Hosting a cooking class fosters strong customer relationships, bolsters a chef’s reputation and makes a lasting impression on participants. But today’s public needs more than a simple demo to get them interested.

These classes take it up a notch.

Catch, Winchester, MA
During the summer, chef-owner Chris Parsons teaches a one-day class called Fillet-A-Fish. Participants learn knife skills and seafood selection tips, along with how to fillet three locally caught fish.

L’Etoile, Madison, WI
At this upscale restaurant’s more casual street level Café Soleil, chef Tory Miller offers themed dinner classes, sharing his well-honed techniques and recipes from L’Etoile. Students get to savor the results over a three-course meal with wine. Recent classes included Spanish Cuisine, Holiday Entertaining and Seafood Lovers.

Pierpoint, Baltimore, MD
Summer Cooking Camps for children are held in this popular Fells Point neighborhood restaurant, under the guidance of chef Nancy Longo. Dim Sum, Brunch, Pasta, Mexican Food and Pool Party Food are some of the classes offered.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Going on its second season, this resort’s BBQ University is an interactive three-day series that offers hands-on experience using more than 25 wood-burning, charcoal, gas and infrared grills, as well as kamado cookers and smokers. Steven Raichlen, an award-winning author and grilling authority, leads the classes.