Ask New York

I Need a Crash Course in Fine Dining

My girlfriend’s into fancy dining: caviar, fine wines, that sort of thing. I’m more of a pizza guy. Where can I learn to keep up with her?

By Aaron Rasmussen

(Photo: Marcellus Hall)

Q: My girlfriend’s into fancy dining: caviar, fine wines, that sort of thing. I’m more of a pizza guy. Where can I learn to keep up with her?

A: There are plenty of classes around town that—although they may not immediately raise you to your girlfriend’s lofty epicurean level—can at least help you fake it. Petrossian Restaurant, for instance, offers workshops where you can sip champagne and taste generous portions of caviar from Sevruga to Osetra as an expert explains what makes each unique ($150; call 212-765-6641 for info).

To get wine-savvy, check out the newly opened Morrells Restaurant’s free wine-tasting courses (5:30–7 p.m. Mondays; 900 Broadway, near 20th Street; 212-253-0900 or morrellsrestaurant.com). Offerings change weekly, so you can return and sample everything from Chardonnay to Shiraz while learning about legs, color, and how geography affects flavor. When you feel ready to “graduate” from the classes, impress your lady at Morrells’ $90, five-glass, five-course wine-pairing and -tasting dinner. Once you’ve told her why that Sauternes goes so well with the foie gras, your fast-food life will be a distant memory.

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