The Local Epicurean - East Lansing

The Local Epicurean in East Lansing is built around what it calls made-together dining. You book a date and pick a menu, then cook a multi-course meal with an instructor and sit down to eat it. Bookings go through the shop by phone. The space also has a market of pastas, wines and cheeses, plus a bar. Come early and you can shop or have a cocktail before you cook.

Groups and teams are the main focus. Corporate events start at eight people. The Three Course Dinner Bonding lets you choose from more than a dozen menus, with options from vegan and gluten free to duck, lamb and lobster. The Mystery Basket Challenge has teams building a tiramisu or British trifle from a crate of ingredients. Food for Thought has them making their own risotto from a table of seasonal vegetables, cheese, chicken and shrimp.

You can order beer, wine and cocktails during class. Outside alcohol isn't allowed. There's a large parking lot on site.