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Team Building Activity - Cook-Off Competition
Team Building Activity - Cook-Off Competition
243 reviews
243 reviews This class does not have dates listed right now. Find similar experiences below:
What You’ll Do
Get ready to challenge your culinary skills and your team, and create gold medal-worthy dishes!
In this hands-on team building class with Chef Paco, you and your team will face off in a cooking competition comprised of three rounds. After each round, the judges will crown the creators of the best dishes victorious.
Round one will challenge the traditional way of serving an ordinary mixed green salad, round two will feature a mystery basket of ingredients you must transform into an exquisite epicurean masterpiece, and round three promises to be nothing short of show stopping with its explosive flavor profile and pyrotechnic presentation.
Guests are welcome to purchase wine and beer from the venue.
Your Menu
Deconstructed Salad
With mixed greens
Entrée
May include chicken, fish, steak or pork chops
Crêpes Suzette
With Grand Marnier and seasonal fruit
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class.
Details
- Minimum Guests 14
- Maximum Guests 30
- Meal Courses 3
- Event Duration 2.5 hours
- Labels Cooking Competition, Corporate, Fun, Group, Holiday
Meet your chef
Chef Paco has been honing his culinary skills in the kitchens of many iconic Chicago restaurants as well as using his creative talents working for two of Chicago's most prominent catering companies. Chef Paco’s upscale restaurant and catering experiences paired with his international work experiences in Italy, Mexico, and Romania are all woven together in his incredible cooking classes that you won’t want to miss!
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Concierge
Cancellation Policy
For your selected date, , you will receive a refund minus a cancellation fee of $780 if you cancel. The noted cancellation fee is to cover the venue, which is non-refundable.
This experience is not refundable as it includes a meal kit.
Event location:
What You’ll Do
Get ready to challenge your culinary skills and your team, and create gold medal-worthy dishes!
In this hands-on team building class with Chef Paco, you and your team will face off in a cooking competition comprised of three rounds. After each round, the judges will crown the creators of the best dishes victorious.
Round one will challenge the traditional way of serving an ordinary mixed green salad, round two will feature a mystery basket of ingredients you must transform into an exquisite epicurean masterpiece, and round three promises to be nothing short of show stopping with its explosive flavor profile and pyrotechnic presentation.
Guests are welcome to purchase wine and beer from the venue.
Your Menu
Deconstructed Salad
With mixed greens
Entrée
May include chicken, fish, steak or pork chops
Crêpes Suzette
With Grand Marnier and seasonal fruit
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class.
Details
- Minimum Guests 14
- Maximum Guests 30
- Meal Courses 3
- Event Duration 2.5 hours
- Labels Cooking Competition, Corporate, Fun, Group, Holiday
Reviews
Reviews guests left for this experience
Lorena Dominguez
28 Sep 2023
He was very professional and had alot of fun doing the challenge. He was very helpful and informative.
Alyssa
25 Sep 2023
Great class and a fun way to work together with some friendly competition. Chef Paco made it a great experience!
Eevin
31 Jan 2023
Chef Paco was phenomenal! He made the evening fun and educational with the perfect amount of competition. Food was great, it was a blast, highly recommend!
Steve
09 Oct 2022
Chef Pavo was amazing. Everyone was so excited during the event and that excitement continued into the next day. Wow what an amazing time!!
Diana
22 Sep 2022
Our team had a fantastic time at this teambuilding event. We did the team cook-off competition with 4 teams of 3, each team was provided a different protein and variety of ingredients. We had to work as a team to come up with meal idea and execute it. Chef Paco was engaging and provided guidance as needed. Location was a fun environment. Would definitely recommend.
Caitlin
08 Sep 2021
We booked the mystery basket competition and had an absolute blast with Paco. My team was saying this was the best teambuilding event they've ever done :) I highly recommend it!
Hannah
06 Dec 2019
Overall we had a great time at the cook-off event, though the setup was not clear to us beforehand - we were split into teams and then each given a "mystery protein" and then 15 minutes to create a dish. Ingredients were already pre-prepped and cut for us which I didn't know would be the case. The event was mostly the teams collaborating to figure out what to make with their protein and Chef Paco providing guidance throughout so this is not an actual cooking class if that's what you're looking for. We all left very full though since we each basically had 4 meals (there were four "rounds" of cooking for us)! It was a great time overall, just different from what I expected.
Reviews guests left for other experiences with Chef Paco
Bradley
22 Nov 2023
Chef Paco was great and thought us some really useful techniques for making ravioli. His kitchen was spacious and inviting. Great experience and would recommended to anyone!
Jeanne
20 Nov 2023
Chef Paco was fantastic! Our team loved his personality, interaction with team, communication and overall ability to teach us how to make great pizza! We look forward to our next outing with Chef Paco in early 2024!
Maggie
16 Nov 2023
Chef Paco is incredible! The experience, and food blew us out of the water. 10/10 recommend, the event was so seamless and Paco and his team took care of everything. We will definitely be back!
Austin
15 Nov 2023
Chef Paco was an engaging, exciting, and hilarious instructor who was perfect for managing the chaos brought on by his students (myself included). The food all turned out delicious, and I learned some valuable techniques for my home kitchen. I'll be coming back again someday with friends/family. Thank you Paco!
Julie
10 Nov 2023
Chef Paco did a great job overall. We would have preferred a larger space for our group. Also the event was an hour shorter than we expected. We would have preferred more cooking instructions. That being said, the group had a good time.
Sean
27 Oct 2023
Chef Paco was fantastic. He was very professional while also creating a very fun and laid back atmosphere. The food was great and we learned a lot. Would recommend Chef Paco to anyone.
Courtney
23 Oct 2023
My three friends and I had a wonderful experience with Chef Paco! We learned how to make gnocchi and two delicious sauces to go with it! We enjoyed cooking and eating it:) Chef Paco was so hospitable, knowledgeable and FUN! I would definitely recommend this for a friends group or date to try something new and interesting! We venmoed Chef a tip at the end!
Ashley
22 Oct 2023
Chef Paco was fantastic! He made everyone feel comfortable and gave some great tips & tricks for making pasta at home.
Jennifer
01 Oct 2023
We had a great time cooking with Chef Paco and he taught us so much about making pasta and cooking a wonderful meal! He was a gracious host and amazing teacher
Emma Kosnik
25 Sep 2023
I took a group of my clients to this class, and we had so much fun! Chef Paco is a great teacher, can balance a big group professionally, and he is a lot of fun to be in the kitchen with. Him and Lily put on a fantastic event for my group - they want to come back next year!
Peter molnar
19 Sep 2023
Great class! Fun and delicious cooking session.
carli
15 Sep 2023
10/10 great experience! this was set up so well, we were worried about going into a strangers house and worried that it would be a lot of work but Paco is the best host! He makes everyone feel at home and taken care of and the class was the perfect ratio of cooking and enjoying!
Shannon
30 Aug 2023
We had a wonderful time with our team making homemade pasta and sauces. Would love to do it again.
Michael
28 Aug 2023
Chef Paco taught us how to cook a great meal with simple ingredients! The class was informative and he took the time to teach us why things are done a certain way.
Jacob
24 Aug 2023
Had a wonder
Adie
28 Jul 2023
The class was fun and taught us an approachable way to make homemade pasta that I fee like I could replicate at home. Chef Paco was great!
Kayla
30 Jun 2023
Chef Paco was incredible! We did the ravioli class as part of a bachelorette party and we had so much fun! The food was amazing & we learned so much! Chef Paco made the experience so much fun, and we haven’t stopped talking about the class since we left!
Scott
19 Jun 2023
This class was a surprise for my fiance's birthday, and it was absolutely perfect. Chef Paco set us up for success from the start, and the meal and atmosphere were exactly as expected. This class will bring joy, confidence, and laughter in the kitchen as you learn how delicious and simple a meal can be.
Highly recommend. :D
Ashley
14 Jun 2023
We had a great time! Chef Paco was engaging and informative. His kitchen was clean and beautiful. We loved the meal that we cooked and walked away with a lot of useful information and tips for everyday cooking. Would highly recommend!
