COOKING CLASSES

At Convivium, our cooking classes are the tools that turn curiosity into confidence. Whether you’re exploring new techniques, learning to cook on a budget or just looking for a fun night out, our classes are designed to inspire creativity, self-sufficiency, and connection through food. We also offer free food-centered Lunch & Learn presentations on the first Wednesdays of each month. All levels are welcome!

  • SLIDING SCALE

    The sliding scale system allows for classes to be obtained at multiple price points, based on the circumstances of the participant. It allows folks who may otherwise be priced out of something to have the chance to take part in it.

    How it works

    When completing your registration, please self-select from the following three payment levels:

    Contributor: The contributor level is a pay-what-you-can option that allows participants wha tthey can afford. This might mean paying significantly more than the class ticket price to help support our mission or it could mean paying a minimal fee if that is what you can afford. Please note, there is a $5 minimum required by Eventbrite, our ticketing platform.

    Supporter: The supporter level is the normal ticket price of this class. It covers all the supplies and materials needed, as well as the instructor fee.

    Sustainer: The sustainer level is a buy-one, give-one model that covers the complete cost of your class plus a small donation that helps supplement the cost of a Contributor level participant. By choosing this level, you are ensuring we can continue to offer this class in a way that is accessible and affordable to all– thank you for your generosity.

CLASS SIGN UP

Convivium is a nonprofit committed to improving life through food. To make our educational programs accessible to all, most of our public classes are offered on a sliding scale pricing model. This means you can choose the level that best fits your circumstances — Contributor, Supporter, or Sustainer.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

LESLIE SHALABI

Leslie Shalabi is co-founder of Convivium Urban Farmstead, a Dubuque-based non-profit organization based on the idea of creating community around food. A life-long lover of food and entertaining, Leslie left corporate life as a PR executive in 2017 to start Convivium Urban Farmstead. She has dedicated her life to helping people find ways to connect through the universal languages of food and hospitality.

CENA SHARP

Cena is a talented chef and a true force of nature. Whether she’s leading one of her many cooking classes, processing harvests in the training kitchen, or gearing up for her next Lunch and Learn, Cena brings energy, enthusiasm and a passion for sharing everything she knows about food.

She began her culinary career at the age of sixteen and went on to serve as executive chef in two kitchens. Along the way, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in history—a field she loves to intertwine with food in her engaging Lunch and Learn presentations.

Cena is an avid traveler, having explored Italy, Greece, France, and many parts of the U.S. Her travels continually inspire her creativity and deepen her appreciation for global cuisine. When she’s not at Convivium, Cena enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their four children: Dominic, Fiona, Evolette, and Sylvia.

*Culinary Resource Director position funded in part by a grant from the DRA.