Cooking Uptown...Cooking Vacations...Culinary Getaways...Cooking Classes!

Cooking Uptown

Cooking UptownTM opened its doors quietly on March 11, 2004 in the Elizabeth Community, Charlotte, NC.

Upon securing the location of her uptown cookware store, owner Karen Cooley was determined to bring out the historic character of the building and community, while adding some contemporary, creative elements.  The structure located on Seventh Street near Hawthorne Lane was originally built in 1952 and keeping it intact was important to the retailer.  After being covered in its original insulation for almost 50 years, the lofty wood beam ceiling was exposed and refinished.  All new ventilation, electrical, and plumbing were added to support the exposed structure.  The floors maintain a worn look to them with an updated design of etched diamonds.  An interesting mix of both antique and contemporary furnishings creates interesting displays and focal points throughout the kitchen boutique.  The exterior now makes a striking statement.  Many were curious when the building was being renovated from its previous humdrum state to its current vibrant exterior.

A full size demonstration kitchen is located at the rear of the store for hands-on classes, which can accommodate up to twelve aspiring cooks.  There is a seating area with leather couch, club chair, ottoman and large screen television to catch up on the latest tips and tricks from chefs featured on the cooking channel, which plays non-stop during store hours.

The hands-on classes focus on a variety of subjects complementing the season or a particular trend.  A number of chefs from the local community have taught classes with a short list of select “preferred guest chefs” that frequently teach at the store.  Among them are Erin Lamberti, Owner/Executive Chef of A Tasteful Solution, Dana Harding, Owner/Executive Chef of Dana Cooks!, and Susanne Dillingham, Executive Chef of HADCO.  We would be remiss not to mention Mark Hibbs, Owner/Executive Chef of Ratcliff on the Green.

Note: Epitourean, LLC provides a referral service for operators of culinary classes, vacations, cruises, schools and demonstrations. We cannot be held responsible for variations in descriptions, courses offered, changes to dates and/or prices provided by the operators.