Tina's Cocina
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 “A School dedicated to The Wisdom of the Hearth, the Heritage Cuisine of Old Yuma, Healthy Recipes, the Art of Presentation, and the Well Kept Secrets of the finest Chefs in the Southwest.”

Tina Clark, Yuma's historian and archaeologist is passionate about historic preservation and good food. In her kitchen, Tina's Cocina, she combines these interests and gives those interested in the cuisine of Yuma a place to learn. The historic kitchen is a restored hacienda style kitchen complete with the original cast-iron stove, the original dishes, colorful tiles and sturdy chairs. Tina's goal is to capture the warmth found in the kitchens of old Yuma and spread it around in classes featuring heritage and gourmet cuisine.    
 
In addition, local chefs and wine experts will offer classes on their specialties. The school will provide simple, flexible and fun instruction on the fine art of cuisine. Everyone is welcome whether a gourmet or just someone who enjoys learning and eating good food. Tina's Cocina is available for private parties, couples classes and in-kitchen dinner parties and other occasions..

To open this 2008 class season Tina has partnered with Scott Mustard—Italian Chef Extraordinaire and Alena Vaughn, Pastry Chef from the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach.  Scott comes from a long line of great Italian cooks and was a collaborating chef at Gavi Restaurant in Tucson.  He is currently the head bartender at the Hunter in Yuma and is an expert in pairing wines and beverages with the food.

Each cooking class is $40 and includes recipes, complimentary wine, and of course a great meal that will sample each dish prepared in class.  The class atmosphere is informal so you will have time to make new friends, ask questions, and share your own culinary history “around the kitchen table”.  So join us for a variety of classes that will inspire you to slow down and enjoy the process of creating a sumptuous meal. 

All proceeds from classes will go toward the restoration of Old St. Paul’s stained glass windows and other renovation projects.

School Policies

Minimum class size is 10.  Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.  Sorry, no refunds.  Let us know 48 hours in advance if you are unable to attend and we will be happy to apply this fee to another class.   Tina’s Cocina may substitute instructors and menu items as necessary. 

How to Register

You can register using a Visa or Master Card by calling (928) 783-3530.  If you would like to pay with a check, please call and let us know, mail the check and make it out to “St. Paul’s Cultural Center” with a note on the date of the class, your name and telephone number, and you will be officially registered when the check arrives.  Or you can communicate with us by e-mail.

To register call (928) 783-3530
  For our calendar of classes, click here.     For some of our recipes, click here.

Have a look at some of the fun we have in our classes and in-kitchen dinner parties. Please click on photos to enlarge.