Cajun & Creole Cooking Classes with Chef Michelle J. Nugent
Friday, February 17 <> 2:00-5:00 pm
Saturday, February 18 <> 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday, February 19 <> 12:00-3:00 pm
Classes will be held Upstairs @ Elmer’s Store (396 Main Street, Ashfield, MA)
Michelle Nugent was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. While still in high school she started working for the Neville Brothers and continued doing production work in the music industry for many years. In 1985 she was on hiatus from the music world when she met premiere New Orleans chef Susan Spicer. After they discovered their mutual enthusiasm for good food and drink, Michelle was offered an apprenticeship with Susan an at the Bistro at the Maison DeVille. She has been dedicated to the craftsmanship and lore of food and cooking ever since.
In 1989 she returned to New Orleans from a stint in California to become the executive sous chef at Bayona. She has also worked at Gabrielle, Brigtsen’s, Peristyle and Bacco.
In 1997 Michelle collaborated with Susan to open Spice, Inc., a retail store/take-out deli and cooking school in the warehouse district where she was executive chef and a cooking instructor.
Now Food Director at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, curates the nationally renowned food fair featuring authentic traditional and nouvelle Louisiana cuisine. The food fair has over 60 vendors preparing upwards of 200 food items. She is also responsible for two stages of cooking demonstrations and providing food and drinks of the large Festival production staff.
Michelle has been featured in the PBS Great Chefs of New Orleans series, received the Guardian of the Tradition award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2005, and named one of CityBusiness magazine’s Women of the Year in 2008.
Michelle has also been very involved with the national anti-hunger/anti-poverty group Share Our Strength.
$65 per workshop per person – includes 3 hour demonstration/tasting workshop
$175 workshop weekend (all three workshops – advance purchase only)
TIX @ Elmer’s Store in Ashfield and online @ The Mighty Albert. **see online ticketing note below
3 Days of 3-Hour Sessions: Cooking Like New Orleanians Do
Friday, February 17 <> 2:00 – 5:00 pm
CREOLE DINNER PARTY
- Oysters Rockefeller
- Seafood Gumbo
- Pecan Fish with Citrus Meunière
- Bananas Foster
Saturday, February 18 <> 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
NEW ORLEANS BRUNCH
- Pain Perdu with Creole Cream Cheese
- Crabmeat Ravigote
- Shrimp Creole
- Grillades and Grits
- Brandy Milk Punch
- Sazerac Cocktail
Sunday, February 19 <> 12:00-3:00 pm
CAJUN COUNTRY CUISINE
- Southwest Louisiana Charcuterie
- Duck and Oyster Gumbo
- Cajun Style Old School Jambalaya
- Crawfish Etouffée
- Gateau de Sirop
**Online ticket ordering will be available until Friday February 17 8PM. Saturday & Sunday Cooking Workshop, and Saturday Kids Camp & Concert tickets available day of show at Elmer’s Store in person or by phone (413) 628-4003.
