Store Calendar

Group Tours

In addition to our monthly customer events, we schedule private store tours for groups by request. We'll even cater the topic and content to your particular interests! From school groups, to family clubs, to senior centers, we'll design a special tour just for you. Please contact Molly at 916-488-2800x260 or molly.weber@wholefoods.com for more information.

 

Arden's Culinary Center Cooking Classes and Store Events

 

Class Information:  All participants in Hands-On classes must be at least 18 years of age, unless indicated otherwise.  Most demonstration classes are open to participants of all ages.  Attendees of classes in which wine is served must be at least 21 years of age.  Classes range from 1 to 3 hours in length, unless otherwise indicated.  Please wear flat, close-toed shoes, and comfortable clothing to hands-on classes.  Class usually, but not always, consists of a brief lecture and hands-on cooking, followed by eating at the end of class.  Students are typically divided into groups at the instructor's discretion.

  

How to Register for Classes

• Register On-Line through Acteva
• Call us at (916) 488-2800 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST
• Stop by Customer Service to register in person

Register is required for all events including those that are free.  The Culinary Center reserves the right to allow participants into a class without registration.  To guarantee your place in a class, payment must be received when you enroll.  You can pay in two ways-  at our Customer Service Booth near the produce entry way OR through our online payment service Acteva.  Please click on the link below the class to enroll online.  If you enrol with out payment you will be placed on a payment pending waitlist until payment is recieved then you will move into a osition in the class roster. Also, we encourage you to please sign up a minimum of 48 hours prior to the day of the class.  Classes do fill up and sell out!

Seating and enrollment are on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class is sold out, please call (916) 488-2800 or email marina.kercher@wholefoods.com to be placed on our waiting list.  With some exceptions, registration closes 48 hours prior to class.  

Cancellation Policy:  We are happy to refund your purchase 48 hours in advance of any class.  Unfortunately, refunds and/or transfers of credit cannot be given for no-shows or cancelations made less than 48 hours prior to the class - store policy dictates that no exceptions can be made.  Although we make every effort to avoid changes in our schedule, the Culinary Center reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment, substitute instructors, and alter recipes due to product availability and seasonality.  Please contact the Culinary Center Coordinator with any questions (marina.kercher@wholefoods.com).  

 

Instructor Biographies
Private Class Info

• Tuesday, March 9th

  Private Class: Casual Italian Luncheon

• Thursday, March 11th - this class is full

  Knife Skills 101

  6:30- 7:30 pm $7

  Hand's on class; must be 18 to attend.

  Cut Chop, mince and more.  Learn how to properly hold and cut with a knife, knife care and knife safety in the kitchen.  Knives and aprons will be provided.

  This Class is FULL.  Please register for Knife Skills 101 in April.

• Saturday, March 13th

  Knife Sharpening by Star Sharpening

  10-2pm prices vary dpending on the knife.

  There's nothing more dangerous in the kitchen than a dull knife!  Dominique Besson will be in front of our store fully equipped to sharpen your knives, give advice on knife care, and how to purchase the right knife for you. For more information please visit Dominique's website, http://www.starknifesharpening.com/

• Saturday, March 13th

  Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Fong Brothers and New Belgium Brewery

  3pm $45

  Demonstration Class; Must be 21 to attend.

  Come and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Kelly and Eddie.  No better way to celebrate than eating Eddie's famous Corned Beef.  Lissa from New Belgium Brewery will be here with fabulous beers to wash down all the yummy food.  On the Menu:  Irish Soda Bread, Arancine- deep fried risotto balls, Mashed Potatoes, Eddie's famous Corned Beef, Braised Cabbage and Chocolate Mousse.

  To register for this class, click here.

• Sunday, March 14th

  KIDS CLUB: Saint Patrick's Day- Green Eggs and Ham!

  11am FREE

  Join us to celebrate St. Patrick 's Day by making your own green eggs and ham!  We will also be reading Dr. Seuss books.  Class is limited to 10 children.  Open to kids 5 to 12.  If your child is 8 or under we ask that you stay and assist.  To register for this class call customer service at 916.488.2800

  to register for this class online, click here.