Calvin
03 Jun 2023
Chef Paco is friendly, instructive and a joy to learn from!
Kevin
01 Jun 2023
Great evening with some great food with Chef Paco!!!
Christie
27 May 2023
Amazing experience! Chef Paco was incredibly welcoming, patient, and knowledgeable. He provided a fun atmosphere to learn in and I look forward to booking again!
Kimberly
25 May 2023
Chef Paco was a great host! I took my boyfriend to this class for his birthday and Chef Paco made it engaging and fun. He was personable and encouraging. I would recommend it to anyone!
Sean
24 May 2023
We had a great time at the pasta-making class! Chef Paco was very insightful in pasta making and it was great that we could make two dishes, from making the pasta to cooking the dish to plating it. Highly recommend.
Lorena
22 May 2023
It was a nice date night!! Enjoyed making some
Homemade pasta with the husband!! Paco was great and made the cooking experience even more enjoyable!!!
Mark Lozovnoy
11 May 2023
Chef Paco was very nice, friendly, and welcoming. The food we made was amazing and his guidance along the way was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed are experience and would recommend this experience to all!
Melissa
15 Apr 2023
This is our second Cozy Meal with Chef Paco and both times have been such a blast! We loved learning to make ravioli and even want to try it at home. The whole experience was amazing and food was out of this world. 5 stars always got Chef Paco! We’ll for sure be back!
Charles
14 Apr 2023
Chef Paco is the man! We had such a great time. I left the class with new knowledge and am ready to make our dishes at home on my own now. Chef Paco was totally professional, kind, and clearly has amazing skills in the kitchen. His kitchen was incredibly clean and prepared for our class. Could not recommend him enough and I am already planning my next cooking class with him as soon as I can!
Colleen
27 Mar 2023
Chef Paco and his assistant, Nella, provided our family with a fabulous dining experience. The food was delightful and delicious and Chef was able to adapt to our rental house kitchen as if it were his own. The whole experience was a great success. Highly recommended!
Samantha
26 Mar 2023
We had a great time! Highly recommend
Jim Dunbar
16 Mar 2023
Just do it!!
Jim Dunbar
16 Mar 2023
Fantastic class, friendly instructors - worth the time and money.
Jake
07 Mar 2023
Chef Paco is a great time. Also very flexible with scheduling needs.
Kay
05 Mar 2023
Had fun learning and cooking with the Chef.
Richie
01 Mar 2023
The pace was just right. Even with other people there it didn't feel rushed and everyone got ample time to do what they needed. The atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable and we all were able to learn and mingle. Chef Paco was very attentive, engaging, and welcoming.
Gary
01 Mar 2023
This class was great
Kirissa
26 Feb 2023
Chef Paco was a great host and very knowledgeable about cooking. We made gnocchi and it was absolutely delicious! We will be taking more classes with him.
Jeff Semko
25 Feb 2023
Chef Paco was great. He clearly has the knowledge and training and did a great job of showing us the proper way to create the meal. It was so good!
Mallory
11 Feb 2023
Amazing class! Chef Paco was a great instructor. Food was delicious. Great idea for a gift or even date night!
Michelle
23 Jan 2023
I had so much fun in Chef Pack’s class. The food was absolutely delicious too! I highly recommend this class.
Stephen
13 Jan 2023
We had a great time with Chef Paco! He was a great teacher and fostered a fun environment in the kitchen!
Alicia
13 Jan 2023
We had a wonderful experience with Chef Paco! He made it super easy and really fun for the team.
David
12 Jan 2023
Amazing experience!
David
04 Jan 2023
Had a great time!
Vita
30 Dec 2022
Pack was warm and inviting, informative, and a pleasure as a chef. Professional and organized; he definitely has the experience.
Kurt
29 Dec 2022
Truly awesome class. The steak was amazing, and Chef Paco was a great instructor. Had a fun time with a group of 9 people, learned a lot of new skills! I’m excited to try this on my own!
Nancy
22 Dec 2022
Attended Chef Paco's "Art of Gnocchi" class. Had a great time! Gnocchi's were easy to make and delicious. Got to meet some nice and interesting people. I can definitely make them at home now. My husband was happy to find he was able to find parking on the block.
William
21 Dec 2022
My husband and I had a wonderful time! The instruction was very easy to follow, the kitchen and dining room were beautiful, and the meal came out great. This was our first time using Cozymeal, and I was a little nervous at first about going to a stranger's house for the class. Once we got there, though, it was a very safe, enjoyable experience. We will definitely be signing up for more classes in the future!
Richard
14 Dec 2022
Very good experience. we learned a lot and have been able to recreate it at home with some great pizzas
Blaire
13 Dec 2022
Thanks for a fun event! Lots of laughs and a great meal.
Zev
09 Dec 2022
Chef Paco made us feel welcomed immediately with a smiling face as soon as we arrived. The ambiance in the dining room was intimate and cozy. As the entire group arrived we headed to our designated stations and were introduced to our wonderful assistant. Chef Paco walked us through each step as a group and assisted where needed when we headed back to our stations. The entire process was fun, easy, and the food, well that was absolutely amazing! Would definitely recommend this class with Chef Paco to family and friends. We will be back again!
Nick
09 Dec 2022
Chef Paco was fantastic! We had a great time with him, and will definitely be back!
Mike
25 Nov 2022
Better than expected.Excellent meal, relaxing atmosphere.Chef Paco is second to none, We will definitely meet with him again.
Rona Thaci
22 Nov 2022
Paco's class was so much fun!! I learned a lot and I'm very excited to make pasta on my own. Paco, if you see this, thank you!!! The big pasta (like rigatoni but 10x bigger) I was trying to think of the other night is called Manicotti :)
Ben
23 Oct 2022
Chef Paco is an amazing host and incredible chef. We thoroughly enjoyed learning how to make handmade pasta in his beautiful home where we were able to interact as a team!
Johannes Olejnik
23 Oct 2022
Had an awesome time with Paco at his beautiful place! Highly recommend
Neil
13 Oct 2022
Fun and informative
Jim
09 Oct 2022
This was our second class with Chef Paco and will be booking a third. Great experience!
Ericson
07 Oct 2022
Chef Paco was amazing! We were late for 40-45 mins due to traffic but he still accommodated us. House was clean and ready to go. His energy is definitely infectious and would recommend this to anyone for a team building exercise!
Sarah
04 Oct 2022
Our group had a fun evening and everything was delicious.
Paul
25 Sep 2022
Great class, learned a lot, Chef Paco was a great teacher
janelle
21 Sep 2022
Chef paco was amazing !!! The experience was way above what I was expecting . We learned how to make ravioli . We had so much fun . The meal tasted great . He makes the experience very enjoyable . All the food was delicious. Great way to celebrate friends 50th birthday . Thanks again Chef Paco for a great evening and fun memories . We are excited to try this meal at home !
Alicia
12 Sep 2022
Chef Paco provided a fun and engaging class. I will definitely be looking into taking another class with him.
Marisa
09 Sep 2022
Chef Paco did an amazing job! Our team had a lot of fun and really bonded over the food and experience! Thank you Chef!
Corey
02 Sep 2022
Chef Paco was great! We went to our first Cozymeal class and didn’t know what to expect, but had a lovely time. The pizza and crème brûlée were delicious, and my girlfriend and I plan on looking into hiring him for a private cooking class with our family in the future.
karin
26 Aug 2022
Chef Paco made my husbands birthday extra special! We loved learning how to make gnocchi- I may even be a gnocchi convert!
Elisa
13 Aug 2022
We had the best time! Chef Paco made my partner’s birthday incredible. We learned so much, and the food was impeccable.
Megan
10 Aug 2022
There was a last minute opening and we were so thrilled to have been able to jump into this pasta making class with Chef Paco. My partner and I had just returned from Sicily and were still buzzing about keeping Italy alive and this class was exceptional at doing that.
