Cucina Bambini, San Jose

Many people learn better when they feel comfortable, which is why Cucina Bambini designed their workspace to resemble a family kitchen instead of a clinical wall of burners and ovens. Black-and-white tiles cover the walls behind rustic cabinets and ceramic spice vessels. Instructors work with ingredients atop a central island to share their passion for cooking with students of all ages. Children can learn about culture as well as cuisine in Around the World classes that focus on recipes for tandoori chicken or Chinese siu mai dumplings. Adults may mix fresh pasta dough and form fettuccine by hand or learn how to prepare sushi rice and use it in fresh rolls or nigiri. During date-night classes, couples prepare a four-course dinner that they will eventually devour or smear across each other's faces.