Fire up the stove and the romance

Fire up the stove and the romance. Chef John Cirillo with wife and business partner Margit show couples how to introduce cooking into their lives during their regular Friday classes at Cirillo's Culinary Academy on Dundas Street West in Etobicoke. Staff photo/CARRIE DUNCAN

According to owner of Cirillo's Culinary Academy, John Cirillo couples' cooking classes have become the new "date night" for pairs of various skills and age ranges.

"They're very popular," said Cirillo on Friday where the evening session of 12 couples was already sold out.

Couples get to spend the evening with other like-minded individuals as they prepare the dinner that they get to share later.

A glass of wine completes the romantic night out.

People are more adventurous in classes than they would be at home, Cirillo said, noting that ethnic food classes for couples like Thai or Mediterranean have proven especially popular. Other classes that involve technique such as shellfish or fish also sell out quickly.

"People are intimidated by fish and shellfish," said Cirillo. "They get to learn something new while they're here."

Couples are learning more than just knife skills at Cirillo's though. They're learning how to take the heat in the kitchen and share the responsibilities.

"If one usually does the chopping at home, I try to get them to reverse the roles," said Cirillo. "They work very close, side by side, and I usually get them to do the prep work (getting all the ingredients ready) first so they can both cook together."

Newlyweds, busy corporate couples and retirees attend the busy classes. Often the reaction is the same. "I see it when they're here," said Cirillo. "It spices things up, they look at each other and say 'We should do this more often.'"

Designating a specific night to cook together makes it more enjoyable, advised Cirillo. He recommends a weekend where both parties are less likely to have other commitments.

"When you're running the kids to hockey, it's not fun," he said. "The stress comes when it becomes a chore."

Instead, he suggests picking a theme, or a recipe from a cookbook and taking up a new challenge.

"It's just about making the effort and making it fun," he said. "Try to work together and enjoy each other's company. Make sure there's no interruptions."

Choosing a new type of cuisine to make at home can expand the home cook's repertoire while adding a sense of adventure. Of course, a little alcohol can help to make it a more relaxing atmosphere. "I always encourage a little wine while cooking," said Cirillo with a smile.

Cirillo knows what it's like to work side by side with his significant other. His wife Margit helps him run the cooking academy.

Couples who pass on cooking together are missing out, said Cirillo. He and Margit try to make Sunday a day for cooking together, or with their three teenage daughters.

Margit who did most of the home cooking when the kids were younger "nothing fancy, but the kids liked it," said that she likes to put her feet up when her husband is home to cook for a change.

But more importantly seeing them cook together has inspired their daughters to try their hand at cooking. "My youngest made a sauce the other day and it was just wonderful," beamed Margit.

Cirillo spent 25 years in the culinary industry, most recently as executive chef at the Hilton Toronto before opening the academy a year ago in Etobicoke.