In a time where consumers are cutting back on pretty much everything, entrepreneurs are betting that cooking classes are the way food lovers will feed their passion; according to Jane Black of The Washington Post. 

In November, two former L’Academie de Cuisine teachers opened CulinAerie, a school that offers an array of ethnic cooking and technique classes.  

“If you eat three courses at a restaurant with wine, you’d be lucky to escape with tax and tip for $85. Here you get the meal, wine and instruction,” says CulinAerie co-owner Susan Holt. “People feel they get value.” 

Not bad if you ask me to spend a Saturday night with someone special.