Sun-soaked vineyards, bold reds, and the laid-back spirit of California's Central Coast — all without the airfare. Join Chef Crystal Leach and Healthy Chef Partyologist Nancy Waldeck for a captivating demonstration-style evening inspired by the wines and flavors of Paso Robles, one of California's most exciting and rapidly rising wine regions.
Nestled between the Pacific Coast and the Sierra Madre mountains, Paso Robles has built its reputation on rich Rhône-style blends, robust reds, and vibrant whites that carry the warmth of the California sun in every glass. Chef Crystal and Nancy will craft a menu that channels the bold, relaxed character of Central Coast wine country while breaking down the pairing principles that make each dish and wine combination sing. Whether you're a devoted Paso fan or discovering the region for the first time, this is an evening of genuine discovery — sip by sip, bite by bite.
Sit back, relax, and let the wines come to you. No cooking required, just curiosity and an appetite.
What's on the Menu:
- Tequila Shrimp Skewers over Mexican Corn Salad: A vibrant, high-energy opener that sets the tone for the evening. Plump shrimp marinated in tequila are served over a bright, smoky Mexican-style corn salad — a bold first pairing that showcases how Paso's whites and rosés play beautifully with heat and citrus.
- Spanish Olive, Manchego and Chorizo Salad with Smoky Almonds: The flavors of the Iberian Peninsula translate seamlessly into the Paso Robles wine world, where Rhône and Spanish varietals share a natural kinship. This hearty, flavor-packed salad brings together salty olives, nutty Manchego, savory chorizo, and the irresistible crunch of smoky almonds.
- California-Style Herbed Polenta: Creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this Central Coast staple celebrates the agricultural abundance of the California interior. A natural canvas for exploring how earthy, herbal notes interact with Paso's bold red blends.
- Winemaker's Steak: The centerpiece of the evening and a love letter to Paso Robles Cabernet and Zinfandel country. Learn how a great cut of beef and the right wine can elevate each other — and walk away with the techniques to recreate this showstopper at home.
- Red Wine and Chocolate Cake: The finale that needs no convincing. Rich, deeply flavored, and unabashedly indulgent, this cake is the definitive argument for red wine as a dessert pairing — and a perfect sendoff to a memorable evening in California wine country.
This relaxed, seat-yourself evening is perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious home cooks, and anyone ready to explore one of California's most compelling wine regions from the comfort of Atlanta.
Reserve your seat now — this one fills quickly!
Saturday, August 22nd - 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Prices are listed per person.
The Cook's Warehouse provides the ultimate culinary class experience in Atlanta. Featuring state-of-the-art Sub-Zero Wolf kitchens to meet all of your cooking needs. We offer hands-on and demonstration cooking classes that cover a wide range of topics and are geared to cooks of all skill levels. Our interactive private events are perfect for birthday parties, culinary team building, and corporate entertaining. Living up to our mission, The Cook's Warehouse proudly presents world class chef-led classes and culinary events that provide you with Every Excuse to Cook!
The Cook's Warehouse Cooking School is centrally located at Ansley Mall in Midtown. Our address is: 1544 Piedmont Avenue, STE 403-R, Atlanta, GA 30324