Prepare iconic Jambalaya, barbecue shrimp, and dessert in a hands-on French Quarter kitchen.
3 hrs
2 to 10 people
Meal, drinks, recipes
Explore Cajun and Creole flavors in a hands-on New Orleans cooking class that ends with a hearty meal you prepared yourself.
Guided by an experienced chef, learn the secrets behind time-honored recipes and enjoy drinks as you cook.
Classes start at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, or 6:00 PM. Ages 10 and up are welcome. A minimum of 2 and maximum of 10 participants per class.
Q: How long is the class and what times are available?
A: The class lasts about 3 hours and is offered every day at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, or 6:00 pm.
Q: What dishes will we make in this class?
A: You will make New Orleans style barbecue shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding with a brandy mocha sauce.
Q: What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?
A: The minimum class size is 2 people and the maximum is 10 people.
Q: Is there an automatic gratuity for larger groups?
A: Yes. A 20 percent gratuity is added for parties of 8 or more.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: The set menu features shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage. For substitutions or allergy concerns, please contact the vendor before booking.
Q: Is parking available at your location?
A: There is no dedicated on-site parking lot listed for the school. The venue is in the heart of the French Quarter and relies on nearby street parking or public garages.
Cancel or re-book at least 48 hours before your scheduled class to receive a full refund. If the provider cancels, you will receive a full refund.
519 Wilkinson St, Suite 101 New Orleans, LA 70130
This cooking school has clearly struck gold with its instructors, especially Chef Erika, Chef Sassy, and Chef Raymond, who earn glowing praise across the board. What makes this place special isn't just learning to make gumbo or jambalaya (though you will). It's the way these chefs weave together hands-on cooking techniques with the rich history of Cajun and Creole cuisine, creating an experience that feels part culinary lesson, part cultural immersion. Students rave about learning everything from proper roux-making and knife skills to flavor-building techniques they're excited to use at home. The classes stay intimate enough that everyone gets genuinely hands-on time, and the instructors seem to have a gift for making even novice cooks feel capable of creating restaurant-quality dishes. The personality factor here really shines through. Chef Sassy particularly stands out for going above and beyond, like putting an aspiring young chef to work on caramel sauce before class even started and offering personalized mentoring throughout. Multiple reviewers mention the perfect balance of professionalism, humor, and attentiveness that makes the experience feel less like a formal class and more like cooking with a knowledgeable friend. Wine flows freely (or mimosas, depending on your class), and the vibe is relaxed and fun. One minor hiccup: there's some confusion about what beverages are included with different classes based on website descriptions, though it seems to work out fine in practice. Bottom line, this is consistently described as a highlight of people's New Orleans trips, with many already planning return visits for different classes.
Taking a class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking is an absolute must do in New Orleans. Chef Mark was fantastic. His great personality and clear teaching style made cooking classic New Orleans dishes feel approachable and fun. With only nine people in the class, the experience felt personal and engaging, and getting to know the other participants made it even more enjoyable. We cooked gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster, and everything was incredible. Chef Mark’s shrimp stock took the étouffée to another level. Honestly the best I’ve ever had (or made in this case!). This class was the perfect way to dive into New Orleans cuisine, both by learning the recipes and by actually cooking them yourself. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Next time I’m back, I’m definitely signing up for another one of their classes as they have a lot of options to choose from.
M. Rowen
October 1, 2025
Taking a class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking is an absolute must do in New Orleans. Chef Mark was fantastic. His great personality and clear teaching style made cooking classic New Orleans dishes feel approachable and fun. With only nine people in the class, the experience felt personal and engaging, and getting to know the other participants made it even more enjoyable. We cooked gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster, and everything was incredible. Chef Mark’s shrimp stock took the étouffée to another level. Honestly the best I’ve ever had (or made in this case!). This class was the perfect way to dive into New Orleans cuisine, both by learning the recipes and by actually cooking them yourself. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Next time I’m back, I’m definitely signing up for another one of their classes as they have a lot of options to choose from.
M. Rowen
October 1, 2025