Most grocery stores will sell you a sausage. Few will show you how to grind the meat, season it, load it into a stuffer, and twist it into links. Teach a man to fish, etc., etc. — you know how it goes.
Approaching its one-year anniversary, L’OCA (Italian for ‘goose’) Quality Market, aims to be more than just a grocery store that sells you things. Locations in Sherwood Park and 142 Street have the customary deli, butcher and bakery but what really makes the Sherwood Park location stand out, is its bright and spacious culinary classroom with workshops taking place regularly on evenings and weekends.
These classes, led by L’OCA’s in-house team — including chefs, a sommelier, butcher, baker and florist — cover a wide range of topics. Past sessions have included anything from pasta making and South Korean barbecue to understanding the world of wine pairings.
“We kind of say we’re like Disneyland for foodies,” explained Suzanne Campbell, director of restaurants and bars.
In an upcoming pasta-making class on May 21, chef David Bahry takes participants through dishes including a squash ravioli with brown butter and hand-cut pappardelle served with slow-cooked Bolognese. The open kitchen layout allows the culinary-curious to watch and be guided through the cooking process as they work.
“The reason why I get so excited about the classroom is because we kind of get to bring together all the different departments and they come in and showcase their talent and skills,” Campbell said.
“We have butcher classes where you actually learn how to butcher a cow, and then you get to experience a really delicious meal.”
The class schedule varies widely, balancing advanced cooking lessons with more social events like afternoon teas and cake decorating for children.
L’OCA Quality Market
340 Baseline Rd, Sherwood Park | 587.871.5622 | loca.ca