First, Chef’s home is stunning and cozy which makes it really easy to feel comfortable when you have no idea what you are doing to make pasta. Chef Paco has a ton of global experience which made it great to learn techniques in the kitchen to make our meals taste and look better at home.
The menu was delicious and we enjoyed getting to know Chef Paco, about his global and local career, and make a friend in the neighborhood.
Looking forward to trying his pizza class in the future! 100% book his classes.
Camille
09 Aug 2022
Chef Paco was incredible! The whole experience was so much fun. Paco is so attentive, personable, and well-rounded. He also has a beautiful house with a spacious kitchen so there was room to prepare the meal. The food was nothing short of amazing and we even had a decent amount of leftovers to enjoy later on. I loved this class and will definitely take another one with Chef Paco!
Larry LaBoda
08 Aug 2022
The session itself was great fun, but it would have been nice to know, in advance, where to park, given that the street parking requires a permit or visitor's sticker.
Cheryl
07 Aug 2022
Chef Paco was very organized and gave good instructions. We really did learn the art of making gnocchi. It would have been helpful ahead of time to know that he had onsite parking available as all of us paid for parking in his congested neighborhood.
Meghan
06 Aug 2022
Fun fast paced and the pasta meals we made were amazingly delicious
Steve
03 Aug 2022
Our evening with Chef Paco was so great! He welcomed us into his home with open arms. I took my wife for her birthday gift. We took the "Art of Gnocchi" class. The experience we very organized and a great combination of learning to cook and spending time with my wife. It would be great for a date or a group that wants to have a different experience together. We will for sure do it again!
Lauren
16 Jul 2022
This class was so fun we decided to buy some of the equipment to do it again at home! This was our first time doing a class and it exceeded our expectations me and my boyfriend had an amazing time and Chef Paco was so nice and helpful the whole time. Would definitely take another class in the future this is such a fun experience.
Denise
15 Jul 2022
Evening was amazing. We learned tips on how to make ravioli. Chef Paco was encouraging and his passion for art of cooking showered us with excitement. We had a spectacular time and a most delicately delicious meal. We hope to take another Chef Paco class this year
thank you very much
Smitha
10 Jul 2022
This class was alot of fun and a great learning experience! Really enjoyed making and eating all the courses and loved the dessert! Just as an fyi good idea to bring containers to take food home if you end up with leftovers
Marianna Mommy
08 Jul 2022
My daughter arranged this event for us. We had such an enjoyable evening thanks to Chef Paco! We all love to cook and we came away with some valuable tips. Highly recommend.
Mike Moskowitz
17 Jun 2022
Chef Paco was the ultimate host!
We learned how to make delicious gnocchi, and had a great time doing so!
Dainis
17 Jun 2022
Great class, fun cooking atmosphere, chef Paco is a fun high energy instructor!
Jessica
17 Jun 2022
My husband and I decided to take this class for our anniversary. We met some amazing people and enjoyed some delicious food. Chef Paco’s home is beautiful and accommodating for the cooking class. The gnocchi recipe was simple, elegant and hopefully easy to replicate at home. We highly enjoyed ourselves and can’t wait to take another class,
Becky
11 Jun 2022
Chef Paco was a great host and the meal was delicious. His home was a great backdrop for the class. We had 4 people but he can fit up to 15 so we’re already thinking about who to bring with for next time! And don’t forget… BYOB!
FYI - Street Parking is zoned but he has a driveway or there is paid parking meters at the end of the block that are free after 6pm. Also sounds like he may have parking permit stickers.
Melissa
27 May 2022
Chef Paco exceeded my fiancé’s and my expectations for a private cooking class! We learned so much while indulging in amazing food! The flavors of the food were so thought out and delicious. He was very welcoming and professional. It was for sure a 5 star experience. Would recommend and want to go back to do another class with him!
Michael
27 May 2022
We had an amazing time! Thanks for having us over and teaching us how to make delicious handmade pasta
Brad
17 May 2022
I took my mother to this class as a gift for her 70th birthday and we both had a great time. The food was amazing and it was a really fun evening. Chef Paco was fun, friendly, energetic and engaging--I'm sure I'll bring friends and do another one of his classes. Thanks!
Hannah
28 Apr 2022
Highly recommend. Chef Paco is an amazing host, and he clearly puts a lot of thought and preparation into the evening. It is well-paced with the right amount of cooking/learning, and eating/socializing. I really enjoyed my experience and would love to sign up for another class in the future!
David
18 Apr 2022
My girlfriend and I had an awesome experience with Chef Paco. We were invited with open arms to his home and had a wonderful night making Gnocchi. Would highly recommend the experience to anyone!
Thank you Chef Paco for a memorable experience and helping us learn how to make delicious Gnocchi!
- Dave & Steph
Kieran
02 Apr 2022
Great experience!
Adam
23 Mar 2022
It was so enjoyable having Chef Paco cook for us at our apartment. His latin favorites dishes were all absolutely delicious! Highly recommend!
Chelsea
19 Feb 2022
Paco was absolutely spectacular! Gave great instruction and made the experience fun from start to finish. The space was beautiful and beyond professional. The food was delicious and also very approachable. Paco's experiences are fit for novice and frequent cooks alike. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
Ivan
06 Feb 2022
Chef Paco was an amazing host! Very charismatic and friendly, and the food was delicious! would definitely recommend.
Aubrey
04 Feb 2022
This experience was both super informative and extremely fun! There was one other couple present with my partner and I and we all had a great time chatting. We crafted our ravioli dough and after sat down to eat while Chef Paco made us salad. Chef Paco is super intelligent as well as a great host. We had a blast and plan to be back for more of his classes. Highly recommend this for any occasion!
Taylor
01 Feb 2022
Everything about the experience was brilliant. Chef Paco is exceptional and the food was terrific! My only complaint is the advertising for this venue. After taxes, some hidden fees, and variance in pro-rated costs, we ended up paying $180 more total than what we thought we were going to based on the original listed price.
Emily
22 Jan 2022
Chef Paco was awesome! His home was beautiful and well appointed for the experience. I bought this class as a Christmas gift for my sister and we had so much fun together. The recipes were delicious and we left feeling confident in what we had learned. We’ll definitely be making gnocchi again and can’t wait to find another class of Chef Paco’s to try!
Mario
18 Jan 2022
We had an amazing experience with Chef Paco!
Nick
12 Jan 2022
Chef Paco was great! He welcomed us into his home and expertly walked us through how to make delicious gnocchi. I got this as a gift for my girlfriend for Christmas and she loved it! We had never taken a cooking class before and this set the bar extremely high. Definitely going to take one of Chef Paco's other classes in the future!
Allison
12 Jan 2022
Such a fun night and delicious food, thanks again!
Naveed Jiwani
11 Jan 2022
Amazing experience - Chef Paco know's what he is doing and how to keep the experience lively & entertaining. Thanks!
Madison
04 Jan 2022
Chef Paco truly gave us such an incredible experience!!!! We felt so welcome, and learned so much. The food was delicious, and you can tell he really knew his pasta. I would recommend to everybody!!
Natalie
30 Dec 2021
We had a fun experience and ended up with a great group of people. Chef Paco has a chef mentality but is also very kind which made for a welcoming and fun atmosphere. We will definitely book another class in the future!
Megan
25 Dec 2021
Great experience for me and my Mom. Chef Paco is very attentive, patient, and passionate about cooking. Very welcoming and generous host. the food was great!
Kevin
14 Dec 2021
Chef Paco and his team did an outstanding job in creating a memorable holiday dinner at my house for 16 people. The food, the drinks and the service was fantastic. The best complement I could give would be to say that I sat in my dining room with my closest friends, and I felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant.
Xavier
07 Dec 2021
Great chef, amazing experience, and the food that we made was delicious. Would highly recommend and will be going again!
