Cooking class at Jones the Grocer

In just a few hours, I'm heading off to my first-ever cooking class and my excitement levels are through the roof! Jones the grocer hosts cooking masterclasses that feature a specific dish each month, and for March, we're about to learn how to make pan-fried Canadian scallops with cauliflower, risotto, curry essence and watercress. The first class this month is today, March 3, at Jones's Al Mamoura branch, at 6pm. Next Saturday, March 10, Jones's A Raha branch will host the masterclass, at the same time, and on March 17, the Khalidiyah branch will host the class.

There are even classes scheduled in Jones' Dubai branch in Al Manara, but they start at 7pm, on March 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Depending on how this class goes, how I handle scallops (for the first time ever!) and whether or not I make a fool of myself when I admit I have no idea what watercress is, I might just bite the bullet and sign up for all their monthly classes. April, I hear, is all about BBQ Australian lamb cutlets with eggplant puree & cous cous, served on a sumac, parsley and feta salad. Sounds positively scrumptious.

The sessions cost Dh375 per person, which include your dish for dinner after the cooking class, served with refreshments and dessert, and a 10 per cent retail discount on shopping in the gourmet haven afterwards.

If worse comes to worse, it'll provide excellent fodder for my upcoming Married Life column this week, because of course, I'm dragging my husband along.

I'll be sure to come back with update!