• Monday, March 15th

  Savory Japanese Appetizers with Mayumi Tavalero

  6 pm $40

  Hands on Class; must be 18 to attend.

  In this class we will go over key ingredients that are essential to Japanese cuisine, cooking techniques, and the best places to purchase Japanese ingredients. Be sure to add these great appetizers to your next party menu!  On the Menu:  Chicken Karaage with Ginger- Soy Dipping Sauce,  Gyoza with Vinegar- Soy Dipping Sauce, Teriyaki Chicken on Skewers, and California Rolls with Dungeness Crab.

  To sign up for this class online, click here.

• Tuesday, March 16th

  Optimize Digestion: Gain Health and Lose Weight with Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist and Raw Foods Educator

  6pm $10

  Lecture and knowledge class.
  A quick and efficient digestive system is what's needed for optimal health and vitality. When the digestive system is slow and sluggish, the whole body is affected. Problems with digestion can be obvious: belching, flatulence, bloating, or cramping. But digestive problems can manifest themselves much more subtly, too. Brain fog, low energy, and a plethora of other seemingly unrelated symptoms can also stem from digestive difficulties.  More than 90% of all patients complain of bloating, gas, burping, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. If you have any of these symptoms, this lecture is for you. Discover simple and non-toxic ways to heal these common digestive complaints. You are as healthy was what you assimilate! For more information please contact, Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist 916-996-6098  www.sacnutritionist.com.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Wednesday, March 17th

  The Incredible Spring Detox Experience with Trudy Scott

  6:30 pm $10

  Lecture and Knowledge class; Open to all ages.

  In our day-to-day lives we are exposed to so much pollution. Our bodies have an amazing ability to detoxify and we so often see a huge benefit by doing a detox program a few times a year - and the New year is one of those times - especially after all the holiday indulgences and treats! We'll discuss the concept of Body Burden (pollutants in our blood and tissues) and other sources of toxicities (such as stress, heavy metals and eating poorly) and the effects these have on our bodies, brains and hormones. You'll learn about various types of detox programs and what the best one for you may be. You'll also hear about the many benefits of doing a gentle guided detox program: increased energy and sense of well-being, no more food cravings, improved focus and thinking, weight-loss and less allergy symptoms.  Call Whole Foods Market- Arden Customer Service at (916) 488 2800 to sign up. For questions call Trudy at (916) 605-6283 or visit her website at www.everywomanover29.com.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, March 18th

  Celebrity Veggie Chef Tal Ronnen Cooking Demo

  4-6pm FREE

  Tal Ronnen, Celebrity Veggie Chef and New York Times Best-Selling Author of the cookbook, The Conscious Cook, will be at Whole Foods Market to cook up a tasty plant-based food called Gardein^TM (garden+protein).  It's a yummy blend of vegetables and grains with a meaty texture and is an ideal source of protein for any meal.

  This event will be held in the store, not the Culinary Center.

• Thursday, March 18th

  Introduction to Canning with Kelly Barnes

  6:30pm to 8:30pm $30

  Demonstration class with hands on component; must be 16 to attend.

  Spring is in the air and fruits will be ripening soon!  Join the "canning craze" and learn to preserve the bounty by making delicious jams and jellies.  You'll learn the basics of home canning, food safety, explore simple tools and flavor combination ideas. Take home a jar of delicious cherry amaretto jam or apple jelly from this fun, optional hands-on class.  Instructor, Kelly Barnes, has taught canning classes for Whole Foods throughout Northern California, and wins awards for her jams and jellies at the California State Fair.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, March 19th

  Family Movie Night in the Culinary Center featuring "Milo and Otis"

  6pm FREE

  Bring in the family to enjoy some snacks and beverages while watching Milo and Otis.  Space is limited call Customer Service at 916.488.2800 to register.

