Oaxacan Tamale Experience
Oaxaca cooks with corn, and this night is a corn class from end to end. You mix masa by hand and learn hydration the way it is actually taught, by feel, then let it rest while the rest of the meal comes together around it.
You wrap your tamales flat in banana leaf, which is how Oaxaca does it, and load the steamers yourself. The leaf is not packaging. It perfumes the masa while it steams in a way a corn husk cannot, and everyone opens theirs at the table at once, over the plate, with the leaf left down as the liner.
While the masa rests and then steams, you cure a curtido in salt and build a sopa de tortilla: a tomato caldo from scratch, with tortilla strips you fry yourself, avocado, and queso. The same corn shows up twice, soft and steamed in the tamale, crisp and fried in the soup.
Then everyone sits down and eats it together.
On the menu
- Tamales in Banana Leaf, Oaxacan style: fresh masa mixed by hand, filled with pollo con salsa roja, wrapped flat in banana leaf and steamed
- Sopa de Tortilla: a tomato caldo built from scratch, with tortilla strips you fry yourself, avocado, queso, and lime
- Curtido: cabbage cured in salt with onion, carrot, oregano, vinegar, and lime, for crunch and acid against the masa
What's included
Chef-guided, hands-on instruction, all ingredients and equipment, and aprons. You make the full menu, then sit down and eat it together. The recipes go home with you.
What to bring
Just your appetite. Everything is provided, and you are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy with your meal (BYOB).
Knowledge required
None. Beginner-friendly through advanced, all are welcome.
Suitable for
Adults of all skill levels. Good for date night, for friends, or for meeting other people who like to cook. Kid-friendly too: ages 14+ with a participating adult, and younger with advance approval. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Upcoming dates
Want a different date?
Looking for a private night for two? Our Date Night is made for couples.
Make it a Date Night →What guests are saying
“I had an amazing experience at Life Plus Pasta Making! The instructor was personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He shared how he developed these classes, and it was clear that his own curiosity and love of learning inspired the entire experience. He was incredibly patient with everyone, while still guiding us in a way that made sure we actually learned the techniques instead of just following directions. By the end of the class, we had made a meal that was absolutely delicious. It was hard to believe that something so good came from our own hands! I will 100% be taking another class. They offer such a wide variety of classes for different interests that I have a feeling I'll be coming back for quite a while. If you're thinking about trying one, don't hesitate—you'll leave with new skills, great food, and a memorable experience.”
Nicole Lockwoodvia Google“Absolutely amazing class. The owner is so knowledgeable and helpful. We learned so much. He is so patient and has a great sense of humor. What a great family, group, or work event.”
Marcie Gardnervia Google“My wife and I had an absolutely amazing time!! Mark is a great teacher, very skilled with great culture, this was a birthday gift I will never forget!! If you are looking for a good time and great experience Life Plus is where you need to be!!”
Cap Onevia Google“My colleagues and I had an incredible time at Life Plus LA! Marc led our team of 8 through the baking course. We spent 1.5 hours learning, socializing, laughing and enjoying our way through creating biscuits, fruit tarts and bundt cakes. Marc was so incredibly knowledgable, witty, and a pleasure to be around. After the baking was complete, Marc set us up in the cafe to enjoy our creations. We spent another 1.5 hours there. Finally, we packaged our leftovers and went on our way! I can't wait to try some of the other classes!”
Susana Melkonyanvia Google“My husband and I booked a Thai cooking class with Marc for date night and it was such a treat. The 5 star reviews are well deserved. We loved how thorough and knowledgeable Marc was about cooking and the food science. He makes sure to teach you not just how but also why, you’re doin something. Not to mention the food tasted amazing and we were so pleased with how everything turned out. Do not hesitate to book! 10/10 recommend :)”
Gabrielle Pretlowvia Google“Such a good time! Our class was the Vietnamese course and it was very well crafted and structured. We enjoyed learning how to handle spring rolls, flavor and plate pho, and make a delicious hearty crepe. My goal was to learn some techniques and I walked out with some new ones!”
Daniel Belmesvia Google