Cooking with Chef Arthur at Irregardless Cafe

A few months ago at National Mom’s Nite Out – Raleigh, I won a Food Prize which include a Cooking Class, dinner and Wine Tasting for 2 at Irregardless Cafe. So for our 4th Anniversary Joe and I decided it would be a great opportunity to cash in our gift certificate.

At the bar enjoying the live music at Irregardless Cafe

I was a little nervous heading into the evening because I didn’t really know what to expect. We arrived on time and headed to the bar where they were offering wine tastings. Since Joe and I don’t drink we just got an iced tea (bad decision for me since I have a super low caffeine tolerance but that’s another story). The bar area was packed and I immediately realized we were going to be part a team building night along with 19 other Caterpiller employees. (We later realized there were actually 2 other couples there so we weren’t completely alone)

Chef Arthur teaching us how to make Vegan Sex.

Joe and Chef Arthur making Vegan Sex.

Delicious Vegan Sex

They ushered us into the back of the kitchen where Chef Arthur shared with us the history and philosophy of Irregardless and a few of his cooking rules. Then he showed us how to make one of Irregardless’ most popular appetizers, Vegan Sex. Everyone was given the opportunity to make their own Vegan Sex if they wanted. Joe made one for us and it was amazing. I never would have thought to put together Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa, Avocado and Lemon Dressing but it was a winner!

Chef Arthur teaching us how to make pasta

Then Chef Arthur taught us how to make pasta from scratch and we put together a spinach and artichoke lasagna. He taught us many valuable cooking tips like: burning garlic will give you indigestion and how to properly cut an onion.

Grilled Eggplant for the Baba Ghannouj

After making lasgna he taught us how to make Baba Ghannouj. I’ve never made Baba Ghannouj but I do love to eat it and I think his recipe was one of my all time favorites. It was truely a wonderful experience to be in the kitchen with a passionate chef like Arthur. He’s been cooking for over 35 years and has a wonderful philosphy toward food and a great personality.

Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna for dinner

The Dessert Platter

After the cooking session was over we all convened to the dining room where we ate dinner (Salad, Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna and Dessert) together and talked. We sat at the table with the 2 other couples and had a lovely time getting to know them. It was a very memorable experience and a date unlike any other. I highly recommend taking the Cooking Class at Irregardless, but if you don’t have the cash for the class at least eat dinner there, you won’t regret it.

I received no product or compensation in exchange for this post. All thought and opinions are my own and not influenced by the company. I won the gift certificate and wanted to share about a fun experience we had here in Raleigh.