Cooking classes have long been the perfect way to learn something new, whether on a date night, with a big group or as a fun antidote to an empty weekend. Seattle has no shortage of classes taught by regional experts – read on for a list of some of the most distinctive options. But take note: these classes fill up fast, so be sure to book soon!  

1. Chinese Soul Food 
Hsiao-Ching Chou has developed something of a cult following since the release of her cookbook, Chinese Soul Food. Her accessible recipes help bring the flavors of Chinese cooking into kitchens all over. Thankfully, you can also go straight to the source with hands-on classes hosted by Chou through Hot Stove Society, with topics like potstickers, dumplings and fried rice. $90. Dates, times and locations vary; mychinesesoulfood.com 

2. Seattle BBQ and Grilling School 
A trip down to Tukwila is worth it for the smoking and grilling techniques taught by Stu McMullen and friends, who have spent years traveling around the world and learning about the art of barbecue. Specialty classes focus on hamburgers, steaks, seafood and pizza, and the school kicks off its season with a pig roast in April. A perfect gift for the budding grillmaster in your life! Prices, dates and times vary. Seattle BBQ and Grilling School, Tukwila, 772 Industry Drive; 206.551.6265; seattlebbqandgrillingschool.com 

3. Cooking With Cannabis 
A class taught by an experienced radio host and author from the comfort of her home, with recipes for coconut chicken curry, oatmeal squares, gummies and vinaigrettes… with a very special ingredient. Author of Every Day Mary J, Mary J. White uses hemp (the non-psychoactive, high-in-CBD element of cannabis) in her educational cooking classes, but medicinal and recreational users will get the tools they need to develop their own creations at home (with the real deal) after these hands-on classes. Lunch is included–a high is not. Prices, dates and times vary; maryjwhite.com 

4. Pintxo Paella Classes 
Master this shareable Spanish dish in Pintxo’s gorgeous new space. One of Seattle’s best Spanish restaurants hosts intimate paella classes with Head Chef Emelio Sansone, with space for 12 students. Ingredients and supplies are provided, with a useful knife skills tutorial, plus background on this famous dish and the secrets to a perfect spice mix. $110. Dates and times vary. Pintxo, Belltown, 2219 4th Ave; 206.441.4042; pintxoseattle.com 

5. Seattle Wine School 
Upgrade your next champagne toast with some background knowledge from the Seattle Wine School. Classes vary in specialties, with options like “Sparkling Wines of the World”, “Rosé Wine Class”, “Wines of Washington” and “Wines 101”. Don’t let the unassuming Interbay location fool you: owner Richard Kinssies has quite the background, from wine journalism to a stint as a sommelier to being retained by the French government for wine education. A three-part series is also available to set the serious connoisseur on their way to professional wine tasting. Prices, dates and times vary. Seattle Wine Outlet, Interbay, 946 Elliott Ave W; 206.285.1129; seattlewineoutlet.com 

6. Eat Seattle Tours 
This class is going to make you work for your meal: you’ll choose your ingredients from the stands of Pike Place Market before heading to the Atrium Kitchen in the market to prepare a four-course meal. Each class begins with a cheese course supplied by Beecher’s Cheese, of course, and participants receive discounts to use at the vendors in the market. Locals may think they have already experienced Pike’s Place, but there’s nothing more Northwestern than cooking a meal right in the market. $115. Dates and times vary. Pike’s Place Market, waterfront, 1433 1st Ave; 206.745.0991; eatseattletours.com 

7. Paris Eastside 
The menu of macarons, crepes and eclairs might send you into a sophisticated frenzy, but Paris Eastside wants to make sure you’re being trained correctly. The Bellevue cooking studio hosts enough classes to fill a patisserie, taught by Muriel-Marguerite Foucher, who spent most of her life in France and learned to bake from her grandmother. Private classes and team-building options are available. $80. Dates and times vary. Paris Eastside, Bellevue; 206.452.3622; pariseastside.com