Spices, olive oil and homemade recipes were present at a cooking class at Olive & Vine on Thursday Dec. 4. According to their Facebook, this was the final day of their cooking classes for December. This month’s classes started on Wednesday Dec. 3.
Spencer Smith, owner and CEO of Olive & Vine from Kankakee, Illinois, said that these cooking classes have been going on for four to five years. He said he enjoys educating people on different types of olive oil and balsamics, and their benefits..
Smith said that Olive & Vine is an independent business. However, he is looking to expand into more stores in the near future. He said that all products are organic and FDA approved.
“All of our oils, vinegars and spices are organic and gluten-free,” Smith said. “We work with a lot of butcher shops but we also want to work with restaurants so they can use our products as well.”
According to their Facebook, they hold cooking classes every month with all different dishes. People who are interested in doing the classes can sign up on their website.
“We get a lot of regulars and new people that come to these classes,” Smith said. “The goal of these classes is to show people how to incorporate different flavors to their cooking.”
Chef Richard Lawrence from Bowling Green said he is the recurring chef for the classes and also teaches cooking classes in Lexington. He said he enjoys seeing people bond during these classes and that food is a “universal language.”
“Food brings people together and helps people forget about everything that is going on in the world,” Lawrence said. “That’s what I like to see, being together and sharing a good time.”
Lawrence said he has been teaching the classes for five years. He said he comes up with all of the recipes himself.
“I like to experiment with a lot of dishes,” Lawrence said. “For this class, I took an ordinary dish and turned it into a skillet dish.”
Aside from getting people to try new recipes, Lawrence said his main goal is to get people to explore the area. He said he wants people to experience new things and familiarize themselves with what is in town.
Participant Leslie Branham from Glasgow said that she has been coming to the classes for a year and a half. She said her daughter lives in Bowling Green and thought these classes would be a fun family activity.
“We wanted something to do together as a family,” Branham said. “We want to learn new recipes and it gives us something productive to do.”
Branham said she enjoys shopping at the store itself. She said the owner, Smith, is personable and very knowledgeable about the products.
“Spencer is the best thing about Olive & Vine,” Branham said. “He has friendly service and he knows my husband’s and kids’ names.”
Branham said that anyone who is interested in taking a cooking class should do it. She said it is something enjoyable and a way to meet new people.
“There is always something for everyone to enjoy,” Branham said. “Just get out there and try new things.”
Illustration by Sydney Higdon