SANTA FE COOKING CLASS FIELD GUIDE
Contemporary Southwest: A Demonstration of Smoke, Chile, and Chocolate in Santa Fe
A focused, three-hour demonstration class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking that reveals contemporary Southwestern technique and flavor—ending in generous tastings and a take-home recipe packet.
Contemporary Southwest: A Demonstration of Smoke, Chile, and Chocolate in Santa Fe.
In Santa Fe, where centuries of regional ingredients and cultural exchange shape a living cuisine, this three-hour demonstration class presents contemporary Southwestern cooking as both tradition and innovation. Chefs prepare each dish before you—explaining techniques and stories—while guests sample the finished plates, from smoked red-chile pork tenderloin to Mexican chocolate bistro cake, and leave with a recipe packet to recreate the meal at home.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Smoked Red Chile Pork & Mexican Chocolate Bistro Cake
The menu pairs a smoked pork tenderloin with a red chile cider glaze and apple-pinon chutney alongside contemporary sides and a rich Mexican chocolate bistro cake—served as part of the demonstration lunch.
Chef-Led Demonstration and Techniques
Professional chefs conduct a live demonstration, sharing culinary techniques, creative insights, and the stories behind modern Southwestern dishes while preparing each course for attendees to taste.
Tastings, Beverages, and a Recipe Packet
Participants enjoy generous tastings during the class, complimentary beverages throughout, and receive a recipe packet to recreate the dishes at home.
What the day feels like
What the Class Feels Like
The class is an intimate, seated demonstration: chefs methodically prepare each course in view of the group, narrating technique and provenance as they cook. Between explanations, attendees taste the finished plates and converse with the chef, then finish with dessert and printed recipes to take home—the experience moves at a deliberate, instructive pace over three hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this class.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The class runs approximately three hours.
Bring appetite and any dietary-necessity information to share with staff; a printed recipe packet is provided at the end of class.
Complimentary beverages include water, coffee, hot tea, and iced tea; beer, wine, and soda are available for purchase.
The class includes a chef-led cooking demonstration, an authentic contemporary Southwestern meal prepared by staff, and a recipe packet.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the class?
The demonstration class lasts three hours.
What does the class include?
A professional cooking demonstration, an authentic contemporary Southwestern meal prepared by the chef, and a recipe packet are included.
What is on the menu?
The menu features smoked pork tenderloin with red chile cider glaze, apple-pinon chutney, tumbleweed of sweet potatoes, braised Swiss chard, corn flan, and Mexican chocolate bistro cake with whipped cream and toasted almonds.
Are beverages provided?
Complimentary beverages include water, coffee, hot tea, and iced tea; beer, wine, and soda are available for purchase.
What format is the class?
This is a demonstration class with lunch—the chef prepares each dish in view of participants who then taste the finished dishes.
Who operates the class?
The operator is the Santa Fe School of Cooking.