Mise En Place [MEEZ ahn plahs]

So, I am a huge stickler on this one: Mise en Place.  It is the culinary concept, a french word, meaning "everything in place."  I live and will die by this concept.  I prep my whole kitchen and food before cooking.  Try doing this before you even start the first pan.  You will find it goes a lot smoother and things will come out at the same time.  Still use your timing techniques, but Mise en Place will help.

Ok, let's take this another direction...

Do you want to take a cooking class in the Richmond, VA area?  Mise En Place is your answer.  They offer a variety of cooking classes like, Couples Who Cook (a couple's cooking class), Wine Lovers Experience (learn about different wines and food pairings), Elegant Friday Night Dinner (learn seasonal dinners from appetizer to dessert), Soups and Sandwiches (learn how to prepare more than chicken noodle and grilled cheese), and many, many more.  Classes usually run around $60/person and $120/couple for the couples classes.  Yes, you get to prepare the food and then taste your foods!  Check out their schedule here (September sold out.   Book soon for October!): Mise En Place Class Schedule

Want to have a children's birthday party?  They do those!  Get those kids in the kitchen and let them create a meal with their own hands.  Parties include a meal and a dessert, with several different options.  Get the scoop here: Kids in the Kitchen.

Several expert Chefs head this place up and teach you the tricks of the trade.  Men?  Why not get sneaky, go to one of these classes, and then surprise your lady with a fabulous meal at home for her birthday or anniversary?  More so, how about just a great meal after a long week?  Ding, ding, ding!

So, folks, you have a place to go to learn and taste what you learned.  Take the initiative to learn how to prepare fresh, tasty food and GET COOKIN'!