Back to school
Not one to shy away from new things, I decided to try my hand at self-improvement while taking advantage of some of the unique learning opportunities available right here in NoMad and some of its surrounding blocks. I took classes in four different subjects at four different “schools,” and while the experience wasn’t without its challenges, it was also incredibly rewarding. This is what I learned:
Liquid Lab NYC
Headquartered in NoMad, Liquid Lab offers mixology classes all over the city. I was lucky enough to get a coveted spot in a sold-out class in Williamsburg the week before Thanksgiving where I learned some cocktail basics and had the chance to perfect four distinct drinks.
Parker Boase, one of Liquid Lab’s co-founders and a man who truly feels passionate about craft cocktails, got things started by sharing a few tips and tricks with the class. We then segued into an overview of the unique ingredients — apple butter, chai concentrate, and pumpkin spice — that were on the evening’s cocktail menu. My fellow “classmates” were a mix of friends celebrating special occasions and young couples looking for an out-of-the-box date night experience.
After a mid-class pizza break, we were divided into teams for a cocktail making competition. I was a bit nervous, despite having a few years of bartending experience under my belt, but the class did such a lovely job of educating everyone that before long we were whipping up a fun, experimental, and delicious craft recipe. I highly recommend the experience; it was the perfect Friday night activity. Liquid Lab offers a unique menu of services and events, including cocktail catering, private, public, and virtual mixology classes, as well as consulting and menu design. Find all of their classes on their website.
Sign Language Center
I signed up to learn the basics of American Sign Language at the Sign Language Center on East 30th Street and I now consider myself one of the center’s biggest fans. In addition to teaching ASL, my classes covered the history of the language and general communication etiquette in the Deaf community. Each class is rooted in immersion — forcing students out of their comfort zone and into the language. Instructors are knowledgeable members of the Deaf community and classes are offered both in-person — my preference — and online. I really enjoyed the added social aspect of being in a classroom, interacting with the instructor and other students, and found the environment to be welcoming and supportive.
Located on 30th and Madison Avenue, the school offers a wide range of class times, private sessions, workshops, and events. Not to mention, these are some of the most affordable language classes available in the city. The center’s goal is to teach, motivate, and empower students in ASL and Deaf culture. Try your hand (pun intended) at this beautiful language by signing up for a class on the website.
Eataly
Though technically less of a school and more of an experience, Eataly welcomed me to a recent Truffle dinner featuring a five-course meal and book presentation. I sat with nine strangers at a long private table in the back of Eataly’s Bar Milano where we were given a crash course in all things truffle by Urbani Truffles. Representatives from Urbani, a name that is synonymous with the history and culture of this flavorful delicacy, did an excellent job of explaining the background of truffle hunting, why they use pigs instead of dogs, where truffles grow, and the difference between white and black truffles. As “class” progressed, the table filled with a variety of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. The menu showcased both black and white truffles — some freshly shaved on top of short ribs or vanilla ice cream, for example, others integrated within the core of a recipe.
The evening demystified the complex truffle world, breaking it down for all of us newbies — before the night ended, we were all experts. As we continued to ask questions, Marco Gallotta, the cover art artist for “Truffle 101,” Urbani Truffles’s newest book, made an abstract collage as the meal was underway. Eataly holds an array of culinary classes, including pizza- and pasta-making, wine tasting, and an array of special interactive dinners. Find upcoming events on the website.
New York Sewing Center
Since being able to artfully hem my own pants seemed like a worthy goal, I decided to fortify my sewing skills with the New York Sewing Center’s Basics of the Sewing Machine class. Located on West 38th Street, in the heart of the neighboring garment district, the center’s hands-on approach to learning ushered me through the construction of a denim tote bag in just under two hours. This is an ideal class for absolute beginners and people — like me — who have sewn in the past but are in desperate need of a refresher course. We walked through how to use a sewing machine, learned basic sewing terminology, and tried our hand at some common types of hand stitches and seam finishes.
This entry level experience is available in a variety of time slots, including weekday, evening, and weekend options. So whether it’s to try out a new hobby, launch a career as a designer, or learn enough to hem your own pants — this class is a great place to start and the perfect foundation for advancing into some of the center’s multi-week courses. Studio rental time is also available and a convenient option for those who don’t own their own machine. I couldn’t be happier with my denim tote as I move about the city. Secure a spot on the website and happy sewing!
You’re never too old — or too young! — to learn something new. Wherever you live, work, or play, why not take advantage of some of these unique and enriching experiences. I’m already on the lookout for my next learning adventure.