Culinary Demonstration Class
Photo courtesy of iStock
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
$85 member/$105 non-member, includes Arboretum admission plus all supplies and ingredients.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - Kitchen Classroom (Myers Education Center)
Adult 18+
Class Overview:
Chef Beth Fisher proudly welcomes Chef Mimi Selam, a passionate culinary instructor specializing in the vibrant cuisines of Ethiopia and Eritrea. For Chef Mimi, cooking is more than preparing food — it is a relaxing, restorative experience that nourishes both body and spirit. With years of teaching experience in Community Education programs, The Good Acre and Mall of America Cooking Classes in the Twin Cities — and now sharing her expertise nationwide and globally — she brings warmth, knowledge and heartfelt enthusiasm to every class.
Ethiopian cuisine is light, healthy and wonderfully flavorful, ranging from mild and aromatic to richly spiced and bold. Chef Mimi will demonstrate how to incorporate exotic spices into everyday ingredients like vegetables, beans, and lentils. She also demonstrates how to prepare a variety of meats sautéed with seasoned butter and wholesome oils. This session is educational, inspiring and a delicious journey into the rich culinary traditions of East Africa.
In this class, you will:
- Confidently pair spices and seasonings with everyday ingredients
- Explore and take home recipes rooted in and inspired by Chef Mimi’s rich cultural heritage
- Discover how to incorporate a variety of vegetables and lentils using authentic Ethiopian flavors
- Learn how to create nutritious, flavorful meals in minutes, with gluten-free options discussed
On the Menu:
- Welcome Bite – Selection from Chef Beth
- Starter Course: Misir Wot – Ethiopian red lentil stew, traditionally served hot and spooned onto injera (a sour, fermented, spongy teff flatbread). Commonly enjoyed as part of a shared platter alongside assorted stews (wat) and vegetable dishes
- Main Course: Yesiga Tibs – Classic Ethiopian sautéed beef prepared with aromatic spices, fresh rosemary and sweet peppers, served sizzling with injera bread
- Sweet Course: Ambasha – Semi-sweet Ethiopian bread featuring a decorative wheel pattern, served with warm spiced tea and honey
Vegetarian? No problem — Chef Mimi is happy to accommodate you. Please let our staff know upon arrival.
Instructors:
With a passion for teaching and a menu that spans Ethiopian/Eritrean, Mediterranean, Asian, Italian and Southern cuisines, Chef Mimi inspires food lovers of all ages. From community classes in Minnesota to virtual workshops across the Midwest and Southwest, she’s making cooking accessible and fun for everyone with a variety of recipes to savor.
Chef Beth Fisher is thrilled to bring her experience to a new 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 and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: Farm at the Arb Entrance
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.