• Sunday, March 21st

  Vegan Burgers with Marina Kercher, Culinary Center Coordinator

  11am to 2pm $40

  Hand's on class;  limited to 10 attendees

  Whether you are a vegan or trying to incorporate vegan recipes into your diet come and join Marina Kercher, for some fabulous vegan burgers!  On the Menu:   Nutty Burgers with Vegan Basil Aioli, Lentil Burgers, Spicy Vegan Black Bean Burgers and Jerk Spiced Portobello Burger.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Monday, March 22nd

  Introduction to Indian Curries with Shankari Easwaran

  6pm $42

  Hands on Class; must be 18 to attend.
  A true Indian curry is not made with yellow curry powder.  Freshly ground spice mixtures called masalas are the secrets to an authentic Indian curry.  Curry is not added to a dish, it just is. Each dish will focus on how spices are blended to make a curry.  We will learn to make 1. Saag Chicken- Chicken and spinach cooked in fresh spices. 2. Split Chickpeas cooked with ground spices like mustard and fennel.  3.  Potatoes roasted on a stove top with fresh cumin, cayenne and curry leaves.  4.  Paneer (Indian cheese) in a ground cashew nut and bell pepper sauce.  5.  Spicy Pineapple Curry.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Tuesday, March 23rd

  “Obtaining the Benefits of Nutrient Dense Superfoods in Supplemental Form” presented by Paradise Herbs Educator, Tom Hess, Doctor of Chiropractic

  6pm FREE

  More and more people are consuming concentrated plant extracts and green drinks. Gaining energy, detoxification, and supporting a healthy immune response are only some of the reasons. Did you know that some supplemental products contain the antioxidant equivalence of several servings of fruits and vegetables? What does an 'ORAC' value mean? Come hear Mr. Hess discuss some of the nutrient dense supplements available. Samples will be provided.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Wednesday, March 24th

  Health and Wellness Lecture: Headaches with Anthony Baratta, D.C.

  7-8pm FREE

  Dr. Baratta will teach you how to naturally manage this condition without medications. With some basic lifestyle changes and proper holistic care, your life does not need to be put on hold any longer.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Thursday, March 25th

  Terra Robles and Robert Hall Winery Tasting featuring Cheeses from our Specialty Department.

  6-8pm $5

  Must be 21 to attend, space is limited to 16 people.

  Join Danny Mantle from Robert Hall Winery and Terra Robles.  You will be sampling 6 different wines paired with unique cheese from our Specialty department.  Register now, space is limited!

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, March 26th - this class is SOLD OUT

  Contemporary Italian Starters with Kelly Fong

  6:00 pm $40

  Hands on Class; must be 21 to attend.

  Rich flavors and comforting foods abound in this Italian class.  Learn the flavors of the Mediterranean and how to best combine them to make stunning and tasty dishes.  Be sure to add these wonderful recipes to the menu of your next party.  Pick up a bottle of wine in our wine department to enjoy while you cook.  On the menu: Quince, Walnut and Gorgonzola Crostini, Grilled Zucchini Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Handmade Gnocchi with Arugula Pesto, Roasted Butternut Squash Penne, and Tiramisu.

  This class is SOLD OUT.

   

• Saturday, March 27th

  Pizza, Calzones and More with Jason Jonas

  11 am to 2 pm $28

  Hand's on class; must be 14 to attend.

  Join Whole Foods Market- Arden's pizza guru, Jason Jonas, for a fun and informative pizza making class.  Learn to make and shape pizza dough, and choose toppings for your personal pizza from several options. You'll also make Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Calzones, and learn about Feta Kalamata Flatbread. 

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Monday, March 29th -this class is FULL

  Knife Skills 101

  6:30 to 7:30pm $7

  Hand's on class; must be 18 to attend.

  Cut Chop, mince and more.  Learn how to properly hold and cut with a knife, knife care and knife safety in the kitchen.  Knives and aprons will be provided.

  SOLD OUT

• Thursday, April 1st

  Easy Japanese Home Cooking with Mayumi Tavelero

  6pm $40

  Hands on class; must be 14 to attend.

