Mise En Place Cooking School Celebrates 20 Years of Culinary Excellence with a Global Flavor Journey
Mise En Place, the beloved culinary destination nestled in downtown Richmond, is marking a remarkable milestone – two decades of culinary creativity, learning, and community engagement. Founded in 2004 by chef Christine Wansleben, Mise En Place has been the go-to place for those seeking a unique culinary experience. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, they're embarking on an exciting culinary adventure - the Cocktails & Canapes World Tour Series. Let's delve into the journey of Mise En Place, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a culinary hub, and explore the exciting offerings of its anniversary celebration.
Christine Wansleben's journey toward establishing Mise En Place was one fueled by passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the culinary arts. Reflecting on her early days in Richmond, Christine reminisces about her time working with Tuffy Stone and her experiences at A Sharper Palate and Complete Gourmet. It was during these formative years that the seeds of Mise En Place were planted.
With a vision to create a culinary haven where people could not only learn but also connect and explore the world of food, Christine, along with her friend Val, set out to bring their dream to life. Despite initial challenges and setbacks, including financing hurdles and location scouting, Christine's determination remained unwavering. With the support of her landlord and the Richmond community's warm embrace, Mise En Place found its home, and the journey began.
From its inception, Mise En Place wasn't just a cooking school; it was a place where culinary enthusiasts could immerse themselves in a world of flavors, techniques, and culture. What started as a venue for public cooking classes quickly expanded to include corporate team-building events and private gatherings. Christine's background in Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City infused Mise En Place with a commitment to excellence and a passion for culinary education.
Throughout the years, Mise En Place became more than just a cooking school; it became a cornerstone of the Richmond culinary scene, fostering connections between chefs, farmers, purveyors, and food lovers alike. Christine's dedication to community engagement, as demonstrated through her involvement in fundraisers and events like Fire, Flour & Fork, has been instrumental in Mise En Place's success.
As Mise En Place celebrates its 20th anniversary, it's not just a time for reflection but also celebration and innovation. The Cocktails & Canapes World Tour Series epitomizes Mise En Place's spirit of adventure and culinary exploration. Partnering with Beth Dixon of Salt & Acid Bartending Services, Mise En Place invites participants on a journey across the globe, starting with the flavors of France and venturing into the culinary landscapes of Japan and Sweden.
Each class in the series offers a unique blend of cocktail craftsmanship and culinary artistry, with specialty drinks paired perfectly with delectable canapes curated by Christine herself. From classic French cocktails like the Hugo Spritz and Sidecar to the intricate flavors of Japanese cuisine, participants are in for a gastronomic delight.
For more information and a list of upcoming classes, visit miseenplacerva.com and follow their Instagram account @miseenplacerva.