Sarah
04 Dec 2021
My family and I loved our class with Chef Paco. We had a group of 7. He came to our home with all of the necessary ingredients and extra equipment. He was engaging, fun, and an excellent cook. His recipes were fantastic and made their preparation so easy. I can't recommend his class enough. I will definitely book him again and recommend him to others. Thanks Chef Paco!
Alejandra
23 Nov 2021
Chef Paco did an amazing job helping us learn how to cook a delicious meal!! Totally recommend
Krystle
23 Nov 2021
I surprised my fiancé with the Seasonal Grilling Cooking Class and I must say, the experience far exceeded my expectations! Chef Paco was very welcoming and accommodating to us. From the moment we walked in, it felt like a Luxury/5 Star experience. The space is beautiful and the kitchen was absolutely breathtaking. The ambiance was perfect for date night! There was a nicely set dining table for us to eat at once we finished preparing our meal. Once each course was finished, Chef Paco served us at the dining room table and occasionally checked in with us to see how we were doing. So we still got the fine dining experience while also engaging with each other and learning how to prepare the meal.
Chef Paco is not only VERY skilled at what he does, but he is also an awesome instructor! Because our meal was Grilled Octopus, there was a lot of prep time involved. So, Chef Paco did some prep work for us to minimize the actual prep time. Furthermore, he had additional ingredients for us to "Poach, Chop, and Season" so that we would still get the full experience of what it is like to prepare the Grilled Octopus and other courses from the very start to finish. Chef Paco did an awesome job explaining and demonstrating how everything should be done. He answered all of the questions we had for him and explained everything down to how to properly hold a knife. We learned so much during our time with him!
The food was FANTASTIC!!! Every. single. course. I mean, to the point that I was eating off of my fiancé's plate to have more lol. Not to mention, he shared the recipe with us so we can prepare it again. My fiancé had the time of his life participating in this class, so it is safe to say we will be making reservations for other cooking classes in the near future! Thank you SOOO very much Chef Paco!!!
Samantha
21 Nov 2021
This was a great gift for my mom; Chef Paco's gnocchi class was so fun! The gnocchi recipe was one that we can definitely recreate on our own, but I would have been too intimidated to try it without this class. Would 100% recommend!
Joshua
10 Nov 2021
Chef Paco was great - he is vibrant and his directions were very easy to follow. He was checking to make sure everything was turning out the way it should, which was nice with this being the first time we've made pasta and we weren't sure what we were doing. We made 2 different, delicious, pastas and learned a lot. It was a very fun atmosphere and we'd definitely go back and cannot recommend Chef Paco enough!
Annemarie
02 Nov 2021
Highly recommend. Our pasta class with Chef Paco was excellent. Great fun and delicious food. He is very knowledgeable. Hope to take more of his classes in the future. A+
Robert
01 Nov 2021
Chef Paco was excellent! We had a fun evening meeting new people and made a great pasta meal! He taught us well, and made our group very comfortable in his home. Definitely planning another visit!
Michael
07 Oct 2021
We had a great time with Chef Paco. He hosted in his beautiful home and was instructive, fun, and down-to-earth. We had an amazing meal and can't wait to try and make it again on our own. Go Mustangs!
Kevin
04 Oct 2021
We had a fantastic time with Chef Paco. His place had great ambiance and he was very personable. The menu was fantastic and we definitely enjoyed the flambé. Highly recommend.
Cristian
02 Oct 2021
Excellent 1st experience! Friendly and helpful!
Staci
25 Sep 2021
This was our first cooking experience via Cozymeal, and Chef Paco set the bar really high for the next. During our cooking experience, Chef exhibited the perfect combination of professionalism and personality. The night was planned perfectly, with the right balance of hands-on cooking/learning and time to enjoy the delicious food. Chef also followed up the next day and provided a copy of his gnocchi recipes. We HIGHLY recommend Chef's class!
Robert
24 Sep 2021
Chef Paco was so much fun, knowledgeable, gave us great tips for cooking at home, and helped stuff our bellies with incredibly tasty food!
Emily
10 Sep 2021
Chef Paco absolutely surpassed our expectations! The class was phenomenal and super fun. I learned a lot about how to hold a knife properly and cook and plate latin american food. 100% would recommend!
Tony
09 Sep 2021
My wife & I had an amazing time cooking with Chef Paco. His kitchen was impeccable, and he was a gracious host. He was very attentive and took the time to explain every step and it’s purpose. I would definitely recommend the Chef Paco experience!
Emily
01 Sep 2021
Chef Paco is nothing short of extraordinary! If you are looking for a cooking class, you will get that and so much more. Chef’s home is an ideal setting for an intimate and rewarding experience, and his expertise in the kitchen leaves you speechless. We had an AMAZING time learning to make hand-rolled pasta and dishes, the personal touch and conversation, and time with each other for an experience we will never forget. Highly recommend Chef Paco!
Michelle
15 Aug 2021
We absolutely loved the pasta making class with Chef Paco! My daughter and I learned so much and we had a great time too. Because it was at his home, it was so much easier to be able to learn how to replicate the techniques to use in our kitchen when we attempt make it again. We are already looking at the schedule to find another class to take with him! A great experience all around.
Sean
15 Aug 2021
I hate to be that person to leave a not so great review, but I want to give honest feedback. I bought this class for my girlfriend and I as we both love to cook and we were both very excited to cook and learn from a professional chef. While making the pasta dough/ravioli was fun, that’s really all we took away from a cooking educational standpoint. The ravioli fillings were already prepared by chef, the starting salad was prepared and served by him (just lettuce and dressing. No glazed carrots/pine nuts as described on the menu), and he made the lava cakes himself as we were eating the raviolis. Maybe I had too high of expectations going into this, but was bummed leaving feeling like I didn’t learn much. Felt more of like a dinner party where you go in and help in the kitchen every once in awhile than an educational experience. I understand chef had a lot on his plate with time frames, making sure everyone was up to speed on their ravs, cleaning up pots/pans/dishes, but he didn’t take the time to explain much at all (what was in the ravs, how he made the lava cake, etc). If you asked a question he’d give a short quick response and move elsewhere. If you’re looking for a fun social event with cooking intermingled, this is a great option. If you’re serious about cooking and want an educational experience, I’d advice looking elsewhere.
Brian
12 Aug 2021
Paco welcomed us into his home and we had an amazing time! He has a beautiful, large, very clean kitchen and the two gnocchi dishes, salad and desert were delicious! Paco was very knowledgeable, a great teacher, and provided all the instructions for a wonderful night. Couldn’t recommend enough for any occasion!!
Dena
02 Aug 2021
This review is a little late. I signed up for Chef Paco's class called, "The Art of Gnocchi" on July 15th with my father, stepmother and aunt. My father and aunt had milestone birthdays approaching that are 4 days apart, so this was a gift. The class was fantastic! Chef Paco was very friendly, professional and helpful with his instructions. He has a wonderful home and had nice music playing while we cooked (70's classic rock, a favorite in my family). And all of the food was fantastic, including the salad and dessert. We all had a great time. I would definitely sign up for another Cozy Meal class. Thank you again, Chef Paco!
Abby
02 Aug 2021
Chef Paco was amazing! The class was very well organized, we learned a ton, and we had a blast! We would absolutely book another class with him.
molly
22 Jul 2021
I went with my mom and my sister and we had an amazing time with Chef Paco. It was the most enjoyable experience we had in Chicago. Chef Paco was very helpful and created such a fun environment for everyone. The food was great and we would definitely book with him again!
jean
30 Jun 2021
Still savoring the fabulous 2 hand made and rolled pasta. He is enthusiastic, organized, prepared and knowledgeable. His home is inviting and warm. I took away a skill that I will use often and intend to take another class from the chef.
Blake
28 Jun 2021
Delicious pasta! We had a blast sharing stories with Chef Paco and learning to make pasta.
Jackie
24 Jun 2021
Chef Paco was fantastic! We had a dinner party for 13 and the food was phenomenal as was the service, presentation and whole experience. All of the guests raved about the food and it was such an effortless night for us as hosts which was a welcome change. I highly recommend Chef Paco and we look forward to having him soon again.
