Our Cooking Classes provide instruction in a group setting, where all participants are gathered around our kitchen island. The chef does most of the cooking, but may ask for volunteers to stir a soup, chop a vegetable, etc.
We draw on the unique chefs and caterers in the Fredericksburg, Virginia region to teach our classes. We provide the entertainment, food, and wine, while you have all the fun!
Classes are limited to 12 participants.
Upcoming Classes
Scroll down for “Thursdays at Noon” classes
To register for a class, please call us at (540) 374-0443 or visit us in store during opening hours. We do not offer online registration.
October 2026
approx. 2 hour classes
October 2026 classes have been available for registration since July 1, 2026
Monday, October 26 • 6pm • Chef Vanessa Moncure — Waitlist only
“Cast Iron Breakfast” • $65 per person
• Three Cheese Frittata
• Dutch Baby with Roasted Peaches
• Hoecakes with Blueberry Honey
Tuesday, October 27 • 6pm • Chef Stephanie Wilkins — Waitlist only
“Southern Spread” • $65 per person
• Sweet Honey Cornbread
• Fried Fish
• Southern Mac n Cheese
• Stewed Tomatoes
• Red Velvet Mini Cakes
November 2026
approx. 2 hour classes
November 2026 classes have been available for registration since July 1, 2026
***duplicate class added due to high demand*** — Waitlist only
Friday, November 6 • 6pm • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Don’t Diss The Leftovers” • $65 per person
• Turkey and Cranberry Paninis with Red Wine
• Gravy Dipping Sauce
• Potato and Stuffing Croquettes
• Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Saturday, November 7 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham — Waitlist only
“Don’t Diss The Leftovers” • $65 per person
• Turkey and Cranberry Paninis with Red Wine
• Gravy Dipping Sauce
• Potato and Stuffing Croquettes
• Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Thursday, November 12 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman — Waitlist only
“Be On The Cutting Edge” • $65 per person
• Knife Skills
• Spatchcocked Chicken with Apple, Onion and Sausage Stuffing
December 2026
approx. 2 hour classes
December 2026 classes have been available for registration since July 1, 2026
Saturday, December 5 • 11am • Chef Lisa Trentham — Waitlist only
“Frosting Fun” • $35 per person
• Class for Children ages 8+
• Have Fun Decorating Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
***Second Class added due to high demand***
Saturday, December 12 • 11am • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Frosting Fun” • $35 per person
• Class for Children ages 8+
• Have Fun Decorating Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
January 2027
approx. 2 hour classes
January 2027 classes have been available for registration since October 22, 2026
Friday, January 8 • 6pm • Chef Carmelita Scholes — Waitlist only
“Brewed, Braised, & Baked” • $65 per person
• Polpette alla Birra (Beer braised meatballs)
• Baked Baguettes
• Winter Greens Salad
• Beer Caramel Sauce over Soft Ice Cream
Saturday, January 9 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham — Waitlist only
“What a Friend We Have in Cheeses” • $65 per person **Vegetarian
• Cheese Soufflé
• Baked Macaroni & Cheese
• Three Cheese Garlic Bread
Tuesday, January 12 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman — Waitlist only
“Shuffle Off to Buffalo” • $65 per person
• Buffalo Chicken Dip with Grilled Sourdough
• Beef on Weck with Au Jus
• Pizza with Spicy Cup-and-Char Pepperoni
• Pierogies with Sauteed Onion and Sour Cream
Sunday, January 17 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“End of the Line” • $70 per person
• Whole Roasted Trout with Lemon Caper Sauce
• Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
• Tomato Cucumber Salad
Tuesday, January 19 • 6pm • Chef Stephanie Wilkins — Waitlist only
“Bayou Meets Bistro” • $65 per person
• Carolina Smoky Ribs
• Dirty Dirty Rice
• Apple Coleslaw
• Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding
Monday, January 25 • 6pm • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Roasted Three Ways” • $70 per person
• Butterflied and Stuffed Pork Loin
• Lamb Roast with Herb Sauce
• Peach Cobbler
Wednesday, January 27 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Turkish Delight” • $65 per person
• Chickpea Hummus
• Fresh Pita Bread
• Lamb Mandi
• Zeytinyagli Kereviz (Celery Root & Potato side dish)
• Turkish Delight
February 2027
approx. 2 hour classes
February 2027 classes have been available for registration since October 22, 2026
Tuesday, February 2 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman
