Mardi Gras School of Cooking

Cooking class · French Quarter

Mardi Gras School of Cooking

Cooking class · French Quarter

1

519 Wilkinson St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70130

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Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by The Mardi Gras School of Cooking/Facebook
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null
Mardi Gras School of Cooking by null

Highlights

Come in and relax, get acquainted with your classmates and begin your New Orleans fantasy cooking experience. Enjoy creating your Cajun and Creole menu when you don your aprons and begin learning new recipes, cooking great dishes and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Each student is taught professional techniques, the secret seasonings and preparation of selected recipes while learning the history of Louisiana's world-famous cuisine.  

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519 Wilkinson St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

themardigrasschoolofcooking.com
@mgscnola

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519 Wilkinson St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

+1 504 344 3977
themardigrasschoolofcooking.com
@mgscnola

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Mar 5, 2025

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@eater

"Feel like family at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, an interactive classroom set in a French Quarter home kitchen. Hands on experiences ($150-$195 pp) include learning the art of using knives, the importance of seasoning, what the Holy Trinity means to Louisiana cooking...it’s all very intimate. The setting, the vibe, and the breaking bread makes it feel like learning about food with a friend or Louisiana relative." - Beth D'Addono

13 of the Best Cooking Classes in New Orleans - Eater New Orleans
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Erin Lopez

Google
This was by far the highlight of our trip. Chef Raymond was great. He shared lots of secrets to cooking, shared stories, and taught us all how to cook roux for gumbo and shrimp etouffee. After we all cooked and ate our food we had helped prepare, Chef made a banana foster for us which was delicious! This was probably the best meal we ate while we were in NOLA. We will definitely do another class on our next trip

Sarah House

Google
Booked this for something fun and different and it did not disappoint! My boyfriend and I took the Roux class...so much fun! Our Chef, David, was amazing and he was so very patient, especially with me as I have horrible knife skills and am super slow with cutting/chopping. The food we made was so yummy! I would definitely consider another class of theirs to take!

J Quyen Wickham

Google
Truly an amazing experience! This was a last-minute decision for me on a work trip to New Orleans and I loved every minute of it. The demo was clear and hands-on and I was able to return home and make my first gumbo easily. It was so delicious and completely impressed my spouse. Étouffee and Bananas Foster is on the menu for this week. I'm already planning my next visit just to attend the Mardi Gras School of Cooking for the next class!

Ophaney J

Google
The Mardi Gras School Cooking Class was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip. Chef Raymond delivered an exceptional experience, imparting his expertise through the preparation of three outstanding dishes: BBQ Shrimp, Jambalaya, and Bread Pudding. Beyond culinary skills, he enriched the session with historical insights into New Orleans and valuable tips on cooking do's and don'ts. His promise of it being our best meal in NOLA was absolutely fulfilled, and we are eager to return for another class with Raymond without hesitation.

SwampWater Studio

Google
This was hands-down one of the best experience I’ve had in the city. I live locally, and had family down. We were aiming for something different, but something very New Orleans. We found it in the hands of Chef Preston during your Brunch class. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to meet new people, learn history about our food and help create a memorable meal. There was a lot of laughs, some good drinks, and you know what? We all felt like “chefs” for the morning. Professional, fun and something I will always recommend to clients, colleagues and friends.

Pam

Google
My sister and I did a hands on cooking class in mid March 2024. We had an amazing experience! The chef was fun and helped us create dishes I never knew I could make on my own. (Come hungry because you get to enjoy what you made afterward) I recommend doing the cooking school when you first visit New Orleans as the chef gave us awesome tips for the duration of our stay. Pictured is the gumbo I made from home last night (it still had to simmer for a couple hours when I took the pic, it cooked down beautifully). I was nervous making thx roux on my own, but I rocked it and my family loved the dish and can’t wait for me to make it again!

Jackie Ballam

Google
There aren’t enough great words I can say about our experience. David Christensen, our chef was absolutely fabulous. We thought we had went to all the best restaurants to eat fabulous meals and booked this class our last day. Out of all the great meals we had this was easily the best meal we had in NOLA. What a fantastic experience I plan to take it every time I return.

