Make your way to a historical home in the Lower Garden District where your lesson takes place. Take a seat at the kitchen counter, which curves around the large stove and food prep area.

During the 2.5-hour demonstration, sip a glass of wine as your chef-instructor takes you through the preparation and cooking of four dishes. You get a full sensory experience during the cooking class while leaving the messy prep and working over the hot stove to the chef.

Your instructor intersperses the cooking lesson with tales of local lore and Louisiana history. As you learn the recipes, you also get a window into the cultural forces that have shaped all aspects of New Orleans, including its rich cuisine.

Afterward, tour the 19th-century home with your host while the final touches on your lunch or dinner are completed. Then adjourn to the dining room for a party featuring the dishes that you watched being prepared. Savor the delicious food, fine wine and good company as you linger over the 3- to 4-course meal.

The menu varies according to the season and availability, but dishes may include fresh seafood gumbo, seared salmon salad, crawfish pasta, baked oysters with bacon, Gulf shrimp topped with r□moulade, pecan pie, praline cookies and more. You can take home the recipes at the end of class.