Learn how to cook by taking a local cooking class
March 16th, 2026
By Rick Gion
For those folks with busy lives who can’t afford or attend culinary school, community cooking classes are a good way to learn new tips and tricks in the kitchen. Cookbooks, instructional online videos and watching foodie TV can certainly be helpful, but getting hands-on training can expedite the learning process. Fortunately, Fargo-Moorhead has a lot to offer in this department.
To elevate the experience, some of these classes even feature local food celebrity instructors. I recently attended a bagel-making class at The 1889 in downtown Fargo, which featured Chef Andrea Baumgardner as the instructor. This class quickly sold out and had a long waiting list. I was only there to take some photos for the Facebook group that I manage, Fargo-Moorhead Eats. I was not one of the lucky participants who got to take home a sack of freshly baked bagels.
By the way, The 1889 is a classy space and definitely worth checking out. Both cooking and crafting classes are offered. Crafting instruction includes exercises in things like weaving and wreath making.
In my opinion, cooking can be both an art and a craft. Creative plates at fine dining restaurants can be a lot of fun to stare at and drool over. After all, people do eat with their eyes first. Perfecting the German-Russian cheese button (kase knoephla) is a folksy craft that can take years to refine.
From steak Diane to sushi, there are plenty of cooking classes offered at The 1889, including classes for children. Date night options are also available for those looking to make it a romantic affair. The Tour of Italy class that is offered is not like traveling the canals of Venice, but probably could win romantic points with a nice lady friend. I’ll take my own advice on that at some point soon.
Square One Kitchens on 1st Ave. N. in Fargo is another prime spot to take a cooking class. Yes, this location is a go-to for many independent food purveyors needing to utilize a licensed commercial kitchen. However, educational opportunities at Square One include options from whipping up baked goods to tamale construction. There was even a Nigerian Cuisine Night scheduled earlier this year. Date nights, group cooking parties and employee team-building events are also offered, giving co-workers a chance to bond through food. To me, a team-building cooking class sounds much better than going bowling or an awkward escape room session.
I first learned about cooking classes at Family Wellness in southwest Fargo from Dr. Eric Berg, a professor of meat science at North Dakota State University. He invited me to a beef brisket-making class late last year. I call him the “meat doctor.” He’s been a guest on my “Prairie Plates” radio segment on Prairie Public and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to matters of bovine and swine.
Family Wellness is a joint venture between Sanford Health and the YMCA. It mainly features aquatics and fitness opportunities. However, healthy cooking classes…
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