Megan Childress

Google
We did this for our anniversary! It was the best anniversary date we’ve had. It was super easy to book. We had such a fun time cooking with Chef Cam! He did such a great job and was super friendly. We learned a lot! The food was absolutely incredible. We already want to book again! If you’re thinking about it- DO IT!!!!

Akisha E.

Yelp
Chef David is the truth!!!! My husband and I made it a date night and we had such an amazing time. Chef David gave us a history lesson on Cajun and creole and how the dishes were created. He taught us how to properly hold a knife and dice/cut, make a roux for shrimp etouffee and jambalaya, and overall how to wow family friends with cooking New Orleans cuisines. We took the roux class, which is a 3 hour class. The group we were cooking with were so much fun. Chef David made you feel like you were at home. We helped ourselves to glasses of wine and water (unlimited wine, beer, and water is included). I would definitely recommend the cooking class to anyone looking to have a good time cooking authentic New Orleans dishes.

Lyn L.

Yelp
YES! Book with Chef David! He's the best cooking school chef that we have ever experienced. I have done many schools include that brand name SLT, that has gone downhill. Chef David's class was entertaining, educational and very engaging. He dropped in lots of NOLA tidbits while teaching our class of 10 the basics of Cajun/ Creole cooking. The location is great! It's spacious, clean and well organized. They sell stuff: aprons, dish ware, super cute bags and spices. I got a bunch of stuff and am bummed I forgot to get a bottle of their spice. The recipes were amazing. My fave was the shrimp Ettouffe that I plan to recreate this week. Book here because it's hands on, you get PLENTY of food and you get some get history.

Lyssa D.

Yelp
This was a really fun experience. My cutie and best friend came at 10 am, for our cooking class. We made Gumbo, BBQ Shrimp, and Bread pudding. It was fun to meet people, chit chat, learn some local history, learn a new recipe, chop some veggies, drink wine, and then eat a lunch you helped prepare. Mark, our chef, was great. A good sense of humor, and talked us through the recipes. I would highly recommend as a fun activity when in NOLA.

Courtney P.

Yelp
While in New Orleans for Thanksgiving, my dad, husband, and I came and took a cooking class on a Tuesday evening. I loved how small and intimate the group was with a total of just seven of us and the chef. I have done cooking classes before but this one was much less pretentious and much more enjoyable. The chef, Chef Mark, was extremely entertaining and engaging. He provided helpful tips and tricks and kept the class moving. We absolutely enjoyed learning how to make New Orleans BBQ shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, and chocolate bread pudding. Getting to know the other groups of individuals in our cooking class was fun as well and everyone got along. I would highly recommend taking a cooking class from the Mardi Gras school of cooking.

Heather R.

Yelp
Raymond is the gumbo MASTER!!!! Thank you so much for making this class so fun and delicious! We really enjoyed getting to know Raymond and he is a really talented chef. Chicken and sausage gumbo was the best we have ever had. Shrimp etouffee came out delicious. And we had fun making and eating the banana fosters. We highly recommend this cooking school and make sure you request Raymond!

Kevin M.

Yelp
My family did the Traditions course led by Chef Preston. The 4 of us had an absolute blast listening to Preston's guidance and hilarious stories. We cooked BBQ Shrimp, Jambalaya and Bread Pudding. All excellent dishes and our meal at the end of the class was one of the best of our trip to NOLA. We loved the experience and will likely do again when we return

Diane C.

Yelp
My family and I did the Roux class last week with Chef David! I have to say that there is a reason this place has 5 stars! The experience was phenomenal. Everything was hands on and you ate everything you made. I had read other reviews saying this was the best food they ate on their trip and I can completely confirm those statements! We had gumbo every day of our trip and none of it compared to the gumbo we made in the class. Chef David was amazing! He made myself, my husband and my two girls very comfortable with the entire process. It honestly felt like we were cooking with an old friend. And the fact that they send you the recipes after the class is a nice touch! We can't wait to make the food again and will probably have "Sunday Gumbo" this weekend!! I would highly recommend this class and will for sure book another one whenever I make it back to New Orleans! I only wish I had more time while I was there to do some of the other classes! Thank you so much Chef David!!! Diane

Paula R.

