Café Merlot Offers Discounted Cooking Classes In April

As the owner of Café Merlot in the for the past four years, it’s no surprise that some of Toni Kraft’s best memories involve food—and her grandmothers.

“My favorite memory is that of my Nana―I have two favorites,” said Kraft. “We planted fava beans and picked them and had a feast when I was 8.”

She continued: “(The) second is with my Grandma that worked with culinary medicine. We would knock on doors with herbs and poultices to remedy the neighbors (for things like) cysts, colds, bad pregnancies.”

It’s in keeping with that back-to-earth upbringing that Kraft offers cooking classes at Café Merlot, which are taught by her or Executive Chef Daniel Reynolds. Kraft says those interested can expect to learn about the social aspect of cooking as well technique.

“Our classes are La Technique in style, and that differs from other classes since they are all hands-on and we work with our students to create meals,” Kraft said. “We do not just lecture and sell kitchen gadgets.”

Each class costs $50 per person, but Kraft is offering a buy-one-get-one-free discount during the month of April. Classes run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on various Tuesdays. For more information, call 858-592-7785.