“French Kiss” • $70 per person
• Stuffed Camembert
• Bouillabasse
• Coquille Saint-Jacques
• Date-infused Crème Brûlée
Saturday, February 6 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Rise & Shine” • $65 per person
• Brioche French Toast
• Candied Bacon Jam
• Cinnamon Whipped Cream
• Seasonal Fruit Salad
Friday, February 12 • 6pm • Chef Carmelita Scholes — Waitlist only
“Amore, Marsala, and Chocolate” • $65 per person
• Scaloppine di Pollo al Marsala
• Nonna Maria’s Rustic Oregano Potatoes
• Seasonal Greens
• Easy Chocolate Pudding
Saturday, February 13 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Greek Treats” • $65 per person
• Dolmades with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Moussaka
• Fresh Pita Bread
• Lemony Potatoes
• Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
Monday, February 15 • 6pm • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Hot And Hearty” • $65 per person
• Hearty Beef Stew
• Potato Leek Soup
• Italian Wedding Soup
• Bread Pudding
Saturday, February 20 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Bao Out” • $65 per person
• Asian Pork Buns
• Cucumber Salad
• Garlicky Bok Choy
Wednesday, February 24 • 6pm • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Ham I Am” • $65 per person
• Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
• Ham & Pea Soup
• Roasted Potatoes with Bacon
• Triple Chocolate Cake
Saturday, February 27 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
In Collaboration with River Rock Outfitter
“Four Courses From Three Square Feet” • $70 per person
• BBQ Shrimp Wrapped with Bacon
• Thai Red Curry Chicken with Basmati and Chick Peas
• April’s Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
• Mexican Street Corn
• Bananas Foster
March 2027
approx. 2 hour classes
March 2027 classes have been available for registration since October 22, 2026
Monday, March 1 • 6pm • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Southern Flavors” • $65 per person
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Chicken Fricassee
• Country Potato Salad
• Corn Pudding
Saturday, March 6 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Puff the Magic Dragon” • $65 per person **Vegetarian
• Cream Puffs, 3 ways
• Savory Puffs
• Lemon Curd with Fresh Raspberries
• Pastry Cream topped with Chocolate Glaze
Sunday, March 7 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“The Silk Road” • $65 per person
• Braised Chicken Feet
• Barbecue Pork Buns
• Spring Rolls
• Chicken Pot Stickers
• Egg Tarts
Tuesday, March 9 • 6pm • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“The Beat of the Drum” • $65 per person
• Nashville Hot Drumsticks
• Midwestern Drumstick Hotdish
• Korean Sticky Drumsticks
• Jamaican Jerk Drumsticks
Monday, March 15 • 6pm • Chef Carmelita Scholes — Waitlist only
“Patrick’s Pot of Gold” • $65 per person
• Patrick’s Irish Lamb Stew
• Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad
• Dijon Beer Cider Vinaigrette
• 20-Minute Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar & Fresh Herb Butter
• Irish Apple Cream Cups with Easy Whiskey Caramel
Saturday, March 20 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Pop the Bubbly” • $65 per person
• Prosecco Risotto with Sauteed Mushrooms
• Prosecco Mussels with Crusty Garlic Bread
• Prosecco Jelly stuffed with Fresh Berries
Tuesday, March 23 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman — Waitlist only
“The Wurst is Yet to Come” • $65 per person
• Ramp Spread on Hearty German Rye
• Pork Jägerschnitzel
• Käsespätzle
• Warm Apple Strudel with Cheddar Cheese
Wednesday, March 31 • 6pm • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Braised, Seared, and Steamed” • $70 per person
• Spinach Pomegranate Salad
• Pan Seared Scallops
• Potatoes Au Gratin
• Steamed Lemon Asparagus
April 2027
approx. 2 hour classes
April 2027 classes have been available for registration since October 22, 2026
Saturday, April 3 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
In Collaboration with River Rock Outfitter
“Foiled Again!” • $65 per person
• Spicy Italian Sausage with Gnocchi, Tomatoes, and Fresh Burrata
• Cinnamon Caramel Apples
Sunday, April 4 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Nothing Beats a Great Pair of Legs” • $65 per person
• Louisiana Spicy Fried Frog Legs
• Herb Roasted Turkey Legs
• Garlic Butter Crab Legs
Tuesday, April 6 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Thai One On” • $65 per person
• Pork Moo Ping
• Vegetarian Pad Thai
• Green Papaya Salad
• Green Curry Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Saturday, April 10 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Let’s Get Smashed” • $65 per person
