Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join professional chef Kelila in her kitchen for a hands-on experience, where you will get to cook right along with her. Kelila has been a professional culinary instructor for many years and will walk you through every step of creating a great meal. The cooking portion of the experience will last for 1-2 hours, during which you will learn to make a starter, a main dish, and a dessert. You will be cooking a seasonal meal that showcases local ingredients and flavors from around the world - Pacific Rim and Kiwi cuisine. A few dishes that you may try are Hawks Bay plum and manuka honey glazed lamb ribs, plov (rice and carrots cooked in a seasoned broth), grilled peach and avocado salad, or stone fruit pavlova. Kelila has a very charismatic and bubbly personality, and is keen to share her knowledge of food and different cuisines, so make sure you ask her heaps of questions!
Don't miss out on this wonderful culinary experience with a welcoming local!
Available options
Private Baking Class
Baking class and light meal: Hands-on baking class and light lunch or supper with your host Karen (no alcohol but you can bring your own beverages)<br/>Pickup included
Cooking demonstration + lunch
Morning cooking demonstration: Cooking demonstration and home-cooked lunch with Karen; pickup from the Hyattsville Crossing metro station is included.<br/>Pickup included
Cooking demonstration + dinner
Evening cooking demonstration: Cooking demonstration and home-cooked dinner with Karen; pickup from the Hyattsville Crossing metro station is included.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private cooking or baking lesson with your host Karen
Cocktail, wine or beer, and limoncello
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Menu may vary depending on the season
Karen can accommodate all diets - if you have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking so she can prepare accordingly
Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Private, personalized cooking demonstration or baking lesson - choose from the tour options
If there is a baked good you are interested in learning to bake, let Karen know and she might be able to customize your baking class - perfect for a kid's birthday party!
Meeting point
Meet your host Karen at her home. NOTE: The above is a generic location in her neighborhood. Exact address can be found in the "Before you go" section of your ticket.
Important notes
Meet your host Karen Vartan at her home. Here is a Google Maps link to her house: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eJktcWcMenKNPwwEA
Address: 4103 Beechwood Road, University Park, MD 20782
Phone: +1 703 283 3457
Email: karen.kv.vartan@gmail.com
If you chose to meet Karen at the Hyattsville Crossing Metro Station instead, please contact Mary via phone to coordinate your arrival pick-up and either Mary or her husband Doug will pick you up. When leaving the train, use the escalators to reach the station level. Exit to the right at the top of the escalators. See the Handicap Parking on the right. Watch for whichever of their vehicles mentioned during coordination.
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
About Maryland
Maryland, nestled in the Mid-Atlantic region, offers a diverse landscape from the Atlantic coast to rolling farmlands and bustling cities. Known for its historic sites, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious seafood, it's a compact yet varied destination that has something for everyone.
Top Attractions
Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport and iconic landmark in Baltimore, offering a mix of attractions, dining, and shopping. It's a must-visit for first-time visitors.
Historical/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary in cost
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island is a barrier island known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature/Beach
Full day or overnight
Free entry, camping fees apply
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history during the Civil War. It's a somber and educational experience for history buffs.
Historical
Half day
Free entry
Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and winter sports.
Nature/Adventure
Full day or overnight
Varies by activity, some free trails
Annapolis
Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is known for its historic charm, beautiful waterfront, and the United States Naval Academy.
Historical/Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary in cost
Must-Try Local Dishes
Maryland Crab Cakes
Made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these crab cakes are a must-try when in Maryland. They are typically served with a side of tartar sauce or remoulade.
Appetizer
Contains seafood and gluten (from breadcrumbs)
Old Bay
Old Bay is a famous seasoning blend used in Maryland cuisine, particularly in crab dishes and seafood boils. It adds a unique flavor to many local dishes.
Seasoning
Contains celery, which may be a concern for those with allergies
Smith Island Cake
A traditional Maryland dessert, Smith Island Cake is an eight-layer cake filled with fudge frosting. It's a sweet treat that's perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs
Crab Soup
A creamy and flavorful soup made with blue crab meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It's a comforting dish that's popular in Maryland, especially during the colder months.
Soup
Contains seafood, dairy, and may contain gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking and biking
Boating and water sports
Skiing and snowboarding
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Museum visits
Historical tours
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and vibrant fall foliage. These periods are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, French
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET), UTC-5 (Standard Time), UTC-4 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Maryland is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid transportation scams
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards, and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions
Getting there
By air
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport • 15 km from Baltimore city center
- Washington Dulles International Airport • 65 km from Baltimore
By train
Baltimore Penn Station, BWI Rail Station
By bus
Baltimore Downtown Bus Terminal, Greyhound Bus Station (Baltimore)
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro Subway is clean, efficient, and connects major points in Baltimore. It's a convenient way to get around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fells Point
Mount Vernon
Federal Hill
Hampden
Day trips
Washington D.C.
65 km from Baltimore • Half day to full day
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and offers a wealth of historical, cultural, and political attractions. It's a must-visit destination for first-time visitors to the East Coast.
Chesapeake Bay
Varies by location, typically 30-60 km from major cities • Full day or overnight
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It's a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Gettsyburg National Military Park
120 km from Baltimore • Full day
Gettsyburg National Military Park is the site of the famous Civil War battle and the location of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. It's a somber and educational experience for history buffs.
Festivals
Maryland Renaissance Festival • August to October (weekends)
Preakness Stakes • Mid-May (third Saturday)
Maryland State Fair • September (10 days)
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Explore the Chesapeake Bay for a unique and scenic experience, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing
- Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions, such as museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities
- Try local seafood dishes, such as crab cakes, crab soup, and Old Bay-seasoned seafood, for an authentic Maryland culinary experience
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around cities and attractions, and avoid the hassle of driving and parking
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
