I’m Shankari Arcot.
My love for eating and reminiscing about food started very young. I come from a large extended family. Every celebration was a reason for a lot of cooking, feasting, and talking about food. Breakfast involved discussions about the lunch menu, and lunch involved asking what was for tea and dinner at night. Yes, we were food obsessed! It’s no wonder I have such a deep love for the artistry of preparing food.
My earliest memories are of waking to the sounds of the kettle and my mother tapping the lid of the coffee filter. The ting ting of that stainless steel lid was our wake up call for strong, fresh coffee made café au lait style.
I truly missed Amma’s cooking when I left home. Takeout never compensated, and I often called home asking for specific recipes. I tried to replicate dishes from memory and bugged my sister at work (or so she says) for recipes and our mother’s methods of preparing certain foods. Reverse engineering restaurant meals shared with friends was another step in developing my lifelong passion for cooking.
My proudest moment was winning the Iron Chef competition at the California State Fair.
Since 2006, I have been sharing my love for cooking with students in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. I have taught many classes at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op and Whole Foods. Additionally, I give guest lectures to the culinary students at The American River College each semester. In 2020, I opened my virtual cooking school. This allows me to connect with students much farther from my home. It is a silver lining in these complicated times.
I offer engaging cooking classes for all age groups. This includes adults, teens, and children. There is a variety of options to suit different interests and needs. From corporate team-building sessions, diversity-inclusive classes celebrating global cuisines, to Girl Scout badge workshops, there’s an option for everyone. Additionally, we offer book club-inspired classes, birthday party experiences, and homeschooling lessons. Each class is fully customizable. You can tailor recipes and formats to your specific preferences. Adjustments can also be made for dietary restrictions or unique goals. You are looking for hands-on learning. Perhaps you want a fun group activity or a memorable family experience. My classes are designed to inspire and delight. Have questions, suggestions for dishes you’d love to explore, or want to register? Send me an email—let’s get cooking!
Food offers us a way to safely travel through the heart of different countries. I invite you join me on this culinary journey.