  In this class you will learn the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, including key ingredients, cooking techniques, and the best places to purchase Japanese ingredients.  On the menu: Tonkatsu- pounded breaded pork with katsu sauce, Udon Soup with Shrimp and Vegetables, Teriyaki Chicken and Sukiyaki- beef, tofu, noodles and vegetables cooked in a seasoned broth.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Saturday, April 3rd

  KIDS CLUB: Easter egg dyeing.

  11am $10

  Join Molly and Marina to dunk hard boiled eggs in natural plant based dyes!

  Treats and snacks will be provided.

  Limited to 10 children.  Open to kids 5 to 12.  If your child is 8 or under we ask that you stay and assist.  To register for this class call customer service at 916.488.2800 or register online by clicking here.

• Monday; April 5th, 12th, 19th , and 26th

  Food for Life: Nutrition and Cooking Series

  6pm $80

  With guest instructor, Emily Webber.

  $80 for a series of 4 Demo-Style Classes.

  4-Class Series: Nutrition & Cooking for Cancer Prevention and Survival

  Pre-registration and dedication to 4 classes is required as class size is limited.

  *Note:  Class is restricted to first time attendees.  If you have taken this class in the past please do not sign up. This popular class has a wait list.

  Many teams of researchers have been investigating how food choices can help prevent cancer and survival once it has been diagnosed.  Numerous studies have shown that a diet built from plant foods offers the most cancer-fighting protection of any diet plan.  This four-class series will include a discussion on maintaining a healthy weight and will also cover a variety of cancer-related nutrition topics demonstrating how to prepare delicious, yet simple and healthy meals that can easily be recreated at home.
  4/5: Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer
  4/12: Fueling Up on Lo0w-Fat, High-Fiber Foods
  4/19: Discovering Dairy and Meat Alternatives
  4/26: Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Healthy Weight Control

  For more information go to www.cancerproject.org

  If you would like to enroll in this class online, click here.

• Tuesday, April 6th

  April Stress Awareness Month with Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist and Raw Foods Educator

  6 pm $20

  Demonstration and Lecture class.

  Stress is your response to the world around you - like a situation or an event. While stress can be related to good or bad events, such as the stress felt the night before a wedding or the stress of bankruptcy, our body's response can be the same. This month you will learn which foods can reduce your stress response, and learn how to prepare simple recipes that can leave you feeling energetic.  This months menu includes: Sweet Potato Soup, Oriental Broccoli, Braised Spinach, Wild Rice Pilaf, Peach Blueberry Clobber.  If you have any questions please contact Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist at 916-996-6098  www.sacnutritionist.com

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Thursday, April 8th

  Knife Skills 101

  6:30 pm to 7:30 pm $7

  Hand's on class; must be 18 to attend.

  Cut Chop, mince and more.  Learn how to properly hold and cut with a knife, knife care and knife safety in the kitchen.  Knives and aprons will be provided.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, April 9th

  Weeknight Suppers with Kelly Fong

  6pm $40

  Hands on class; must be 18 to attend.
  Are you looking to learn some new recipes to switch up the monotony of the week?  Join Kelly Fong as he teaches you some of his favorite that will make a great addition to your weeknight suppers.  On the Menu:  Broccoli Beef with Fried Rice, Huli Huli Salmon ( Hawaiian Teriyaki Salmon), and Lemon Curry Chicken with Spicy Garlic Noodles.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Saturday, April 10th

  A Taste of Puglia with Valentina Cirasola

  Noon $40

  Hands on Class; must be 18 to attend; limited to 12

  Join Valentina for an afternoon of Puglia cooking, tasty, healthy, and easy for anyone to make. Learn to cook a 5 course meal to show off at any occasion.

  Valentina will uncover the secret of her people's longevity and some interesting history about Puglia, its customs, its food and table presentation.

  Valentina is a published author of her cookbook on Puglia cuisine: Come Mia Nonna - A Return To Simplicity .  On the Menu: Caviale del Poverello ( caviar of the poor man (based on eggplant).  Cavatelli Mare e Monti (pasta with beans and seafood).  Salsicce e Funghi (sausage and mushrooms).  Rapini Stufati (stewed broccoli rabe) e Dolce- Macedonia di Frutta (fruit cocktail).

