Food & Wine
Classes, programs and educational experiences
Savor the flavors of the season, made with fresh local ingredients, in a social, casual atmosphere! Led by Chef Beth Fisher, Chef Cheo Smith and special guests, attendees will meet fun people and try something new in a unique setting at the Farm at the Arb.
Classes are offered in various formats, including Culinary Classroom Demonstration (lecture-style demonstrations), Chef's Counter (full hands-on participation), and Kitchen Studio (a mix of demonstrations and partial participation). Class descriptions will note any hands-on components as well as the menu offerings.
Adult classes are intended for Ages 18+ unless otherwise stated. Classes with alcoholic beverages are Ages 21+. Please note: we are unable to accommodate individualized changes to the menus.
Bakeology: Sourdough 101
Saturday, March 7 • 10 a.m.-noonParticipation class$95 member/$115 non-memberSold out, waitlist available.
Modern Irish Flavors for St. Patrick's Day
Saturday, March 14 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class$75 member/$95 non-member
Maple: Sweet & Savory Spring Cooking
Saturday, March 21 • 1-3 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class$75 member/$95 non-member
Chef Series Dinner with Bethany Wells
Thursday, March 26 • 6-8 p.m.Chef Series Dinner Experience$125 member/$145 non-member
Wild Rice: The Indigenous Superfood
Saturday, March 28 • 10 a.m.-noonCulinary Demonstration Class$85 member/$105 non-member
A Taste of Spring Brunch
Saturday, April 4 • 10 a.m.-noonCulinary Demonstration Class$85 member/$105 non-member
Spreading Sweetness: Hands-on Jam Workshop
Saturday, April 11 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Kitchen Participation Class$95 member/$105 non-member
Arboretum Taste Makers: Destination Alexandria
Saturday, April 18 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class
$65 member/$85 non-member
Flavors of Ethiopian & Eritrean Cooking
Saturday, May 2 • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class$85 member/$105 non-member
Passport to Pasta: The Essentials
Thursday, May 14 • 5-7 p.m.Partial Participation Class$95 member/$115 non-memberNew spring menu!
Exploring the Outdoor Pizza Oven
Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. or Thursday, May 21, 5 p.m.Kitchen Participation Class$95 member/$115 non-member
Chef Beth Fisher
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis
Arboretum Culinary Manager
Chef Beth is thrilled to bring her experience to her role as Culinary Manager at The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Known for her years of teaching at various cooking schools and creative culinary work at several popular Twin Cities restaurants, Beth is now focused on enhancing the Arboretum's fast growing culinary offerings including Rootstock and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!
Read an article about Beth - Star Tribune Variety section Oct. 8, 2023.
Chef Cheo Smith
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis
Arboretum Culinary Educator
Chef Cheo brings a wide range of culinary experience to the Farm at the Arb — from home cooking and working in professional kitchens — to preparing hundreds of school lunches each day. A Minnesota native, Cheo is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in access and knowledge that prevent many people from bringing farm-fresh ingredients to their tables. His mission is to make healthy, great-tasting food easy to prepare and accessible to every home cook.