Sara
22 Jun 2021
We had a great time celebrating my mom’s birthday with Chef Paco! The raviolis we made were delicious and we finished off the meal with an amazing lava cake. I would definitely recommend taking a class with Chef Paco!
Hannah
20 Jun 2021
Chef Paco was absolutely fantastic to work with!! My boyfriend and I had a great date night for his birthday, and chef Paco was so great to chat with and learn from! He also provided a variety of options for my dietary restrictions (no dairy, no meat), and the meals were delicious! 100000% recommend him and would love to take another class with him in the future!!
Marcus
15 Jun 2021
This was a great experience, he made accommodations since we were later and I’m highly appreciative of that. It felt like being home and it was great learning experience. Will definitely do this again!!!! Thanks Chef Paco.
Alex
03 Jun 2021
Excellent experience with Chef Paco! Homemade pasta was delicious and extremely fun. Love Chefs kitchen, his energy and everything about it. Can’t wait to come back to try another class with Paco soon!!
Linda
19 May 2021
Had a lovely time and some great pizza. Chef Paco warmly welcomed us into his home and was very clear with his directions. Being a former industrial trainer, I'm pretty picky when it comes to taking classes and this one was fun and very informative.
Melloney
06 May 2021
What an amazing time we had with Chef Paco! We seriously can't stop people how amazing it was. The food was excellent, and even though I was terrible with the dough, Chef Paco made the experience wonderful. 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend. Honestly can't wait to do it again.
ilango
27 Apr 2021
Chef Paco created a phenomenal experience for my wife's birthday back in September with a delightful meal!! We highly recommend Chef Paco for any dining journeys!
Erin
01 Apr 2021
Chef Paco was absolutely amazing! He was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He taught us how to make delicious food while providing a fun environment. The experience was top notch and it was a perfect date night or group activity.
RHONDA
26 Mar 2021
Tonight's experience with Chef Paco was fabulous! His space was very clean and inviting. He was prepared to cook, teach and entertain. The 2 ravioli dishes (spinach and ricotta cheese in a tomato sauce and sausage, mushroom and fennel in a sage butter sauce) were awesome. My cousin and I had a great time and we're looking forward to Chef Paco's next cooking lesson!
Sarah
22 Mar 2021
Paco and his assistant were great! We booked him for my sisters bachelorette party and service was excellent and the food even better, took away a lot of the stress of the evening having them come in with groceries, prepare all of it and clean up after. Would highly recommend!
Olivia
16 Mar 2021
This class was absolutely wonderful! I cannot recommend it enough. The gnocchi was amazing and fun to make. Chef Paco was a blast and very informative. The class environment was more intimate than traditional cooking class settings. I got this class as a gift for my boyfriend Rudy and would 100% recommend!
Patrick
16 Mar 2021
Chef Paco was awesome! He has a very interesting background and it was great learning about this while we were making delicious Neopolitan pizza.
Chef Paco is very safe and took COVID precautions at all times.
I learned a lot about making good pizza and made 2 pizzas for family members a couple of days after that class and we all enjoyed it.
I highly recommend this class.
Megan
13 Mar 2021
Chef Paco was incredible! He was very patient with us and made it super fun. We learned a lot and the food was AMAZING! Everything was prepared ahead of time and very organized and clean. I would highly recommend any class from Chef Paco!
Hannah
04 Mar 2021
Chef Paco was fantastic!! Very personable and easy to get along with. Has a lot of great experience in the food industry and it was very interesting to hear about. Overall, wonderful experience and fabulous food. Everything was delicious - the salad, the gnocchi, the DESSERT. Thank you Chef Paco!
Dalia
02 Mar 2021
Paco was such a delight and so excellen! We will hire again!
Parshva
02 Mar 2021
Chef Paco was fantastic. Everything was neat and easy to follow. He did a great job explaining how to properly round out the dough. You can tell he had tremendous knowledge about the industry and the cuisine. The dessert was great too!
Thomas
02 Mar 2021
Chef Paco is a very outgoing and learned chef, he brings a wealth of experience to the pizza making process and is helpful along the way while keeping the environment fun. Chef Paco had a covid safe environment while making sure that all chefs-in-training had a great time. I would definitely recommend taking this class.
Raylene
20 Feb 2021
Definitely professional. We learned so much! Definitely would highly recommend booking one of his classes. He will answer ALL of your crazy questions! Thanks again, Chef
Debra
20 Feb 2021
Fantastic experience and fantastic food!!!
Christine
15 Feb 2021
Really enjoyed the night - Chef Paco was very welcoming and the fact that the class was in his home made it feel very warm, relaxed, and fun - it was just like making dinner at home with friends but the food was next level!
Jimmy
11 Feb 2021
The Chef not only gave us a great educational experience, but was also respectful of distance and masks, as well as very forthright in answering several of our questions, ranging from course material to other recipes to cookware and kitchen layout. Great conversationalist, the food was good, and area was clean. He even has a driveway to park in!
Would go again!
Jen
09 Feb 2021
We had an absolutely fantastic time with Chef Paco! I would definitely recommend him to all my friends and would completely take another cooking class with him. He was fantastic about all the covid precautions.
Steve
07 Feb 2021
Chef Paco was our first experience with Cozymeal. We could not have asked for a better experience. Very friendly and knowledgeable and made a wonderful dinner presentation for us. We can’t wait to schedule some thing with him again
Christopher
06 Feb 2021
My girlfriend and I attended Chef Paco's The Art of Gnocchi experience and it was wonderful. He was an excellent host. He provided a safe and comfortable experience with social distancing and masks. The instruction was excellent and professional and he has a fun personality. I highly recommend booking with Chef Paco.
Ben
22 Jan 2021
Great teacher, great food, great conversation! Highly recommend Chef Paco - we had a blast!
Jennifer
20 Jan 2021
What a great experience! Chef Paco made it easy to learn a new skill and also enjoy a great meal. It was an enjoyable, relaxing evening. Highly recommend!
William
10 Jan 2021
Great class- Paco was extremely personable and respecting of social distance.
Natalie
08 Jan 2021
Chef Paco exceeded our expectations! Everyone followed social distancing and precautions were taken. Felt very comfortable. Food was amazing, steak cooked perfect. Wanted to lick the shrimp and grits plate! Will definitely hire chef Paco again
James
07 Jan 2021
Paco is an absolutely amazing chef! Not only did we learn how to make authentic gnocchi, we had fun and enjoyed learning about (NAME) past cooking experiences across Italy! Food dishes tasted wonderful and he came prepared & ready to teach us. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun night of Italian cooking. Given the circumstances with COVID, Chef Paco was very professional and wore a mask the entire time, definitely felt safe / clean having him in my kitchen.
Veronika
06 Jan 2021
Gave the pasta making dinner to my boyfriend as a gift...he absolutely loved it...we had a blast!!
Chef Paco is very knowledgeable, hands on, and a great host. The entire meal was absolutely fantastic (especially the pasta in a cream and whiskey sauce).
We will absolutely book Chef Paco again and bring some friends!!
Gabbi
29 Dec 2020
Chef Paco was incredible - service, food, company, and all! I will definitely be contacting him again SOON! Highly recommend to anybody.
Vandana
11 Dec 2020
Chef Paco provided an excellent lesson, kept us as ease, and was very friendly!! We can’t wait to do this again!
Wisdom
10 Dec 2020
Very professional! Beautiful set up to make that experience amazing
Jarret
21 Nov 2020
Great experience, food was delicious! I would highly recommend chef Paco!
Angela
16 Nov 2020
We enjoyed our cooking class with Chef Paco so much! We wore masks while in the kitchen and maintained social distancing - it was all very safe and comfortable despite COVID-19. We really enjoyed learning how to hand make pasta! Would highly recommend taking any class with Chef Paco.