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Sunday, April 11th

  Vegan Cooking for Health and Wellness with Culinary Coaches: Kylee Gumm & Rachel Page

  2 pm $15

  Demonstration Class; Must be 14 to attend.

  Studies show that vegetarians live 7 years longer and vegans live 15 years longer than the average American Not only do they live longer but they live healthier and more active lives. Learn how to make delicious nutritious vegan meals with out compromising flavor.  Enjoy these cooking demonstrations and join us as Dr. David DeRose shares ways to live longer and healthier by making simple changes to your daily lifestyle.  Join Kylee and Rachel as they demonstrate how to cook up some fabulous and simple vegan recipes.  On the Menu: Cheezy Broccoli Soup, Spinach Lasagna with Cheezy Sauce, Chik'n Salad Spread, and Strawberry Cheesecake.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Tuesday, April 13th

  Balance Disorders, Vertigo and Dizziness with Dr. Kit Langstroth, D.C.

  7 pm FREE

  Health and Wellness Lecture; Open to all ages.
  Join Dr. Kit to understand the brain connection to balance disorders and vertigo and what you can do about it.  Do you suffer from fear of falling?  Are you constantly bumping into things or tripping? Do you feel as though you are spinning or the room is spinning? Do you suffer from motion sickness?  This workshop is for you!  Please call 916.488.2800 to sign up for this FREE lecture.

  To register for this FREE lecture online, click here.

• Thursday, April 15th

  Homemade Jams and Jellies- Sugar Optional! With Kelly Barnes

  6:30 to 8:30 pm $30

  Demonstration class with hands on component. Must be 16 to attend.
  Spring and summer fruits have so much natural sweetness, that it's not always necessary to add a lot of sugar when making fresh jams and jellies.  Come learn the basics of home canning and explore the low sugar and no sugar options!  We'll make low-sugar, fresh peach jam (with a hint of amaretto!) and no-sugar berry jam.  Each participant will take home a jar of jam as well as a wealth of ideas and recipes for unique fruit and flavor combinations.  Taught by California State Fair Best-of-Show Winner, Kelly Barnes.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, April 16th

  Pasta Making with Julie Tharalson, Registered Dietician

  6:30 to 8:30 pm $45

  Hands on Class; Must be 18 to attend.

  If you've ever had the privilege to experience a dish made with freshly prepared pasta, you will understand why there is really no substitute. The process of making fresh pasta may seem daunting, but is really quite simple once the technique is learned. Come and learn the process of making flat noodle pastas, filled pastas and rolled, hand formed pastas. Leave any fears of carbohydrates at home and pack a healthy appetite! On the menu: Linguine with Sweet Turkey Italian Sausage and Red Wine Marinara, Gemelli al Burro with Toasted Pine Nuts and Sage, Spring Vegetable Ravioli in Brodo, Ricotta-Herb Tortellini in Roasted Garlic Sauce.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Saturday, April 17th

  Spring into RAW Expo!

  2pm to 5 pm FREE

   Join our various Raw vendors to sample their products and gain knowledge about the heath benefits of a raw diet.

  More information coming soon!

• Tuesday, April 20th

  The Stress Connection Between Food and Mood with Pamela Spencer,Nutritionist and Raw Foods Educator

  6 pm $10

  Lecture and Knowledge class.
  April Stress Awareness Month. Did you know that stress causes weight gain and inhibits weight loss? Discover the connection between our moods and the foods we eat. We will discuss which foods feed your brain and your body as well as the foods that cause aches and pains. This class will address stress, using a proactive approach. Participants will learn techniques to prevent stress that may easily be incorporated into your daily routine.  This will be a fun and interactive class. Pamela Spencer, Nutritionist 916-996-6098 www.sacnutritionist.com

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Wednesday, April 21st

  Sugar Sugar Everywhere! The Top 5 Reasons for Sugar Cravings and 3 Powerful Ways to Cut it Out and Not Feel Deprived with Trudy Scott