• Smashed Egg Salad
• Smashed Crispy Potatoes
• Smashed Cucumber Salad
Wednesday, April 14 • 6pm • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Market Price” • $65 per person
• Whole Fish of the Day
• Crispy Rice
• Charred Broccoli
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
Saturday, April 17 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“A Flurry of Curry” • $65 per person
• Indian Chicken Curry with Cumin Rice
• Kofta Curry
• Shrimp and Spinach Curry
Monday, April 19 • 6pm • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Spring In Italy” • $65 per person
• Caprese Skewers
• Slow-Cooked Italian-Spiced Pork Shoulder
• Polenta with Gorgonzola
• Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus
Saturday, April 24 • Noon • Chef Lisa Tretham
“Avocadon’t Mind if I Do” • $65 per person **Vegetarian
• Crispy Avocado Tacos
• Mango Jalapeno Avocado Salsa
• Avocado Chocolate Mousse Cups
Friday, April 30 • 6pm • Chef Carmelita Scholes — Waitlist only
“Fields of Green” • $65 per person
• Vellutata Fredda di Piselli (Cold Peas Velouté)
• Tilapia al Limone, Erbe, & Capperi
• Bruschetta al Pomodoro and Roasted Asparagus
• Lemon Macerated Strawberries in Prosecco
May-July 2027 schedule will be released in the spring.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the schedule release announcement!
Thursdays At Noon
Join Chefs Douglas Jarman, Vanessa Moncure, Lisa Trentham, and Stephanie Wilkins in The Kitchen on Thursdays for an approximately 75-minute course in fast and easy dishes. Eat while you learn!
August-October 2026 classes have been available for registration since July 1, 2026
Thursday, October 29 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Don’t Stew On It” • $45 per person
• Belgian Beef Stew
• Herb Cheddar Biscuits
• Pear Pomegranate Spinach Salad
January-April 2027 classes have been available for registration since October 22, 2026
Thursday, January 7 • Noon • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Winter Warmth” • $45 per person
• Cubed Steak with Mushroom Gravy
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Root Vegetables
• Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
Thursday, January 14 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Shell We Dance” • $45 per person
• Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic & Onion with Fresh Tomatoes & Crumbled Feta
• Lemony Potatoes
• Prosecco Macerated Strawberries
Thursday, January 21 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Dry Your Tears” • $45 per person **Vegetarian
• Onion Straws with Homemade Ranch Dip
• Caramelized Onion Tart
• Cream of Onion Soup
• Rocket Salad with Braised Onion Vinaigrette
Thursday, January 28 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Bowl Me Over” • $45 per person
• White Chicken Chili
• Cincinnati Chili
• Texas Beef Chili
Thursday, February 4 • Noon • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Tailgate Time” • $45 per person
• Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs
• Lemon Pepper Wings
• Pork Loin Sliders
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Surprise
Thursday, February 11 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“The Big Easy Does It” • $45 per person
• Shrimp Jambalaya
• Crayfish Etouffee
• Debris Po’ Boy
• King Cake
Thursday, February 18 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Stick ‘Em Up” • $45 per person
• Chicken Kebab
• Ground Lamb Torpedo Style Skewers
• Veggie Skewers
• Naan Bread with Tzatziki
Thursday, February 25 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Rise to the Occasion” • $45 per person **Vegetarian
• Chocolate Soufflé
• Macerated Oranges
• Fresh Chantilly Cream
Thursday, March 4 • Noon • Chef Stephanie Wilkins
“Peruvian Delight” • $45 per person
• Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Pepper Steak)
• Peruvian Rice
• Arroz con Leche Peruano
Thursday, March 11 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Roll With It” • $45 per person
• Handheld Tamaki filled with Tuna, Sticky Rice, and Pickled Veggies
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Mango Sorbet
Thursday, March 18 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“There’s a Fungus Among Us” • $45 per person **Vegetarian
• Steamed Asparagus
• Mushrooms a la Crème in Puff Pastry
• Wild Mushroom Chowder
• Caprese Stuffed Portabellos
Thursday, March 25 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“Jamaican Me Crazy” • $45 per person
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Rice with Pigeon Peas
• Curried Beef Patties
• Key Lime Bars
