While we were building our new house last year, I heard about Viking appliances made in Greenwood, Mississippi and the cooking school conducted by Viking representatives using their stoves, cooktops and equipment, etc. Further, I heard great things about the Alluvian Hotel directly across the street from the cooking school. I hatched a plan to ask for a stay at the Alluvian and a couples cooking class for my birthday this year, and my sweet Silver Fox agreed.
Greenwood, as it turns out, is also where the movie “The Help” was filmed in 2010. Viking actually hosts a cooking class based on dishes mentioned in “The Help” — particularly fried chicken and Minnie’s mysterious fudge pie. Those classes are extremely popular and are sold out months in advance.
“THAT’S AMORE” COOKING CLASS
Our particular class was called “That’s Amore” and was billed as a perfect date night. Our class of 12 divided into three teams of 4 each and spent 2 solid hours preparing an amazing meal of shrimp scampi with parmesan truffle bread, filet mignon with a porcini mushroom demi-glace, arancini (which are cheese-stuffed risotto balls rolled in a savory breading and fried (Oh mercy, they were good!) and individual raspberry tarts. The staff had prepared Caesar salads and a fabulous dressing ahead of time.
We measured, chopped, stirred, stuffed, rolled out dough, sauteed and baked under the careful direction of our teacher, Loren LeFlore — who obviously had a ton of experience.
The ingredients provided were the highest quality imaginable, and the equipment was a dream to work with. We were ravenously hungry by the time we sat down to eat — even with a few sneaky tastes from time to time.
The smells coming from the kitchen as we worked were incredible. And the meal was everything we hoped it would be.
You don’t just eat a meal. You enjoy a completely immersive, memorable occasion.
ALLUVIAN HOTEL
The Alluvian Hotel is surprisingly sleek and modern with a big city look and vibe, in spite of being situated in the small town of Greenwood. The name comes from the alluvial flood plain in the Mississippi Delta made up of soil drenched over time in minerals.
There are only 45 guest rooms and 5 suites, each decorated luxuriously.
The breakfast served daily and included in the price is a full, hot buffet consisting of cheese grits, home fries, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, frittata, scrambled eggs, scones, bagels, biscuits, coffee and juice. Diners are treated to REAL china and silverware with soft jazz playing in the background. An elegant start to your day.
We had a wonderful time. Check out The Alluvian here and the Viking Cooking School here.