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If you're in the DMV, chances are you moved here out of a love for history, a desire to be part of the government, engage with the current administration, join associations, experience international influence, practice law. Or perhaps you grew up here and find it intriguing that the cult of personality for the entire nation is mere miles away.


Whatever keeps you here, there's something about this city that calls you to be part of its history. Everyday, as you navigate this small square, you inevitably encounter a monument or plaque honoring someone who left their mark.


Our First Ladies epitomized the phrase "behind every great man is a great woman." These powerhouse influencers entertained, improved, contributed, and counseled their President husbands, simultaneously leading trends in fashion, food, and education.


In our cooking class, you'll hear stories from Andrew Och, an expert on First Ladies' history. His narratives will keep you on the edge of your seat, in awe, or laughing hysterically. Many of these historical figures were like modern women of the day, albeit with more restrictions and, consequently, more rules to break. Regardless, they were partners in leadership from the beginning.


Join us at Cookology on Sundays for a hands-on cooking class and mixology lesson. Our chef instructor will guide you through recreating the food and drinks the First Ladies were known for, while the First Ladies' Man recounts their fantastic, historic, and sometimes tragic lives in the White House.


ALLERGIES: Substitutions for food allergies and restrictions are available. Please specify your allergy or restriction during the online registration process. Non-alcoholic drinks, wine, and beer are available for an additional price. Adults and kids are welcome, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Upcoming Classes

Private Events

Team Building

Kids' Culinary

MCAI

First Ladies' Fine Dining Cooking Classes

Sunday March 24,2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Martha Washington 


No better time or First Lady to start off our “Cooking with the First Ladies Man” series than with Martha Washington. Our United States First Ladies are such a crucial part of the formation, development and success of America.


It’s not a stretch or an exaggeration to say that if General George Washington had married anyone but Martha Dandridge Custis, America would have never happened and the modern world as we know it would be a much different place.


Learn about her life before, during and after she was First Lady and the REVOLUTIONARY dishes and cooking styles she served and used to help her husband and his compatriots host the events that would win the war and create America. 


Menu: 

• Mixology - Cherry Bounce 

• Chicken Pye (Chicken stacked in puff pastry) 

• Great Cake 


REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Martha Washington


Sunday May 19, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Jacqueline Kennedy 


Jacqueline Kenndy was one of the most intelligent and elegant First ladies of all time. This carried over into her entertaining and her cooking. No one knew the right dish to serve at the right occasion like Jackie.


Come cook and learn about this incredibly influential First Lady and some of the recipes which contributed to her success as a hostess and becoming one of our most popular and researched First Ladies. 


Menu: 

• Mixology- The Clint 

• Boula-Boula 

• Poulet a l'estragon (Chicken Tarragon) 

• Souffle Froid du Chocolat 

REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Jacqueline Kennedy



Sunday June 23, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Mamie Eisenhower 


Mamie Eisenhower’s mother told her, as a young girl, “If you don’t like to cook…don’t learn to cook!” She wasn’t fond of cooking and took her mother’s advice. That’s why the only two things Mamie knew how to make were fudge and mayonnaise. However, Mamie Eisenhower loved to entertain almost as much as she loved clothes. She had one of the busiest social calendars and largest wardrobes of any First Lady I studied…and, I’ve studied them all. Her famous “Million Dollar Fudge” was the perfect dessert for any and every party she hosted. Not only did she throw magnificent parties, dinners and events as First Lady at the White House but she also enjoyed hosting parties on every military base that was their home for so many years as a military wife. Learn about and prepare some of Mrs. Eisenhower’s favorites in this class. 


Menu: 

• Mixology- Old Fashioned 

• Beef Stroganoff 

• Handmade Pasta & Sauce 

• Million Dollar Fudge 


REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Mamie Eisenhower


Sunday July 14, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Mary Lincoln 


Mary Lincoln once wrote that Abraham Lincoln wasn’t the best looking guy in town, but he’s the one who will be President someday. She had her eyes set on the White House from a young age being raised by her politically active father in Lexington, KY. Once married, she designed the entire first floor of their Springfield, IL home to cater to entertaining and campaigning for political office. Come out and learn more about this intriguing First Lady and the dishes she served to help him become President of the United States. 


Menu: 

• Scalloped Oysters 

• Fricassee Chicken 

• French Almond Cake 

REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Mary Lincoln


Sunday August 11, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Contemporaries 21st Century 


The role of First Lady has certainly changed and developed over the years. No one knows this more than our most recent First Ladies of the 20th and 21st Centuries. However, one thing has remained constant…ENTERTAINING!! The success of a State Dinner or any number of other celebrations or events could be the difference in passing an important bill or keeping a diplomatic relationship in good standing. These First Ladies do so much more than entertain or serve a meal when they host these events. Come and enjoy a modern day history lesson over a beautiful meal made up of modern day First Lady favorites. 


Menu: 

• Melania Trump- Welcome Drink: Diet Coke w/ or without Whiskey (AKA Trump 45) • Michelle Obama- White Bean Salad 

• Laura Bush- Spicy Cheese Grits w/ Shrimp 

• Jill Biden- Chicken Parmesan 

REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Contemporaries 21st Century


Sunday September 15, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Contemporaries 20th Century 


What do Lou Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt and Bess Truman have in common? They represent nearly 25 years of consecutive administrations and being a part of one of the most unique sororities in the world…FIRST LADIES! Learn and experience how each entertained and hosted dinners and events in the White House from 1929 to 1953. Some of the styles and even china patterns were the same or similar, while the meals served were quite different. In each case, each woman made the White House their home and put quite a bit of each of their individual personalities into everything they did while they lived there. 


Menu: 

Lou Hoover- Mixology - Stiff Martini- “Due to her precarious social position”` Lou Hoover - Original Girl Scout Sugar Cookies 

Eleanor Roosevelt - Baked Indian Pudding 

Bess Truman - White House Brownies 


REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Contemporaries 20th Century


Sunday November 24, 2024 4-6pm 

First Ladies Fine Dining: Inauguration 


Calling all locals!! Dolley Madison, Edith Wilson and Rosalynn Carter all come from different eras, decades and even centuries. However, that’s no reason not to cobble together the perfect meal from some of their favorite dishes and recipes. Come and learn how these three First Ladies used their menus and local Maryland, DC and Virginia recipes to show the country and the rest of the world how we do things here in our capital kitchens. Comparing and contrasting the First Ladies through food and the events they hosted is a remarkable way to learn about the life and times of these incredibly influential women before, during and after their time in the White House as First Ladies.


Menu: 

• Local Wine - Thibaut-Janisson Brut de Chardonnay from the 

Monticello AVA near Charlottesville. 

• Rosalynn Carter - Maryland Crab cakes with Horseradish Sriracha • Edith Wilson - Virginia Skillet Cornbread 

• Dolly Madison - Williamsburg Pound Cake 

REGISTER: Cookology at Ballston Quarter - First Ladies Fine Dining: Inauguration


Upcoming Classes

Private Events

Team Building

Kids' Culinary

MCAI

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Cookology | 703.433.1909 | Ballston Quarter 4238 Wilson Blvd. #3110 Arlington, VA 22203 | Email