Thursday, April 1 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“Flippin’ Over Frittatas” • $45 per person
• Orange Torta Bread
• Bacon, Egg, and Gouda Frittata
• Veggie, Cheese, and Herb Frittata
• Chorizo, Potato, and Pepperjack Frittata
Thursday, April 8 • Noon • Chef Vanessa Moncure
“The Mayo Clinic” • $45 per person
• Turkey and Brie Croissant with Sage Mayonnaise
• Blackened Flounder with Fresh Tartar Sauce
• Roast Beef, Havarti, and Arugula with Aioli
• Grilled Chicken with Lemon Thyme Mayonnaise
Thursday, April 15 • Noon • Chef Lisa Trentham
“Spring Chicken” • $45 per person
• Chicken Parmesan
• Creamy Polenta
• Caprese Salad
• Pineapple Sorbet
Thursday, April 22 • Noon • Chef Stephanie Wilkins — Waitlist only
“Fit to be Thai’d” • $45 per person
• Thai Chicken Wings
• Thai Meatballs
• Coconut Rice
• Tamarind Icebox Cake
Thursday, April 29 • Noon • Chef Douglas Jarman
“One Cheesy Lunch” • $45 per person
• Cheese Straw Snacks
• Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese
• Three Cheese Thick Cut Cheese
• Cream of Tomato Basil Soup
May-July 2027 schedule will be released in the spring.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the schedule release announcement!
About the Classes
Our Chefs lead our participants in a group style setting through preparation of at least two to four dishes in a two-hour class in our residential-style kitchen. The chef does most of the preparation but may ask for a volunteer to assist by chopping a vegetable, stirring a soup, etc. Accompanying beverages are provided.
Class is limited to 12 participants.
Ages 11+ are welcome to join in any of our classes.
Participants will be standing for the duration of class, but limited seating is available upon request.
REGISTRATION
Payment for class is due at time of booking. Registration is open for classes up until 48 hours prior to the class.
To register for a class, call the store at (540) 374-0443 or stop in during opening hours. Registration is not available online or through our “Contact Us” form.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations are accepted until 48 hours prior to the class.
Refunds are given in the form of store credit only (expires 13 months from issue date and can be used for another class or merchandise).
No refunds of any kind will be granted within 48 hours of class start time.
10% discount
All participants will receive 10% off any merchandise in The Kitchen at Whittingham on the day of the class (excluding alcholic beverages).
Discount does not apply towards merchandise in Whittingham.
Meet the Chefs
DOUGLAS JARMAN
Douglas Jarman attended the Culinary Institute of America. He has had an extensive career in hotel restaurants, including at The Hotel Pierre in New York and as Executive Chef of the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City. He worked for Wegman Food Markets for 18 years.
VANESSA MONCURE
Vanessa Moncure owned Chez V Catering and her downtown restaurant, Bistro 309, was voted 2001’s “Restaurant Find of the Year” by the Washington Post. Her monthly food column, “Season’s Bounty,” has been in Front Porch Fredericksburg since 2000. Vanessa has written two cookbooks and posts food-related topics on her Instagram channel @inthekitchen_withv
CARMELITA SCHOLES
Carmelita Scholes was born and raised in Italy, where she inherited her love of cooking from her father. Her extensive travels with her Marine Corps husband introduced her to other gastronomic cultures. Owner of Bella Vista Events, she hosts cooking classes and culinary events at her historic family farm in King George. Instagram: @bleakhillfarm
LISA TRENTHAM
Lisa Trentham spent her childhood in the United Kingdom, where she developed a love for baking and pastry. She is a Culinary Graduate of the Art Institute of California, Sacramento and the Owner of Stirling Chef, which offers personal chef / catering services.
Stephanie Wilkins
Stephanie Wilkins is a training director for the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) where food safety and public health is at the forefront of her career. She is the author of Kitchen Vibe cookbook and creator of the Fulltime Foodie blog. Stephanie also offers cooking instruction and food events to small groups and private clients. fulltimefoodie.org
Private Parties
Find out about a private class at The Kitchen for your next club meeting or special occasion. Price upon request.
Gift certificates are available for birthdays, bridal showers, and office parties.
GET IN TOUCH
To register for a cooking class, call us at (540) 374-0443 or stop by the store during opening hours.
Online registration is not available.