Danielle
25 Oct 2020
Chef Paco and his assistant were absolutely fabulous! They prepared an incredible 5 course meal for our group of 5 for a surprise birthday celebration for my boyfriend. Chef Paco was extremely communicative with me prior to the dinner and gave us affordable wine recommendations that paired well with our courses. He and his assistant brought all of their own cooking ingredients, supplies and utensils. They were very timely between courses and explained each dish in detail. They were kind, professional, accommodating and cleaned up perfectly, leaving the kitchen spotless when we were finished. They even started the dishwasher! Overall, it was a 10/10 experience. We will be suggesting Cozy Meals to friends and family, especially with Chef Paco, and will definitely be booking another dinner experience with him again soon.
Thank you again, Chef Paco!!! :)
Max
01 Oct 2020
Chef Paco was great! We're vegetarian, so he altered the original menu to fit our restrictions and the result was some of the best food we've had in a long time. Also, he was super personable and an excellent teacher, we highly recommend!
Nathan
30 Sep 2020
Chef Paco's cooking class was an overall incredible experience. He is very knowledgeable and guided us to make the best gnocchi we've ever had! He made the trip out to my girlfriend and I, brought all the necessary ingredients, and was extremely personable. We were both thrilled with out smooth and enjoyable the evening was. We will both be recommending Chef Paco to anyone looking for a fun, unique date night experience!
Megan
25 Sep 2020
Everything was wonderful! A truly spectacular experience that we hope to try again.
Terri
20 Sep 2020
Great meal, great service! Chef Paco was super personable in the kitchen before we sat down to the table. Then the food was top notch!
Dara Kristine
29 Aug 2020
Chef Paco was super friendly and knowledgeable. My husband and I have always wanted to learn how to make fresh pasta and he showed us how it was done. The pasta dishes were very delicious. We had a great time learning from Chef Paco. He explained what was going on very clear so we understood what was happening. I also like that we did the class at the privacy of our own home so it was a real hands-on experience. He answered our questions clearly and was very patient with us when we were doing hands-on stuff. We can't wait to take another class with him in the future.
Nat
14 Aug 2020
Chef Paco was fantastic! He was very friendly, and of course the food was delicious. We all wore masks and kept our distance while eating. Would definitely recommend for a date night or fun night with friends!
Kyle
05 Aug 2020
Chef Paco came to our house and prepared an awesome full service experience at a time when we hadn’t been able to go to a restaurant in 5 months. All four courses were delicious but my favorite was the shrimp & grits!
Kayce
11 Jul 2020
Chef Paco was fantastic. We had him over to our home to help celebrate a birthday. Incredibly professional, great conversationalist, and (most importantly) spectacular food! Some of the best sea bass I’ve ever had. And the tiramisu? Perfection. Can’t wait to book another experience with him!
Thomas
11 Mar 2020
Awesome time, well worth it!
Dan
11 Mar 2020
This is an excellent class and you should take it, whether you want a good pizza recipe or simply an enjoyable evening out.
Our class had a small group (four of us) and loose, relaxed vibe, with not so much instruction as to feel like a lecture but enough so you'll know what to do when you want to give it a shot at home. The food was wonderful and the evening was, overall, more than worth the price for us.
Matt
10 Mar 2020
Chef Paco made the trip to our house. Brought everything needed to make the meal. The food was outstanding, the directions were easy to follow. My wife and I had a great experience! We got to learn some new dishes (as well as tried some dishes we probably wouldn't have). He was also very personable which made the whole experience more enjoyable and relaxed. It was just a fun overall experience that will be doing again.
Niko
07 Mar 2020
My girlfriend and I had gone here for an afternoon date. I have some background with cooking but she does not. He personalized the class for both of us where we were able to make gnocchi. We both had a really good time in his 2 hour class. We both learned cooked tips and tricks about cooking overall. He was overall very personable. I would definitely recommend him to others.
Kristen
04 Mar 2020
He’s very nice and the food was great! I gave this as a gift to my boyfriend who was pretty nervous cause he has no idea how to cook. Paco did a good job explaining!
Kim
24 Feb 2020
Chef Paco was fantastic!! He was so much fun to interact with and a great teacher. He made the experience so great that we are all looking forward to doing it again and we will be checking to see what classes he offers first! Would highly highly recommend getting together and taking his class. This was our first experience with cozymeal and Chef Paco exceeded our expectations. Such a blast and the food was AMAZING! Thank you Chef Paco for such a wonderful night for our family!
John
24 Feb 2020
Paco was awesome, very informative and shared a lot of neat experiences around his training, and experience with the Chicago food scene. The food was delicious, and we had a very good time hanging out with other dining guests. Thanks for the awesome night!
Michael
20 Feb 2020
Amazing experience.
Simone
17 Feb 2020
As a first time cozymeal participant, Chef Paco was a very professional and attentive class instructor. He was very open with his teaching methods and made the experience very enjoyable! Loved the spicy Latin fare class!
Christy
11 Feb 2020
Our experience with Chef Paco was fabulous! He kept all 8 of us busy in the kitchen for the first course and then gladly took over once we felt we learned/worked enough:) The ceviche was amazing! The steak, shrimp, potatoes and dessert were delicious as well! Chef Paco was very personable and made us all very comfortable while working side by side with him in the kitchen as well as enjoying the food in the dining room. Would definitely book again in the future!
Luke
10 Feb 2020
This experience was an anniversary present from my girlfriend and the evening could not have been more enjoyable. Paco was great and the food was incredible! The steak and prawns were some of the best we had ever had, and he also made us lava cakes for dessert which were delicious. Would definitely recommend this experience or any of Paco's classes for a group event or as a date night.
Lindsay
09 Feb 2020
We absolutely loved this new experience full of tasty food and good conversation. If you’re looking for a fun different date idea, this is it. Chef Paco made us feel so welcomed and confident in our cooking. We are excited to try another recipe again some time!
PS. The lava cake is to die for.
Ronak
04 Feb 2020
Chef Paco was very welcoming when we started and made the experience enjoyable for all the couples participating. He was helpful throughout and made it one of the most unique experiences I’ve had thus far in the city. Would definitely recommend for a great cooking and dining experience!
Connor
25 Jan 2020
Chef Paco's pizza making class was so fun and tasty! I had purchased it as a gift for my girlfriend and she (and I) loved it! Chef Paco was very prepared and a great teacher during the whole class! We are excited to take his pasta making class next!
Atlee
24 Jan 2020
Nothing short of amazing! Chef Paco was warm, knowledgeable and made us feel right at home. My husband and I took the hand rolled pasta class for his birthday and were able to be so involved in the cooking. I would recommend cooking with chef Paco to EVERYONE! Best date experience we’ve had in quite some time! Thank you to the chef!
Joseph
24 Jan 2020
Chef Paco was amazing! He made cooking pasta from scratch very simple, and the meal ended up being delicious. He was also incredibly generous and made the class fun.
Courtney
23 Jan 2020
We had the absolute BEST time making pasta with Chef Paco. Such an incredible experience and the food was unbelievable. We will definitely be back!!
Georgia
17 Jan 2020
Had such an amazing time with Chef Paco. I was blown away by how inviting he was and how amazing the food was. Chef Paco allowed us to be as hands on as we wanted and guided us through the recipes in an easy and understandable way. Will definitely go again.
Hilary
30 Dec 2019
We loved our Gnocchi class with Chef Paco! Chef was knowledgable about his craft, deftly adapted the class based on the flow of the evening, and made us feel extremely comfortable from start to finish.
He also does a ceviche class that we look forward to booking after this fantastic experience.
Fabio
27 Dec 2019
It was a very nice experience. Paco made this an enjoyable time. I went with my family and we had a great time! The food was awesome.
Thanks!
Emily
21 Dec 2019
Absolutely amazing!!! Everything from the food to the conversation was enjoyable from start to finish. Paco was such a great teacher that we left feeling like we could recreate some of the food on our own!! Definitely booking again.