Yelp
I cannot say enough good things about the MGSC! A week in New Orleans led me to many many restaurants, but nothing compared to Chef Preston's roux class. By far, the etouffee was the best I have every had. All dishes were flavorful and so well made. I went alone but had an amazing time with the crew. Chef Preston was very informative, not just in teaching tips and tricks in the kitchen, but about the history of both food and New Orleans. He went out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and we all left with new kitchen skills and even some leftovers! I loved that we can take home the recipes and keep practicing at home--I cannot wait to share with my family and friends. This is a cannot miss in New Orleans!!

Amber D.

Yelp
Food is such a core component of NOLA, we had to take a cooking class! We signed up for the Roux class which included making shrimp etoufette, chicken and sausage gumbo, and banana foster. The instructor spent a lot of time talking about his personal life, and I originally expected and preferred learning more about food and techniques. I wish there was more of that but the other people in the class were so novice, he did a good job of catering to the skill levels. Because I walked away feeling confident in my ability to recreate the dishes and the food was delicious, it still gets a 5!

Niona W.

Yelp
My husband and I had so much fun in the roux class with the Maddie Gras School of Cooking! We learned how to make a quick chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and shrimp etouffee. I was suspect because it usually takes me a couple hours to make gumbo, but I was pleasantly surprised by how week our food came out. It was flavorful! The experience was really cool too bc our teacher was native Cajun. He shared fun stories about growing up here and the food culture of New Orleans and the surrounding area. I consider myself a pretty good cook and I even learned a few things. They also provided beer, wine and soft drinks for everyone to drink while cooking. Our group was really cool as well. I would totally recommend doing this while visiting New Orleans!

Callie J.

Yelp
Such a great experience! We are in New Orleans for a week and my husband booked a Creole cooking class for us. I was super excited to learn true Creole cooling in the South. This was an intimate experience with three of us and our Chef. We walked in and our cooking area was all set up and ready for us. Our Chef provided us with a ton of local and surrounding history about cooking and how it came about. It was truly interesting information. All three of us were at all different levels of knowledge in the kitchen. The Chef was professional and patient. He demonstrated every step in the process and ensured everyone felt comfortable. After all of the prep work was finished we stepped to the cooking station. This is where the true magic happens. I loved the fact that we all participated and had the opportunity to experience and practice. Another thing that I loved as that we did taste tests throughout the process so that we could taste the change after certain items were added. I won't give away all the secrets of the class as the in-person experience is the only way to go, but it is one that you want to book. My husband and I were throughly impressed all the way around and we look forward to our next class when we return. This is a must go to!

Angela S.

Yelp
Such a fun and informative class. Our chef was knowledgeable and fun. I did the hands-on Roux class. I learned a lot about making the perfect color roux, making a stock, and the holy trinity. We made shrimp Étouffée, Gumbo, and bananas' foster. I can't wait to make these dishes for my friends and family. I definitely recommend this cooking school.

Jerry J.

Yelp
It is a fantastic class to take. Our instructor, Mark, was a great & patient teacher, extremely funny & a fantastic storyteller. Mark showed us new techniques while explaining why he prefers them. I highly recommend this class!

Jason F.

Yelp
Chef Daniel is amazing! Had our kids with us. Chef Daniel is funny, engaging, informative and patient, he made sure everyone in all parties felt part of the group. We took the roux class. Honestly the best meal we had the entire trip.

Patrice K.

Yelp
What an amazing experience my sister, daughter and niece had! We did the Roux class with Chef Mark! He was so great with our 20 year old girls! He took the time to walk through each step and explained why you needed to use a certain ingredient and or why the roux needed to be as dark is is... The food was absolutely amazing!! Mark made the experience memorable!! Highly recommend this venue! Patrice, Jan & the Girls!

Trever H.

Yelp
The #1 reason we came to NOLA was the food. Music and history were tied for second. When you (or in our case, your whole family) likes to cook, you have to book this class!! Chef Mark was amazing. Quick to drop the bits of random knowledge, quick to explain the why's, not just the what's of what you're doing. All three (4 if you treat the bourbon mocha sauce as it's own) recipes will definitely be used for many years to come.

