Here’s a must on your Seattle to-do list: a cooking class at Dish It Up!—a cooking school-cum-kitchen store in the Magnolia Village neighborhood. “Classes here are much like a chef’s table,” says owner Andrea Reith. Local foodie celebrities take the helm most weeknights to teach subjects ranging from Heavenly Truffles to a Holiday Dinner Party. This season, author
A.J. Rathbun’s Holiday Cheer class pairs libations and party fare, serving them up with a twist.

A.J., shown above, is a mixology and entertaining expert. His book Good Spirits won a 2008 International Association of Culinary Professionals cookbook award, and he has authored the just-released Luscious Liqueurs and Party Snacks. A site editor for the kitchen and home divisions of Amazon.com, A.J. has a résumé that includes rock band roadie, poet, and, naturally, bartender.

Text: Stephen Exel
Photograph: Michael Skott 

Drink and appetizer recipes begin here.