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.
Arboretum Taste Makers: Warm & Cozy
Saturday, Nov. 15 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class
$65 member/$85 non-memberSold out, waitlist available.
Cookbook Club with Chef Beth: Chapter One
Friday, Dec. 5 • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Partial Participation Class$95 member/$115 non-member
Dinner with the Chefs: Introducing Cheo Smith
Saturday, Dec 6 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.$125 member/$145 non-memberMeet our new chef!
Cookbook Club with Chef Beth: Chapter Two
Friday, Dec. 12 • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Partial Participation Class$95 member/$115 non-member
A Toast to the Roast
Saturday, Dec 13 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class$95 member/$115 non-member
Chef Beth & Friends: Mediterranean Diet with the Donatelles
Saturday, Jan. 3 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Culinary Demonstration Class$95 member/$115 non-memberNow open for registration!
Vegetables: Center of the Plate
Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-noonCulinary Demonstration Class$85 member/$105 non-memberNow open for registration!
Wild Rice: The Indigenous Superfood
Saturday, Jan. 17 • 10 a.m.-noonCulinary Demonstration Class$85 member/$105 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.