Angelica C.

Yelp
We had the best time with Chef Mark!!! We took the Traditional class and everything we made was so yummy! The BBQ shrimp was better than anything else we'd eaten while in NOLA. Mark was funny and made the class very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend adding this to your date night or your vacation schedule. Request Mark if you can! TIP: Come hungry

Steve S.

Yelp
My wife and took the sister course, Hands on Cajun Roux Class, and we loved it. The 2:00pm group of 8 were guided by Chef David who talked about the local creole/cajun foods while answering questions from our geographically diverse group. I am not a cook, but still enjoyed the tips and being hands on in preparing the meal we had at the end of the class. Topped it off with bananas foster. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys good local cuisine.

Katherine B.

Yelp
My husband and I and another couple friend had a fabulous time taking the Brunch Class. Food was not only so yummy but was pretty easy to make. Now we want to take all the classes. Chef Preston was the best.

Pauline Z.

Yelp
This place is a must for tourists and locals. Seriously worth your time and money. The food, atmosphere, and experience was amazing. We had Chef Preston walk us through the three course Traditional Class with a shrimp appetizer, Jambalaya, and bread pudding. Drinks were bottomless and food was filling - you will have leftovers and merch to take home. We were impressed with Chef Preston as a host and a culinary expert/teacher. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans and the cuisine. I learned a lot of new techniques even as a more experienced person in the home kitchen, and any reservations I had about Cajun/Creole foods have changed for the better. I'll be making some of these dishes at home! Located near Jackson Square, the school is tucked away in a quiet alley and close enough to walk to/take a street car. The inside was beautifully designed and tidy. Great for couples or even large groups. I will be back for another course next time I'm in New Orleans and will be recommending this to friends.

Robert K.

Yelp
A great change to the routine tourist adventure. A well paced class and an excellent end product you got to eat. Set for all ages and capabilities.

Adam F.

Yelp
I took Chef David's Traditions class during a 4-day trip to New Orleans. Despite all of the other food I had on the trip, the food we made with David's guidance was the best I had in New Orleans. I appreciated his technical instructions, as well as the history of the dishes. I can't recommend this school or Chef David highly enough. Thank you so much for an amazing learning and culinary experience!

Cheryl R.

Yelp
Us four girls had Chris to ourselves, and we had so much fun! Chris was very accommodating too for the girl that didn't like seafood too. The dishes we prepared we excellent - Gumbo, NO Style BBQ shrimp, and bread pudding! I can't wait to make them at home and share them with my family! Loved learning the history of foods, along with a few tricks from a chef!

Dawn V.

Yelp
You don't have to be a cook, or even enjoy cooking, to love this class! Its carnival season so we took the "Make a King Cake" class with Preston and Byron . What a fun and memorable night for my mom on her 80th birthday! And something really different, complete with a little history and culture thrown in. These guys were really hustling to make it all happen in just two hours. Preston gives out a lot of knowledge, tips and tricks to help you understand baking and Byron somehow whipped up jambalaya and gumbo in the second kitchen for us while also assisting Preston on the teaching side! (Btw: fridgE full of drinks, mimosas, beer and wine upon arrival and throughout) Everyone leaves with a king cake too. These guys are the real deal and I'm not sure you can request their classes, but try. (Someday I expect to see Byron on Food Network)

Nancy P.

Yelp
Thank you Chef Mark. We enjoyed learning proper techniques and the food was outstanding! We will definitely do this again when we return to New Orleans. (we made jambalaya at home today!)

Bob S.

Yelp
What a great experience! Chef Chris was absolutely awesome. My son and I had a great time and loved the traditional New Orleans fare. It was nice to be able to talk with Chef Chris about his experiences and get some ideas of local places to eat. Thanks Chef Chris! "The sticky bits, that's where it's at!"

Ira R.

Yelp
We very much enjoyed the roux class with Dave. My husband came along to accompany me but in the class, became a major roux stirrer. Chef Dave was well prepared, paid careful attention to sanitation, and was expert in guiding us through the hands-on class. There were eight participants and four work stations. We enjoyed chatting with the others in the group and enjoying our meal. Although pricy, the experience was memorable and a fun way to experience New Orleans food culture.

