We all miss going out to the best restaurants in Boston, but the city's best delivery options have kept us satisfied while supporting great local restaurants at the same time. If you find yourself longing for culinary gatherings and activities—the kind that expand your culinary horizons—there are chefs, bartenders and culinary organizations around the city coming up with ways to keep us connected and inspired. From online cooking lessons and wine tastings to cocktail demos and more, here are some virtual food events to keep you cooking and learning at home.
Virtual Hell Night Challenge
Do you love hot wings? Join in the fun with Brato Brew House and Bone Up Brewing on March 28. Between 4-6pm, head to either Brato or Bone Up to pick up a meal kit with 10 incrementally hot wings (your choice of chicken wings or cauliflower “wings”) featuring 10 different hot sauces. (Don’t forget the beer!) Then join the founders of both breweries in a virtual hangout via Zoom. They’ll chat and answer questions as participants take the challenge one wing at a time.
Virtual Chocolate Show: Massachusetts Chocolate History
As part of the virtual Stay Home with Chocolate Festival, Cocoa Beantown Tours and Events will host a fun, interactive program about the origins of chocolate in the US. The program will be live on Facebook at 2pm on March 29.
In Ayr’s Kitchen
Each weekday at 3pm, Clover founder Ayr Muir will live-stream a cooking tutorial series on YouTube. Learn easy recipes plus tips and tricks for cooking at home.
Online Macaron Making Class
Rita Ng, founder of Boston Bonbon, will guide participants through the history of the macaron and the process of making your own batch of French Macarons. The class will be held on April 3 at 6pm. More info and tickets available here.
Q&A with Maggie Campbell of Privateer Rum
Join Privateer’s President and Head Distiller for live Q&A sessions on her Instagram account on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Topics include anything from distilling to baking.
Rum drinks from local restaurants
On Privateer’s Instagram account, you’ll find short videos from local restaurant staff mixing their favorite rum drinks while offering instructions and tips. Remember to use Venmo to tip the staff for their service.
Rebel Rebel’s Online Wine School
Every Sunday at noon, taste and discuss (via Zoom) three regional natural wines with the Somerville wine bar. Upcoming topics include Loire Valley, Sparking and Australian. Order the three wines for pickup in Somerville or delivery.
Custom cocktail recommendations from an expert mixologist
Naomi Levy, formerly of Eastern Standard, wants you to send her (via Instagram) ingredients based on what you have at home. She’ll create custom cocktails based on submissions. Follow her account for the results as well as for basic cocktail-making tutorials, and consider donating to a fundraiser for Cambridge- and Somerville-area hospitality workers.