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Cook, Feast and Sip All Year Long at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa


  • GRAND HOTEL MARRIOTT RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA 17855 Scenic Highway 98 Fairhope, AL, 36532 (map)
Cook, Feast and Sip All Year Long at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa .png

Point Clear, Alabama -- Hobnob with chefs and fellow food-folks at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, a stately golf and spa resort that's also a member of Historic Hotels of America

For 12 weekends over the course of 2018, the resort will host themed cooking weekends. Each begins with a Friday evening beverage academy ($20) and follows with a Saturday cooking class ($25). Check website's Specials & Packages in addition to the general Accommodations link for lodging prices.

Below is the schedule of Grand Culinary Weekends, copied and pasted from a media release.

Jan. 19 & 20, 2018 – The Basics. “Intro to Mixology” on Friday night is a fun class featuring hand-crafted, well-balanced cocktails made from absolutely fresh ingredients, including the Grand Mojito and The Accomplice. “Cooking Essentials” shares insights on basic cooking philosophy and one-pot cooking.

Feb. 16 & 17, 2018 – Cocktails, Soups & Salads. Learn to mix a few cocktails and learn how they have evolved over the years. Featured cocktails are the Whiskey Sour and Tom Collins. Start Saturday morning with Cooking Essentials II, focusing on elegant soups and salads.

March 16 & 17, 2018 – Bourbon & Eggs. “Bourbon Demystified” shared insights in Southern dark liquors and features Bucky’s Mint Julep and Old Fashioned. The next morning use eggs to create a quiche, frittata, soufflés and classic Eggs Benedict.

April 20 & 21, 2018 – Gin & Jumping.  Learn how to create a few classic gin cocktails including a French 75 and a Bramble. On Saturday learn the art of sautéing, meaning "to jump," while being taught the step-by-step process of making seared scallops, carrot puree, caramelized fennel and shrimp scampi.  

May 18 & 19, 2018 – Wine & Dine. Get comfortable with wine by using all your senses in “Wine 101” and explore both red and white varieties. Start Saturday morning with grilling basics and prepare yourself for summer cooking. A Grand chef will teach grilling techniques for meat, poultry and fish. This is a great class for couples.

June 15 & 16, 2018 – International Flavors.  Scotch is the granddaddy of all whiskey. Discover the finer points of Scotch so you can make the right selection. The next morning travel from Scotland to Monaco and enjoy curries and other North African cuisine.

July 20 & 21, 2018 – Tequila & Bratwurst. Sample great tequilas and learn everything you have ever wanted to know about Mexico's magical elixir. Head to Germany the next day for a cooking class with schnitzel and other German dishes.

Aug. 17 & 18, 2018 – Set Sail. “Rum: The Pirate Juice” explores the history of rum and created classic cocktails including daiquiris and mojitos. Head back to shore on Saturday to create elegant breakfast and brunch dishes.

Sept. 14 & 15, 2018 – Whiskey A Go Go. Learn about the history, favors and how Irish whiskey pits into tasty Grand cocktails. “Baking Basics” on Saturday morning teaches how to make a variety of breads including cornbread, braided loaf and the Grand Loaf. Bring some home to share.

Oct. 19 & 20, 2018 – How Sweet It Is. "The World of Liqueur & Cordials" shares insights on vital ingredients in many cocktails. Learn to make Crème Brule, Dark Chocolate Mousse and Crepe Suzette in “Pastry Basics” and you will be an instant success at home with your family and party guests.

Nov. 16 & 17, 2018 – Merci and Thanksgiving. Winter is a great time to delve into the world of French brandy and cognacs. After an evening with these barrel-aged spirits, it is time to start preparing for the holidays. “How to Cook a Thanksgiving Dinner” breaks down the holiday preparations into manageable steps. Our chefs take you through each course and you will leave confident in preparing this year’s Thanksgiving meal.

Dec. 14 & 15, 2018 – Holiday Magic. Enjoy the Grand decorations and learn how to make “Warm Drinks:  Cold Nights.” Make a few warm cocktails and prepare for cold nights ahead. “Make a Gingerbread House” will do just that. Build and decorate a gingerbread house and leave with a Christmas treasure to remember. $35 for each Gingerbread House built.