Pamela R.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the roux cooking class at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. The space is well appointed, clean, and Chef Mark Falgoust was knowledable, fun, and personable. The hands on class with four was entertaining and included history, cooking techniques, and local restaurant recommendations. The food was delicious. We made chicken and andouille sausage gumbo using a dark roux, shrimp étouffée using a peanut butter colored medium roux, and bananas Foster. We highly recommend this class.

Daniel D.

Yelp
Chef Preston was excellent! We had a blast. Food was great and our caramelized bacon will definitely be a hit next time we have guests over! That was definitely the best shrimp and grits in NOLA!

Emily M.

Yelp
We did the Roux Class - made Sausage & Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp étouffée & Banana foster. Our chef was Mark & he was very friendly, engaging and knowledgeable on everything. We learned so much and enjoyed every second of it! We will definitely be back to try out another class!

Cassie B.

Yelp
We had a fabulous time! Dave was charming and entertaining! Appreciated the chemistry lesson on how and why of cooking with different heat and ingredients. We all.learned a lot in an enjoyable way. Being able to actually do the cooking was great! And the end result was delicious!

Katherine F.

Yelp
Had an AMAZING time taking the Traditions Class with Chef B! He was very knowledgeable & entertaining! Our group of 9 had a great time learning various cooking techniques and the food was incredible! We couldn't stop laughing the whole time. I would definitely recommend taking this class....and ask for Chef B while you're at it. You wont be disappointed!!!

Corby P.

Yelp
Had a wonderful time with my husband and 2 other couples on a recent Sunday night in New Orleans at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking. We learned how to make a great roux and then a shrimp étouffée, a chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and finally enjoyed a wonderful plate of bananas foster. Mark was a wonderful chef and shared many tips and tricks along the way. His easygoing and friendly approach was not intimidating at all and we are excited to try these new tasty dishes ourselves now that we are home!

Rita K.

Yelp
This was probably the highlight of our short trip to New Orleans! Chef Preston was awesome - he was patient with us and we loved his story telling. Moreover, he had a fun and humorous personality. The fridge is fully stocked with all types of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We started off the class with some prep, along with with some history behind each recipe. We even got the chance to cook each item. I totally forgot it was a 3 course meal so I was stuffed after the first meal. LOL. We make shrimp etouffee, gumbo, and banana foster with ice cream. My favorite was the shrimp etouffee - I've always wondered what that chunky consistency is in so many seafood boil places here in the Bay Area. Absolutely mind blown! The gumbo was so good, it came with rice. I was too full so sadly I didn't get the chance to fully enjoy this dish. The last course, banana foster, was a dessert and we enjoyed watching the flame as he cooked the ingredients in high heat, then topped it with alcohol with the lights off. Awesome! At the end we got leftover etouffee which unfortunately we couldn't finish since our flight was the next day. We also got some scooper thing which I definitely need for my kitchen (I scoop ingredients with my knife, oops). This is located close to Bourbon street, and a pretty easy walk from our Airbnb. Chef Preston recommended some jam sesh which we ended up visiting later that night. Found another hidden gem with talented artists! I am eager to try the recipes that they sent soon! So excited to bring the taste of New Orleans to my kitchen.

Jane C.

Yelp
We did the Roux class with Chef Preston on March 26. It was simply amazing. We learned so many tips and tricks and the Shrimp Etoufee and Chick and Andouille Sausage Gumbo were the best we've had anywhere. The class was a great size ... just six of us ... and each of us received a lot of hands-on attention. I will definitely do another class there the next time I return to New Orleans.

George G.

Yelp
We showed up a little early for our scheduled 6pm class on Saturday evening. There was no one there. We waited and tried to call the business, but there is only a recording and the mailbox is full. Luckily about 15 minutes after our class was to begin, someone who lived nearby saw us, and called the owner. The owner apologized and asked if we could re-schedule b/c the chef was a no-show. Mind you, we also had to try to find a decent restaurant at the last minute for our Saturday night dinner. We were a bit hesitant about rescheduling, but we rescheduled for 9:30am on the following Monday. Again, we showed up at the business, and the doors were locked. Again, we called the business phone number, and the voicemail was still full. So we called the owner. The owner told us that the chef had contacted her b/c he had been at a party with someone who had Covid-19. Unbelievably, the owner said that she "did not think this was a big deal" and thought that the chef would show up for our class. No one communicated with us at all prior to the class about the chef's potential Covid-19 exposure or the possibility that he might not make the class. Apparently the owner does not care about their customer's health. As a result of the owner's lackadaisical attitude, we were again left scrambling at the last minute to make plans due to this school's lack of care regarding their customers.

Tracey H.

Yelp
We took the roux class while visiting New Orleans and had so much fun. We love Chef Preston! He was extremely accommodating as one person in our group is vegetarian. This was by far the best meal we had in New Orleans and I can't wait to try to make it again at home. Would highly recommend this class!!

Amy B.

Yelp
We had an AMAZING experience with CHEF PRESTON at the MGSC! We had so much fun and learned so much and every participant in our diverse group was completely engaged. Chef Preston is a treasure, and we all had an amazing experience and will treasure our memories and recipes for many years to come. Thank you for hosting us!

Janelle K.

Yelp
This brunch cooking class was the highlight of our anniversary trip to NOLA. The food we learned to make was some of the best we have ever had, and we will definitely bring these recipes home to share with family and friends. Chef Scott was an excellent instructor who made us feel right at home, while also showing us restaurant style techniques from his years of experience. So much fun, and absolutely worth the price of admission. I noticed another reviewer posted about the cooking space not having sinks? I'm super confused by this because there are 2 very large kitchen sinks, one in each well appointed cooking space that I could see. The cooking space is lovely and very clean, with plenty of opportunities for hand washing.

Jarrod G.

Yelp
If you are looking for an AMAZING time for the entire family, group of friends/work colleagues, date with a significant other, you are an aspiring chef and would like to pick the brain of a highly experienced chef while in the kitchen, or just want a super-unique time away from the normal everyday humdrum with a 5 Star Meal at the end of the experience --look no further and book with The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. I HIGHLY recommend this experience to tourists and long-time NOLA residents, alike. I'm beyond-words impressed with this entire culinary experience and will be booking more time with Chef Scott in the future. 1) Location: This convenient location right next to Jackson Square is perfect walking distance within the French Quarter. It is 2 apartments that have been converted into a Cooking School setting. The kitchen & sitting area is a well lit wide open with high ceilings & very clean (see #2). There are 3 tables inside-- one decorated/set beautifully for eating, another set with high-end professional butane burners, & the other that would be used for our prep area for a party of 4. The kitchen is an L-Shaped configuration with a large sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave and 4 burner electric stove for simmering. At no point did we feel crowded/cramped or that we could potentially have a kitchen collision due to the layout. Overall, it is a very well designed & thought out space. 2) Cleanliness: Think high-end commercial kitchen cleaning standards meets a large-sized studio apartment setting-- perfect for learning in a food-safe environment. I'm sure this was the intentional design so that you can easily translate your experience to your own home kitchen. That being said, the location is not so sterile where you lose the home-like factor, either; it is still an intimate setting. There were NO visible old splatters of food on the walls, around the sink fixtures, on/around the stove. The refrigerator exterior was clean, as was the inside, the sink sponges looked new/newer and the staging area for food to be used in our class was equally clean- all food in stainless steel prep bowls. The cabinets were also well organized & free of unnecessary clutter from what I could see. 3) Ingredients: At the MGSoC, you're paying for a Chef lead experience in cooking. I'm sure it could be very easy for these type of classes to save on overhead with lower quality ingredients--after all, you're just trying to get the knack of cooking the selected meals, right? WRONG-- Chef Scott was very proud to show off the freshness & quality of every ingredient we were to use in our class and was happy to tell you where to buy the same items yourself in & around town. This contributes heavily to the end-result of what you have cooked during class, which is nothing short of a high-end meal at a fine dining establishment. He also has the spices available for purchase that you use during your cooking class--which are AWESOME!!! 4) The Chef Scott Experience: My family had the privilege of a private class with Chef Scott. My wife, both boys (13yo & 11 yo), & I all learned SO much during our time with him. Everything from the history of the food dishes being cooked during the class, the cultural influences that impacted the regional cuisine, basic knife skills, how to build flavors in a short amount of time, and even the priceless, personal lesson of how Salt, Fat, Acid, & Heat impacts the taste of the dish. There's so much more than this that was covered--we are still speaking about the lessons learned on a daily basis. Both boys are in shock & elated that they had a chance to make their own meals from scratch--to include a legit roux--and were amazed at the result of the taste! Chef Scott offers a wealth of experience to his students-- he openly and willingly shares his knowledge built up over many years as an experienced & highly successful Chef and Restaurant owner. Even after all of his years of making people happy with his cooking, he is clearly still passionate about food and wants to share that with his students. Chef Scott is very personable, funny, and is a very patient, supportive teacher---teaching to the level of the individuals in his class. Chef also promised that we would make the best-tasting Gumbo YaYa & Shrimp Étouffée that we had ever eaten--he wasn't lying. This was a family experience that was one of kind--one that we will take with us for a lifetime. I'll be re-booking with Chef Scott on my next family trip into NOLA.

