A new cooking experience arrives in Centre County this week. Here’s where to find it

Grown-ups of Centre County, there’s never been a better time to experiment with a more youthful look.

Taste Buds Kitchen won’t officially open the doors at 331 Benner Pike until Friday, but the new culinary event center’s adult classes are already booked solid through the next month. There’s still a few spaces available in the kids groups, though.

The news bodes well for co-owners Susan McWhirter and Lucy Alvarez, who brought another link in the TBK chain to State College after they were having trouble finding cooking lessons for their own children. Now they have access to a catalog of 250 recipes they can teach to individuals, families and businesses looking to foster camaraderie among the ranks (or maybe just lunch).

“What we loved immediately is that they (TBK) include something for everyone,” McWhirter said.

Outside of the usual classes and workshops — the schedule is available to view at tastebudskitchen.com/statecollege — TBK also services private lessons and events.

They’ve already booked their first children’s birthday party, where the guest of honor and her friends will busy themselves making sun tea and strawberry shortbread.

“It’s very hands-on. That’s what makes it fun for the kids,” Alvarez said.

On Saturday from 3-6 p.m., TBK will host an open house with activities directed toward families and anyone else interested in learning more about what they do.

Beyond that, McWhirter and Alvarez are working on establishing a mobile kitchen that could travel to different venues upon request. They are also interested in exploring the possibility of establishing student programming at some of the local school districts.

“I always stress to everybody this is all about fun,” Alvarez said.

This story was originally published February 19, 2018 at 10:27 AM with the headline "A new cooking experience arrives in Centre County this week. Here’s where to find it."