top chefs to showcase a range of techniques, ingredients, and flavors — giving attendees a broad and satisfying culinary journey in one sitting. Complementing these dishes, the school partners with expert sommeliers to provide wine pairings that elevate each course’s taste and highlight regional or stylistic connections. This epicurean pairing enriches the palate and deepens the appreciation of the food, transforming the experience into a gourmet event. For groups, sharing a multi-course meal with perfect wine accompaniments fosters a festive and convivial ambiance, turning the class into a social dining occasion as much as an educational one. This combination of education, taste, and camaraderie makes De Gustibus an ideal venue for groups seeking both a feast for the senses and a bonding experience.
What makes De Gustibus Cooking School a reputable and unique culinary institution?
With more than 45 years of history, De Gustibus Cooking School has earned its place among the nation’s most reputable culinary institutions, known for consistently offering world-class instruction and memorable experiences. It has hosted over 1,600 of the world’s most respected food and wine professionals, including legendary figures like Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck. This illustrious legacy provides a unique cachet and authenticity that few other venues can match. The school’s focus on blending education, entertainment, and social engagement within a welcoming environment sets it apart as both a learning center and a culinary theater. Its attention to detail, from professional-grade kitchens to carefully curated menus and wine pairings, ensures a top-tier experience for every attendee. De Gustibus Cooking School’s reputation assures groups that they are participating in an event that is not only fun and social but also rooted in culinary excellence and hospitality.
In summary, De Gustibus Cooking School offers an exceptional venue for group meetups that seamlessly integrates learning, entertainment, fine dining, and social interaction. Its expert chefs, welcoming staff, modern facilities, and interactive format create an experience that appeals broadly and leaves lasting memories. Whether your group gathers for a special celebration, a casual night out, or a corporate event, De Gustibus offers a unique environment to bond over the joy of cooking and gourmet flavors.