Vincent
20 Dec 2019
Amazing meal and fantastic experience. Chef Paco made sure we nailed the gnocchi and had an amazing meal
Vincent
20 Dec 2019
Chef Paco did an amazing job walking us through the whole process from step 1 and making sure we understood what we needed to do to replicate the process at home. The two dishes we cooked were fantastic and we had a very fun night. Would definitely recommend
Cheryl
12 Dec 2019
This was a great team building experience! Thank you Chef Paco!
Dionne
09 Dec 2019
This past Saturday (12/7), Chef Paco taught my daughter (who is special needs) how to make Pizza like it's done in Naples, Italy. She HAD A BLAST. The class as well as Chef Paco IS ALL SHE TALKED ABOUT in the car on the way home and ALL DAY on Sunday. Chef Paco is EXCEPTIONAL. He was patient making sure that my daughter was comfortable. And he also made it fun. She make several varieties of pizza in which she got to bring home. He also gave her dough to take home so she can practice kneading the dough and making pizzas. Again Chef Paco is the best and we WILL be soliciting his services in the very very very near future. If I don't, I truly believe my daughter would kill me. That's just how much she enjoyed this experience. And a BIG THANK YOU to Cozymeal for your openness, inclusiveness and accommodation of my daughter and her challenges. It is GREATLY appreciated.
Yazmin
05 Dec 2019
Chef Paco was awesome! He was very personable! My sister and I really enjoyed his ravioli making class, the food was so good! He made it seem so easy, I might just go out and buy a pasta maker!! I highly recommend this cooking class and any other chef Paco cooking class!
Kayla
25 Nov 2019
My ma and I took a gnocchi cooking class with Paco on Saturday! We truly had a great experience. His 70s music, homemade tomato sauce, and creme brûlée was out of this world! Learning to make homemade gnocchi was really fun and something you don’t get to experience on an every basis, unless you’re a chef lol. Highly recommend checking this out and booking a class with Chef Paco.
Linda
23 Nov 2019
Chef Paco was excellent, we felt at home in his kitchen! He is a great teacher and a very experienced chef! The gnocchi we made was delicious and the meal he prepared was divine! Would definitely go back to chef Paco!
Isaac
22 Nov 2019
Chef Paco allowed us to cook a fantastic meal at our own pace. Was extremely personable and made us feel very comfortable in his home. The food ended up being delicious and enjoyable to eat. Would certainly recommend Chef Paco for any sort of cooking event.
Ellee
09 Nov 2019
Made us feel very comfortable in the kitchen!! Meal was delicious and we even got to take home the leftovers! Paco has a very inviting and heartwarming personality. Would recommend him to anyone.
Selima
08 Nov 2019
My husband and I took the pizza making class with Chef Paco. As it turns out, he not only has owned his own restaurants, but spent substantial time in Italy learning the craft of pizza and pasta making. He was wonderfully engaging in conversation and in his instruction techniques. Chef Paco was reassuring and stepped in with hands-on instruction when we needed the extra help in stretching and shaping our dough into a recognizable pizza crusts. He had an abundance of ready made dough and ingredients from which to choose for pizza toppings. We skipped the salad portion of our meal so that we had room for all of our pizzas! We finished off the evening with a creme brulee´ which I toasted the top with his instruction so that I didn't burn anything else. Everything proceeded at a reasonable pace so that neither one of us felt overwhelmed or were searching for what to do next. We enjoyed our experience so much that I've already recommended him to my best friend, and are looking to have him cater a dinner at our home in the near future.
Dillon
05 Nov 2019
Chef Paco was awesome! We took his class gnocchi class, and it was absolutely delicious. He was great with helpful tips in the kitchen as well. We had some beginners in our group, but he made everyone feel comfortable. Once we rolled the gnocchi, he handled the rest of the details and allowed us to sit back and enjoy our meal. I would highly recommend Paco's class to anyone looking for a fun night out and some delicious food!
Omar
25 Oct 2019
Paco was a great instructor. Right away he made us feel at home. We took his gnocchi class with a other couple. It was easy to follow and an amazing outcome. He was patient and a great teacher. He made us feel right at home. I would definitely recommend his class if you want to learn and have some fun!
Hamish
14 Oct 2019
Chef Paco gave us a fantastic and welcoming experience. To start with, he rearranged timings to fit into out tight schedule. When we turned up we were straight into things and soon had our first ravioli ready. He was generous with his skills and experience and gave us a great mix of lessons, conversation and a restaurant-like afternoon. A particular highlight (apart from the two ravioli dishes) was the delicious dessert.
We had a great time with Chef Paco and would recommend him and his class to everyone.
Sadé
08 Oct 2019
Chef Paco was perfect! We felt so comfortable and learned a lot. We would certainly recommend to our friends and intend to return for another class when next we're in town!
Priya
18 Sep 2019
My husband and I weren't sure what to expect as we got a gift card for our wedding. We booked the Latin dinner at Paco's and it was great! Paco's meal was extraordinary. I'm still feeling so full and happy hours later. The ceviche with his homemade salsa was amazing and a dish we will definitely make at home. I loved the delicious steak and chimmichuri sauce and normally never order steak! I was gobbling it up. The shrimp was so buttery and delicious - and he showed us how to flambe! We had just enough room for crepes and those were the perfect end. Honestly one of the best meals I've had in awhile. Paco is a great teacher too - we asked him for tips on cutting a potato and he was happy to show us even though it wasn't in the recipe! We brought just a couple drinks and he even offered us some from his own fridge. A great guy and amazing meal. Highly recommend and would do it again!
Sue
16 Sep 2019
HE WAS AWESOME!! SO WELCOMING AND FUN. WOULD LOVE TO DO ANOTHER ONE SOON
Olivia
11 Sep 2019
Truly a great date night. The food was delicious and you will definetly not leave hungry. Overall a great experience, we were able to actually make our pasta, his kitchen and home was clean and inviting. Definetly can’t wait to book my next class.
Tyler
05 Aug 2019
Chef Paco was exceptional, the food impeccable, and the overall experience phenomenal!
My husband and I decided to take the gnocchi class while visiting Chicago from St. Louis. Just us two signed up so it was just the three of us total for the experience. We came prepared with a white and red wine -- and both went beautifully with the menu. Chef Paco was patient, informative, and overall an outstanding host. We felt like we were over at a friends' house for dinner. His skills in the kitchen are nothing shy of amazing. Don't miss out!
Emily
29 Jul 2019
The food was incredible! We had a great experience with Chef Paco.
Lizzie
23 Jul 2019
Chef Paco did such a great job! I got this for my boyfriends birthday and he loved it, we went to chef Paco's place and he had it very nicely set up with music playing. The food was delicious and it was a great experience that we will remember much more than just going out to dinner. Chef Paco was fun and taught us a lot I would highly suggest this experience!
Brody
21 Jul 2019
Paco was awesome! He was such a pleasure to learn from and so easy to talk to. This was the first cooking class I’ve ever done and I’m definitely going to recommend it to friends. The food was absolutely delicious
Kelly
18 Jul 2019
Fun,informative and delicious! Chef Paco welcomed our party of six which included two teenagers and a newlywed couple, and we all made pasta. Actually made the pasta, not just did a little prep and watched a demonstration. After the pasta was made, we sat down to an amazing dinner. As half our party was returning home to the east coast the next morning, we chatted out way through the meal, missing the opportunity to learn more from Chef Paco who is open, friendly, interesting and accomplished. Deceptively non descriptive from the outside, Chef Paco’s place is modern, comfortable and well appointed inside. Would definitely recommend - and we are likely to return for another experience.
Jeremy
14 Jul 2019
This was an amazing evening out! Chef Paco brought a wealth of knowledge, and we had a blast learning from him. He treated us like royalty, personally preparing and serving a three course, candle-lit meal. He also took pictures for us throughout the night. At the end, he shared from his collection of scotch and we enjoyed his company and learning about his experiences traveling across the city and the world and setting up new restaurants. He was warm, welcoming, and a heck of a chef. I would 1000% recommend!
