Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Huddleston.
Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and my initial love of cooking and food came from my mother. Growing up, she was always hosting exotic dinner parties for friends and family. As an only child, I was always “employed” as her sous chef. Being introduced to so many different cuisines at such a young age sparked a desire in me to try new foods and to travel to experience even more foods in their country of origin. I learned how to make pasta in Italy, curry paste in Thailand, and even roast a pig in Kauai.
After working as a cooking instructor on the West Coast for several years, I was ready to be my own boss. Plus, I love to entertain and started The Cookery to teach people how to cook the same way I learned – in an intimate setting where the focus was on creating a positive experience and sharing it with others. I opened The Cookery in December 2016 in the Dallas Design District.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Opening The Cookery was a leap of faith. It was challenging because no amount of advice really prepares you for the road ahead – experience is the best teacher. I have learned more about business and myself from taking The Cookery from a concept to a welcoming place where I can share my passion for food with new friends.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Cookery Dallas – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I like to say that at The Cookery, the cooking class meets dinner party. Our studio space was designed to make you feel like you are in a friend’s kitchen. Our classes are completely hands on. Everyone works together to create a three or four course meal that is shared family-style at our custom-built table.
Our classes have a seasonal, regional or international theme. The most important thing I always try to remember is that while everyone can read a recipe, they cannot necessarily learn how to cook from one. We teach people through hands-on experience and how to balance flavors and season dishes. They can then approach preparing a meal with a new level of confidence.
The Cookery also has a willingness and ability to accommodate dietary needs. We create customized menus for private events for individuals, companies, and organizations. Plus, private events can be held at any time of the day you desire.
Our goal is to create a safe environment where you can meet new people while sharing this unique culinary experience. Whether you are a more accomplished cook or know you have lots to learn, there is a place for you at our table. I am proud of our success and the positive feedback from people that have come to our classes.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Every month at The Cookery, my staff and I work together to create 2-3 new class menus. We are excited to introduce a Moroccan inspired Arabian Night’s menu, a Phở class that will focus on making stocks, and to introduce knife skills into some of our current classes.
As we look to the future, we hope to share The Cookery experience with more people at multiple locations.
Pricing:
- Public Classes are $95 per person.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1130 Dragon Street, Suite 180, Dallas, TX 75207
- Website: www.thecookerydallas.com
- Phone: 469.400.8514
- Email: thecookery@thecookerydallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecookerydallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecookerydallas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cookerydallas
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cookery-dallas-dallas
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
