Dumpling House
One filling, three ways, made by a parent and kid side by side. Every team makes one filling and its own wrapper dough from scratch, then folds it three different ways and cooks each one a different way: seared, steamed and fried. Same filling, three completely different dumplings.
How Side by Side works
Side by Side is the Life Plus parent-and-me program. Each ticket covers one parent and one kid, a parent-and-kid team, and every team gets its own station and cooks together from start to finish, with a Life Plus instructor guiding up to 6 teams. Kids learn real techniques, not a watered-down version. About 2 hours, including hands-on cooking followed by a meal together. At the Sherman Oaks Galleria.
How the class runs
- Make the dough. Mix and knead your wrapper dough, then let it rest.
- Make the filling. Mince and season the filling while the dough rests.
- Roll and fold. Roll about 20 wrappers by hand, then fold all three shapes.
- Sear, steam and fry. Cook each fold its own way, then mix your dipping sauces.
Menu
- The filling: Minced shrimp, mushrooms, scallions, garlic and a little ginger. No-shellfish and fully vegetarian swaps are easy.
- The dough: Mixed and kneaded by hand, rested while you make the filling, then rolled into about 20 thin wrappers with a small rolling pin, for your seared and steamed dumplings.
- Pleated crescents, seared: Classic pot stickers, crisp on the bottom. Served with a soy, vinegar and chili oil dip with a touch of honey.
- Money bags, steamed: Gathered and knotted on top, steamed and served in a flavorful broth with a thin black vinegar and ginger dip.
- Gold ingots, fried: Folded into little boats from 10 more wrappers we provide, fried golden and served with our house sweet chili sauce. Each team adjusts the heat to taste.
What you'll learn
- Making and rolling wrapper dough by hand
- Three classic folds
- Searing, steaming and frying
- Balancing a dipping sauce
What you take home
About 30 dumplings per team: eat some at the table and take the rest home.
Please Note
Need no shellfish, or fully vegetarian? Tell us when you book and we'll set your station up for it. Allergies or dietary needs, including sesame? Tell us when you book and we'll reach out before class to talk through what we can adjust.
On the menu
One filling, three ways: seared, steamed and fried.
What's included
Instruction from a Life Plus instructor, your team's own station, all ingredients and supplies, aprons and equipment, and everything your team makes.
What to bring
Just yourselves. We provide every ingredient, all the equipment and aprons.
Knowledge required
None. Beginner-friendly for kids and grown-ups alike.
Suitable for
One grown-up and one kid per team. Best for kids 9 and up, mostly so they can work comfortably at counter height. Younger cooks are welcome when their grown-up is beside them; just ask.
Upcoming dates
Public class cancellation policy
Payment in full reserves your seats. Cancel 14 or more days before your class for a full refund. Cancel 2 to 13 days before for a class credit for the full amount, valid for 6 months. Cancel within 48 hours and you'll receive a class credit less a $50 per person rebooking fee. Cancellations are non-refundable within 14 days, and no-shows forfeit their booking. Can't make it? You're welcome to send someone in your place at no charge. This policy applies to public classes only; private events follow a separate policy.
What guests are saying
“Honestly one of the best birthday experiences we’ve ever had. Marc and Sara were amazing teachers and the food was fantastic. Life Plus is perfect for adults, teens and older kids. We all had an excellent time. We will not hesitate coming back!”
Marc Morganvia Google“Had a wonderful experience with Brunch: Classics Reimagined! The instructions were clear and easy to follow, the preparation process was well thought out, and the menu was absolutely fantastic. Everything was organized beautifully, making the entire experience enjoyable and seamless. A special shoutout to Marc for being so helpful throughout the process. He guided us through every step, answered our questions, and made sure everything went smoothly. Really appreciate his support and attention to detail! Overall, a thoughtfully put-together experience with great food, great guidance, and a lovely menu. Highly recommend!”
Ruchi Hendrevia Google“We had such a great time in Chef Marc's class. He is so warm and friendly. Very professional. You can tell the moment you walk in. His space is so well clean and well laid out and you know you are going to have a great time no matter what class you take! I always thought making sushi was so hard but he made it so easy. I know that I can make it at home without question. The sign of a great teacher! We were able to sit with him while we ate what we made. It was like sitting at your friends house enjoying a good meal. My husband and I were the only 2 in the class. It was our anniversary so it was extra special that we had this one on one experience. I can't wait to take another class! Thank you Chef Marc for making our day so perfect!”
suzanne rigsbyvia Google“My middle schooler has done 3 months of the after school series and absolutely loves it. It's consistently been the highlight of his weeks. He started classes with very little kitchen experience beyond baking, and has gained a new level of confidence in the kitchen, gets to try new recipes, and leaves with new skills. Initially, I thought he would complete 1-2 classes before losing interest, but every month he begs for more. I am so impressed with how much fun gets packed into every class, while still following a structured plan. Middle schoolers are hard to impress, but these classes have surpassed my expectations and then some.”
Alyssa Ehingervia Google“My mom and I took this pastry making class for her birthday and had the best time! We made three different desserts, and everything tasted amazing. The class was intimate, with only about seven other people, which made the experience feel personal and gave us the opportunity to learn so much. It was such a fun activity to do together, and we would absolutely recommend it!”
Danielle Romerovia Google“Such a great experience and the class was wonderful for all three generations in our family! Great food, fun instructions, and Mark was very knowledgable. Definitely recommend and we plan to cone again!”