Take your cooking skills to the next level with this hands-on, dinner preparation class designed for the home cook! You’ll start by mastering essential knife skills, including proper grip, cutting techniques, and safety tips to improve efficiency and precision in the kitchen. Then, dive into recipe reading, learning how to interpret ingredient lists, cooking terminology, and step-by-step instructions for seamless execution. Finally, explore recipe scaling, where you'll practice adjusting ingredient quantities to cook for larger or smaller groups while maintaining balance and flavor. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will give you the confidence to cook with precision and ease and you will enjoy a fantastic roast chicken meal that you helped prepare! This class is presented by Maria Elena’s Cuchara.

Tea Alchemy is back, and this time, we’re stepping into a world of edible blooms and floral elegance! On March 30th, Chef Hao Tran and I are bringing you an unforgettable multi-sensory journey—where rare floral teas meet beautifully curated dishes in perfect harmony.

We’re hosting this one-of-a-kind experience at the stunning Rosen House Inn , a historic gem in Fort Worth that radiates old-world charm and intimate beauty—the ideal backdrop for an enchanting afternoon of tea, flavor, and artistry.

And let’s talk style! This is your chance to pull out those bold, funky, and artsy springtime looks. Think modern florals with an edge—avant-garde, vibrant, or effortlessly chic. Dress to embody the magic of the evening. Need inspo? Look through the comments for ideas.

This is more than just a tea tasting; it’s an immersive celebration of flavor, art, and community. Seats are limited—don’t miss out!

Indulge your sweet tooth in this fun, no-fuss, no-muss chocolate-covered treats class! We take care of all the supplies and the clean-up—you just focus on dipping, decorating, and enjoying. Learn how to make your own easy-peasy cake balls, then get creative as you dip your favorite sweets and savories in rich, melted chocolate. From cookies and pretzels to fruit and beyond, discover delicious flavor pairings and pro tips for achieving a perfect chocolate coating. Best of all, you'll take home a box of your handmade treats to enjoy or share! This class is presented by Maria Elena’s Cuchara.

Explore the art of Japanese sushi. From maki to temaki, Chef Hao Tran will guide through the balance of flavor, texture and the balance of the elements of sushi. This is a very hands on class.

Led by Veronica Villegas Gary, founder of Maria Elena’s Cuchara, brings you an Italian class, spaghetti & meatballs, the ultimate in Italian comfort food! Participants will learn how to mix and hand roll their own meatballs and prepare a simple, easy red sauce. Come with an appetite as we begin with some light bites while we explore the history of the meatball and end the evening by enjoying the food we have prepared.  Come hungry!

Tea Alchemy

Join us for Tea Alchemy, a three-course tea and dining experience inspired by the seasons, travel & home-style flavors of Southeast Asia. Thoughtfully paired with hand selected rare teas, each course is crafted to evoke warmth, nostalgia, and exploration. 

More than a meal, this is an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect over the art of tea and culinary indulgence.

Explore and learn to make iconic street foods of Vietnam, from the banh mi to sizzling rice crepes. The aroma of lemongrass and ginger will get to enticed and scintilating flavor will getting you wanting to make these all the time.

Xiao Long Bao (XLB), or soup dumplings, are probably the most famous of Shangai's steamed dumplings, and rightly so. These are delicately pleated balls of dough with broth and pork meat filling. Yes - they don't float in the soup. Instead, they encase the yummy warm broth inside the dough wrapper. Our expert Chef Hao Tran will guide you, sharing secrets and techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this class is perfect for anyone looking to explore making soup dumplings. Don't miss the chance to embrace this cultural culinary journey—spaces are limited, so sign up now to ensure your spot!

Get hot in the kitchen with making fiery and bold flavors of Korean BBQ. You will learn how to make the marinade (and take home ), meat cuts and grilling techniques.

Maria Elena’s presents Late Night, Date Night Dessert Service for Two:  Satisfy that sweet tooth craving with one of our hand-selected dessert samplers. Selections vary but will include an assortment of small desserts and one pressed coffee pot featuring café de olla, beautifully plated and presented using unique and/or vintage dishes. An a la carte small mocktail menu and additional pressed coffee pot service also will be available. 

Kimchi has plenty of health benefits, as it's a fermented food which contains natural probiotics, helping to breed friendly bacteria in your gut to aid digestion. Probiotics are also said to improve mental health, and help to stave off certain cancers and the common cold.

Learn how to make Hao’s version of kimchi that is completely vegan, made with pineapple ferment and take home a jar.

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Curry, Curry class! This immersive cooking experience invites you to master the techniques of making curries. From Japanese to Indian curries, it’s a flavor to be explored.

Our monthly community dinners are an opportunity to enjoy a culinary adventure. Served family style and communal.

This month we explore the American South with comfort for the soul food, from greens to smother pork chops to meatloaf, experience the flavors that make you feel home.

Celebrate Lunar New Year and learn to make traditional Chinese mooncakes while enjoying tea service and pastries.

Learn the art of Japanese bento box, the orignal lunchable. Little tasty morsels packed in a box that honors the Japanese eating philosophy of hara hachi bu, meaning eating only until 80% full.

We will make tasty bites including tamagoyaki (egg omelette), gyoza and sesame soba noodles.

Noodles are such a versatile ingredient and can be an appetizer or main entree. We explore different types of noodles, sauces and create wonderful global noodle dishes like the iconic but simple Chinese garlic noodles.

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Roll With It class! This immersive cooking experience invites you to master the techniques of making classic spring rolls and savory egg rolls . Under the expert guidance of Chef Hao Tran, you'll learn the secrets to creating these mouthwatering Asian specialties from scratch. Ideal for food enthusiasts and cooking novices alike, this class offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register soon and prepare to roll up your sleeves for a delicious evening of culinary exploration!

Embark on a culinary adventure with our tamale class! This immersive cooking experience invites you to master the techniques of making tamales . Under the expert guidance of Chef Hao Tran, you'll learn the secrets to creating these tamales from scratch. Ideal for food enthusiasts and cooking novices alike, this class offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register soon and prepare to roll up your sleeves for a delicious evening of culinary exploration!

Explore the art of Japanese sushi. From maki to temaki, Chef Hao Tran will guide through the balance of flavor, texture and the balance of the elements of sushi. This is a very hands on class.

Soups are not only a comfort food but versatile and easy to please any palate. Under the guidance of Chef Hao Tran, she will show you different soup bases and create simple and nourishing soups.

Our monthly community dinners are an opportunity to enjoy a culinary adventure.

This month we explore Japanese shabu-shabu, a hotpot of various meat and vegetables swishing in a savory broth.

Explore and learn how to create the flavors of Thailand, and make some authentic tasty dishes like tom yum soup or pad Thai. With the guidance of Chef Hao Tran, she can demonstrate how to make these dishes for an easy weeknight dinner.