When Natek came to us looking for a solution that would bring their sales staff and their best clients closer, we split them into two groups, then gave them a basket of food, basic pantry items, a professional, trained chef and 90 minutes to transform three “mystery” ingredients into a gourmet meal.
The staff got to work right away on the Mystery Basket Challenge. The teams quickly delegated tasks, and divided their staff into groups to prepare each course. Not only did they learn how to make three great new dishes, they also learned about each other: their cultures, upbringing, eating and cooking habits, likes and dislikes of textures and flavors, attitudes towards cooking, even their favorite restaurants and kinds of wine.
Teams showed a sense of pride as they described their dish to our judges and their fellow competitors. One person explained that their Indian heritage was the inspiration for the rice dish created with cinnamon and cardamom, as well as the orange glazed beef and asparagus with goat cheese. On the other team two coworkers realized they had both traveled extensively through France over the last year, which inspired them to make beef bourguignon and a dessert stacked with soaked lady fingers, whipped cream, strawberries and kiwi.
The Cookology team had a hard time choosing the winner, and to protect the losing team we won’t tell you who won, let’s just say it was magnifique! But truly all were winners that night in the glow of new friendships and great food.
The cost of this experience was $70 per person and included food, instruction and a glass of wine.
About our Mystery Basket Competitions: Hands-on cooking, prices start at $70 per person, 45-person maximum. Our most popular team building class. In this Iron Chef-style event you’ll choose your main ingredient, then we provide a seasonal vegetable and chocolate as the ingredients on which your team will build a gourmet meal. Under the direction of our professional chefs, groups prepare a delicious three-course dining experience.
Download our Corporate Culinary Program Menu