  6:30pm $10

  Lecture and Knowledge class

  You'll learn the top 5 reasons for sugar cravings and why you should care: weight-gain, mood swings, poor immunity, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more.  We'll discuss "hidden" forms of sugar, why artificial sweeteners are not a good choice and how to read labels. You'll have the opportunity to complete a Cravings/Mood questionnaire so you can assess why you may be craving sugar and carbs.  Finally, you'll learn 3 powerful and simple food/nutrient-based ways to stop your cravings - starting tomorrow! www.everywomanover29.com

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Thursday, April 22nd

  Knife Skills 101

  6:30 to 7:30 pm $7

  Hand's on class; must be 18 to attend.

  Cut Chop, mince and more.  Learn how to properly hold and cut with a knife, knife care and knife safety in the kitchen.  Knives and aprons will be provided.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, April 23rd

  Vegan and Organic Cooking with Patty Souza

  6pm $15

  Demonstration class: Must be 14 to attend.

  More information coming soon!

• Sunday, April 25th

  Couples Cooking with Chris Chisholm

  4 pm to 7pm $70 per couple

  Hands on Class; Must be 18 to attend.
  
  Spring is in full swing in April and it is a great time to partake in the freshness of the season.  Bring a friend, loved one or significant other and join Chef Chris as he teaches you how to prepare the following menu: Jamon (ham) wrapped Asparagus, Moroccan Chicken Kabobs with Herbed Cous Cous, and for dessert- Strawberry Shortcake.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Wednesday, April 28th

  Great Gifts for Mom featuring Simplers Essential Oils with Donna McCarty

  6:30 to 8:30pm $15

  Hands on class; must be 16 to attend.
  
  Join Donna from our Whole Body Dept to make some fabulous gifts to give Mom for Mother's Day.  In this class you will learn the benefits of essential oils.  We will be making a sugar scrub, bath salts, and scented coconut oil.  Everyone will take some home.  Register now, space is limited.

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Thursday, April 29th

  Eating Sustainable Food on a Budget with Amanda Louden, CNE

  7 to 8pm FREE

  Lecture and Knowledge Class; Open to all ages.

  Learn the basics on what it means to eat sustainably and how to do it on a budget.  Amanda will share with you her tried and true methods for eating sustainably on a budget.  Check out her blog at www.mydailydiner.com. 

  To register for this class online, click here.

• Friday, April 30th

  Aloha Luau with Kelly Fong

  6pm to 8:30pm $45

  Hands-on class; must be 18 to attend.
  
  Who doesn't ache for the warm water, the Hawaiian wind, and the sand between your toes? Let Whole Foods Market bring Hawaii to YOU!  Join Kelly Fong as he teaches you to cook up some Hawaiian Specialties.  On the Menu: Ahi Poke, Spring Rolls with Pineapple relish, Kalua Pork, Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi, Mixed Baby Green Salad with a Mango Vinaigrette, Chicken Long Rice and Mango-Banana Shaved Ice.

  To register for this class online, click here.

More Class Information

To register for classes, call customer service at 916.488.2800.

For specific class information or information about private events at Whole Foods Market, please contact:

Marina Kercher
Whole Foods Market- Arden Culinary Center
marina.kercher@wholefoods.com

Whole Foods Market
4315 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
916.488.2800, voicemail 261
Fax 916.488.2801

Cancellations
To cancel a class please contact Customer Service at 916.488.2800. Seven days notice is appreciated, but a full refund will be credited if you cancel within 48 hours prior to the day of the class. Any cancellations left on the culinary school e-mail or faxed into the store will not be honored.

Please sign up for classes early. The Culinary Center has the right to cancel classes 24 to 48 hours prior to a class due to insufficient enrollment or instructor illness. Whole Foods will contact you by phone regarding the cancellation. You will receive a refund or credit toward a future class.

Questions?
For more information please call Customer Service at 916.488.2800. Or leave a voicemail for Marina Kercher, Culinary Center Coordinator at 916.488.2800 ext. 261