Florin
29 Jun 2019
Chef Paco was wonderful!! I got the experience for my husband for his birthday, sunce he loves to cook, and we had a blast! Chef Paco was timely, well-prepared, warm, friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and overall terrific. Everything about our experience was fantastic. The food was delicious, the conversation amazing, and the afternoon perfect. All the stars! *******
Sherry
19 Jun 2019
Phenomenal experience! Did this as a surprise birthday for my boyfriend! We both can’t stop talking about the amazing time we had along with the food! Chef Paco was so welcoming, fun, and professional! We felt like family.
Mary
11 Jun 2019
I had a fabulous time with Chef Paco! The food was amazing and he made the techniques seem very simple. I did the cooking class alone and it was excellent. I highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to do something unique or just learn new cooking techniques!!!
Sara
27 Apr 2019
Our dinner was amazing! It was girl’s night out & we were celebrating 2 birthdays. We had a combination of hands on cooking & being waited on!
The Latin spicy food of ceviche, steak with chimichurri, garlic prawns & roasted potato’s was YUM! This will not be are last experience with Chef Paco!
Josh
26 Apr 2019
April 20, 2019
As a self-proclaimed foodie and weekend warrior of the Chicago traffic and nightlife from Michigan, I wanted to experience something unique, fun, memorable, and small sided (romantic) in the Windy City. My date is a vegetarian so my quest to find a cooking class or experience that could cater to her lifestyle posed a challenge until I found Cozymeal and the Ravioli Techniques class with the personable Chef Paco. We arrived promptly for our class and he greeted us with a genuine friendly smile and showed us into his kitchen and well decorated home! The mood lighting was set and the music playlist was on point! After introductions, Chef Paco elaborated on his lustrous career as a chef, his travels, and experiences learned along the way. At this point, my date and I rolled up our sleeves and rolled out our ravioli after making pasta dough with Chef Paco’s expertise guidance while instructing us how to react if the pasta dough is too dry or too wet. We filled our ravioli with different types of mixtures Chef prepared for us ahead of time. After cutting out the ravioli, we sat down at our cozy table to share some moments over candlelight and wine as Chef Paco prepared our meal. The attention to detail could rival any “fancy” Chicago restaurant. Our salad was expertly crafted with the freshest hand-picked ingredients. The ravioli was served with two different types of sauces that were just jam-packed full of flavor, my date even mentioned that she would have “licked the plate clean if we were home!” A melt in your mouth chocolate lava cake was presented for dessert, there is never anything bad to say about chocolate lava cake! The experience moved at a good pace and Chef Paco knew how to keep us entertained while giving us time to live in the moment. The generous host even offered whiskies from his private collection! I would recommend booking with Chef Paco and I know I will myself in the future. The lines of communication was pretty open and response times were quick. This was my first time using the services of Cozymeal and it certainly hit all the marks of what I had in mind for a memorable date night. If you’re a first timer, I recommend Chef Paco! If you’re looking for a new experience, booking Chef Paco would not be a mistake!
Christine
20 Apr 2019
Such a great time! The food was delicious (salad, ravioli, and chocolate lava cakes), and Chef Paco was so much fun. Would recommend and do this again for sure!
Juan
15 Apr 2019
Chef Paco was great. We did the pasta rolled by hand for our anniversary and had a blast! He shared his story and we shared ours while having delicious food. We ateee tons!!! The food was so good! We love cooking and were very happy to try new recipes and new ingredients. Thank you Paco for making our anniversary a night to remember! We look forward to booking another cooking night soon.
Katie
07 Mar 2019
Chef Paco’s class was excellent! We had such an amazing experience that we want to come back to other cooking classes! His place is intimate and very professional. We learned great skills and recipes while also having fun and awesome conversation. The food was amazing and we can’t recommend the class enough. Thank you Chef Paco for an amazing night!
Karen
04 Mar 2019
Was looking for something to do with my husband and came across cozymeal. After trusting the reviews I booked with Paco and the art of gnocchi. We arrived at his home (it’s a locked gate, and you’ll think you’re in the wrong spot, but he will look for you out his window and buzz you in), and he was immediately very warm and welcoming. We learned how to make the most delicious and tender gnocchi. I only wish we were more involved in the preparation and cooking of the the rest of the meal, because the gnocchi making part seemed very quick, but at the same time it was lovely to chat with the other couple there and just sit and enjoy a delicious meal. We will definitely be doing this again!
Aude
03 Mar 2019
Chef Paco’s pasta rolled by hand class was delightful. We were amazed at how well our pasta dishes turned out. Chef Paco is a talented teacher: he was kind and patient and guided us through how to make fresh pasta. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend this class!
Ripal
26 Feb 2019
We had Paco come to our home and make us some delicious gnocchi for Valentines Day. We had such an amazing experience. He was teaching us how to make it and was very knowledgeable when it came to our questions. We are were so happy with the meal and it was incredibly delicious. Hands down, would do this again! Thanks again, Paco!
Colleen
21 Feb 2019
10/10 !! Chef Paco's Pasta Rolled by Hand course was fantastic. We spent the first hour creating the noodles and the rest of the night over eating! Chef served our group a salad, (2) different pasta dishes and homemade tiramisu. He sent us home fat and smiling with enough dough to make a serving at home. I highly recommend this course. Thanks, Chef !
PT
20 Feb 2019
OMG!!!! This class was AMAZING!! Chef Paco did absolutely great! From beginning to end my wife and I were impressed. We did the Pasta Making Class by Hand for my wife’s birthday and it was a treat. Chef Paco’s was welcoming and engaging the entire time. Then the actual meal was over the top delicious!! I would highly recommend Chef Paco!! We are looking to book another class with him!
Carmelle
20 Feb 2019
Had great time. Learned a lot of tips on how to make gnocchi that my boyfriend and I will definitely be using in the future. Thank you for having us in your home and being generous with your time and expertise.
Sara
19 Feb 2019
Excellent! We had a great time and will be taking another class with Paco soon. Thanks a million!
Jordan
19 Feb 2019
I did this for a Valentine's Day present and it could not have gone better! Not only is Paco an incredible chef with a wealth of knowledge, he was awesome to work with and as patient as one can be. I will definitely be doing this again and would absolutely recommend Paco.
Emily
19 Feb 2019
Second experience with Paco was great as well! Pasta menu was delicious.
Chris
15 Feb 2019
Paco is absolutely awesome. His place is extremely clean and well kept, and he's very welcoming from the moment you meet. Paco has a ton of cooking experience under his belt, and we were fortunate enough to be cooking Italian cuisine, which I learned is his favorite kind of food to prepare.
The meals we cooked were delicious, and Paco topped it off with homemade tiramisu. I'd highly recommend a night with Paco, and we will absolutely be contacting him for another night of cooking.
Jake
11 Feb 2019
Great Experience! Delicious meal.
Emily
04 Feb 2019
We had a wonderful experience with Paco! He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of cooking & he is an equally great instructor! We were very impressed by his preparedness & enthusiasm throughout the night. Never a dull moment! We are attending a future session with Paco due to the enjoyable food, atmosphere & overall experience.
Patrick
03 Feb 2019
Incredible experience. Paco has tons of experience cooking, teaching, and hosting and it certainly shows. His home was laid out great, and when we showed up all of the ingredients were set out and prepared ahead of time so that all we had to worry about was making the gnocchi! Paco walked us through every step of the process and even went as far to present the dishes in a restaurant quality fashion. Hint to guests: don’t be shy to BYOB and enjoy yourselves, the conversation is great!
Zak
21 Jan 2019
A wonderful time learning Italian and Mexican cuisine is what you'll find when you take a class with Chef Paco! His background in the kitchen over the years in some of Chicago's premiere venues is evident through the ease at which he remains when cooking. He educates you with fundamental cooking skills needed in order to be a star in the kitchen while he also manages to incorporate examples of his time cooking as a professional chef. A delicious braised lamb, tagliatelle pasta from scratch, grilled chicken tacos, roasted salsa, along with zabaglione with raspberry couli was what we enjoyed learning how to make, as well as eat! A winning combination for a great evening with amazing food!