Chris B.

Yelp
This was the best experience we had in New Orleans. Chef Scott was awesome, taught great skills and history and the food we made was top notch. This is something I'd recommend everyone does to get a true taste of New Orleans food and have a great experience.

judy o.

Yelp
It was a great time . Chief mike was awesome. Would come back anytime . Food was amazing. Chief was friendly and welcoming.

Sharon B.

Yelp
There were 6 of us who took the Roux Class. Chief Mark was our instructor. We made Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffee & Bananas Foster. We had a wonderful time, I would recommend this cooking class to anyone from a beginner to an individual who already cooks. Make sure you come hungry...the food was delicious.

Brendan S.

Yelp
This was one of the top highlights of our trip. We took an afternoon class with Chef David, where we cooked and enjoyed several different dishes. We started off with the Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, followed by the Shrimp Etouffee, and the Bananas' Foster for Desert. Chef David was awesome; throughout the experience, he provided background to the dishes and how they each came to be part of the local cuisine. He also shared good stories and some history to the city. The inside of the school had a very cozy and at home feel that added to the overall experience as well. There is a great selection of beverages that we enjoyed throughout. We highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do on your trip.

Kay B.

Yelp
We had a great evening with Chef Mike. The hands on cooking taught me some new recipes (especially the barbecue shrimp) and loved his entertaining stories. Add this to your list of New Orleans musts.

Leigh S.

Yelp
One of the best experience I have had!!! Conner was awesome!!!! Best food!!! Shrimp and grits - crab cake best I have ever had!!! Now just to try to do it at home!!! Will be back and requesting Conner!!!!

Lisa C.

Yelp
So much fun! The class was great, learn lots of tips and tricks plus get to eat really good authentic NOLA treats. Chef Mark has tons of fun stories and makes the time fly bye.

Cindy G.

Yelp
We took the roux class. It was well organized and easy to follow. Chef Preston made the class fun and informative. The end result was a fabulous meal that we prepared with his guidance & great tips! The classroom is just like a home kitchen, very comfortable, but more spacious. I highly recommend this as a great introduction to New Orleans! We may take another class before heading home!

Shema M.

Yelp
Wonderful way to learn more about the complex and colorful history of food in New Orleans! Chef David was a true professional and a pleasure to learn from. The New Orleans Brunch was tapped full of cooking tips that apply to cooking any meal and the intimacy of the venue was perfect for a memorable day with business colleagues or family and friends. Thanks for a fantastic experience!

Sabrina Joy S.

Yelp
You HAVE to make a stop here the next time you visit New Orleans! First of all, it's such a cute place to visit. The decor was on point. Second, you get to learn some awesome traditional recipes. Chef B was THE BEST! He vibes so well with our group and this was the perfect last activity to do for my sis's bachelorette trip. The food tasted amazing! Did I mention you get to drink while you're at it? I'm telling you. Book a class, with Chef B, for you and your friends when in NOLA! You won't regret it!