Cooking for a good cause -- and good food today

When the Denver Housing Authority opened a new facility last year at 11th and Osage, it included the Osage Cafe, a culinary training kitchen and restaurant. Not only is this a place for the community to eat, but it's also a place where kids from that community can train for...

By Loren Lorenzo

January 21, 2014

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When the Denver Housing Authority opened a new facility last year at 11th and Osage, it included the Osage Cafe, a culinary training kitchen and restaurant. Not only is this a place for the community to eat, but it's also a place where kids from that community can train for careers in the food industry -- with all proceeds reinvested in operations and youth training. Starting today, the Osage Cafe will host chefs from Steuben's and Ace who are coming in to create lunch specials and work with the culinary students every third Thursday of the month. And from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, you can benefit from this unique collaboration by enjoying a Steuben's-style green chile cheeseburger at the Osage Cafe. See also: Best Green Chile Cheeseburger -- Steuben's

The Expo Recreation Center in Aurora is offering another way to get involved with the community through food -- at a variety of cooking classes. Expo's Kitchen on the Green is equipped with three cooking stations with gas stoves and convection ovens, two large islands, as well as stainless-steel counter tops and appliances, and professionals come in to teach each class. The session from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight with chef/instructor Gigia Kolouch focuses on French comfort food, including chicken Armagnac and Provencal soup. Tuition runs from $46 to $60 (for non-residents); if you have an account with the Aurora Recreation Center, you can register for the class online. Or call the center at 303-326-8650.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to [email protected].

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