If you’re like us, you most likely made a self-promise that you would use quarantine to better yourself – learn a new skill, language, recipe, you name it. But chances are you stopped after one semi-attempt at homemade banana bread. And we don’t blame you. But now that the world is opening up again and experiences are taking place outside of the home, we’re revisiting the concept of learning something new. Plus, when you finally restart your social life and can offer a fail-proof negroni recipe or sushi hand roll, we guarantee your friends will be more than impressed. As the saying goes, better late than never, so we’ve rounded up 5 of the best hands-on cooking, mixing and pairing classes for you to experience in NYC.

Hand Rolled Sushi Class

Learn how to spread, layer, tuck and roll your way to sushi heaven. In this fun, hands-on social cooking class, you’ll learn all the skills needed to make sushi-rolls at home, including how to prepare sushi rice, select sushi-grade fish, and add additional tasty neta, or ingredients, to enhance your dining experience. You’ll learn to make three types of sushi rolls: California Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, and a traditional seaweed out Vegetable Roll.

Price: $56 per person
When: Dates vary
Where: Hyatt House Chelsea, 815 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

Mragarita and Tequila Classes with Mexicue 

Learn about tequila as we sip, mix, and customize a total of four different margaritas. In addition to covering agave spirits basics, we will explore the ratios of different margaritas and how to transform a simple recipe into your own signature cocktail. Snacks will be provided!

Price: $80 per person
When: Dates vary
Where: Mexicue - 160 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Classic Handmade Pasta Making Class

While our trip to Florence may have been pushed back by a mere 16 months, you can bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen after this handmade pasta making class. Learn how to make the perfect pasta dough and then transform it into beautiful noodles – Fettuccine and Pappardelle. You will learn to make two different pasta dishes, Pappardelle with Chicken Sausage Marinara and Fettuccine with Vegetable Ragout. Use a pasta machine to make your Fettuccine, then learn to cut thicker noodles to form your Pappardelle. You will each learn to make one of the sauces from scratch. But don't worry, everyone will sit down and enjoy both dishes at the end of class. *Chefs kiss*

Price: $56 per person
When: Dates vary
Where: Hyatt House Chelsea, 815 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

Oyster Shucking and Wine Workshop at Seamore’s

For years Seamore’s has brought Montauk to the NYC sidewalks – now, they’re bringing the classroom. Bucket Listers and Seamore’s have partnered for the second year in a row to bring the ultimate Oyster Shucking & Wine Pairing to Brookfield Place and Midtown. This 1.5 hour class will teach you the techniques and step-by-step process of shucking oysters. Become an oyster aficionado and get ready to break out your new party trick. Our oyster expert will provide a hands-on demonstration, taking participants through a journey of shucking, tasting and pairing 4 types of oysters to learn about the various flavors and textures of each.

Price: $90 per ticket; Includes 1.5 hour expert-led shucking how-to, a dozen oysters, 4 premium wine pairings + 1 glass at the end of your choice, 1 oyster shucking knife + cut-resistant glove to keep
When: Mondays and Tuesdays through July 26th
Where: 
Monday classes held outdoors at Seamore's Brookfield Place at 250 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
Tuesday Classes are held outdoors at Seamore's Market Bar and Restaurant, 152 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Spanish Tapas Making Class

Escape to the bustling streets of exciting Barcelona while exploring the world of Spanish Tapas. In this energetic and interactive class, you will learn how to master three restaurant-worthy tapas which are well-renowned in Spain. The Chef Instructor will enlighten you on the background of Tapa culture, before taking you through a detailed demonstration of how to construct each of the dishes. You will then be guided step-by-step in replicating how to make three classic Tapas including: Chorizo in Wine Sauce, Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Omelette) and Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp). Buen Provecho!

Price: $56 per person
When: Dates vary
Where: Hyatt House Chelsea, 815 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY