Chef Joshua Deneau prepares a dish during a cooking class at Mauro's on Erie
Chef Joshua Deneau prepares a dish during a cooking class at Mauro’s on Erie

In July, Mauro’s on Erie introduced cooking classes, starting with a Canada themed dinner. They’ve been an immediate success.

“I’ve always had cooking classes in every restaurant I’ve owned,” says owner Mauro Pippo. “It’s just a night out for everybody. I’m just trying to provide something special to Windsor.”

Last night, Chef Joshua Deneau guided guests through French cuisine with a 4-course meal paired with wine.

Nicoise Salad was the first course during a cooking class at Mauro's on Erie
Nicoise Salad was the first course during a cooking class at Mauro’s on Erie

The first course guests enjoyed was a Nicoise Salad.

Beef Bourdignon was the second course during a cooking class at Mauro's on Erie
Beef Bourdignon was the second course during a cooking class at Mauro’s on Erie

For the second course guests enjoyed a Beef Bourdignon, made from a beef stock that has been aged over 60 weeks.

Duck a l'Orange was the main course during a cooking class at Mauro's on Erie
Duck a l’Orange was the main course during a cooking class at Mauro’s on Erie

This wasn’t just a cooking class for the dishes being made but an chance to learn about cooking in general.

“This is an opportunity for any lady or man to ask any question about what they cook at home,” Mauro explains. “You can ask anything you want, like how to cook an easy tomato sauce after working an 8 hour day.”

The restaurant already has plans to expand the classes beyond one Monday a month.

Guests enjoyed the interactive evening
Guests enjoyed the interactive evening

The next is class will be a Spanish theme, then Thai and there are plans to do a family style Christmas dinner in December.

“We’re just trying to provide our customers with an escape,” says Mauro.

To view more pictures of the cooking class, visit the WindsorEats Facebook page.