Credit: Jill Wilcox
When the pandemic first began over a year ago, the world had to adjust to find interests and hobbies to help boredom and depression at home.
In that time, the amount of people signing up for virtual cooking classes has grown exponentially. Many people are taking the pandemic as an opportunity to explore their culinary skills, and better their time staying at home by practicing the art of cooking.
Where most students and workers are more than familiar with zoom fatigue, Jill Wilcox of Jill’s Table has created captivating and enjoyable online culinary classes for anyone interested in learning new flavours and skills in their kitchen.
After leading cooking classes at Jill’s Table for over 20 years, customers are now able to be chefs in their own home “We were able to get some cameras, become trained on Zoom, and we started doing classes virtually last year for our customers. The format is a little bit different since Covid. Instead of a three-hour in-store cooking class, we do one in a half-hour sessions with people” shares Wilcox.
Credit: Jill Wilcox
“One of the nice things that we’ve noticed with doing the virtual classes, is that it allows other family members to get involved in the classes. Often there will be younger people in families that will participate because flour and water makes a really fun dough, and it’s almost like using playdough, but you’re actually making your dinner. So it’s been really rewarding to see more people get involved in the kitchen.”
The trend of people having their kitchen be the most active place in their home since the pandemic began is what Wilcox finds understandable for many seeking comfort in these difficult times.
“Without a question, the kitchen has always been the heart of the home, and I think during the pandemic it’s been even more so a real haven for people. A place that you can get an awful lot of comfort from. Cooking is a lovely way to show caring, and whether you are just cooking for your own family, or you’re sharing a meal with a neighbour, I think it has been a really important way that people have been able to cope during a very difficult time.”
Credit: Jill Wilcox
In building a sense of community together in the comfort of their own homes, Wilcox is excited to continue offering virtual cooking classes after the pandemic.
“We look forward to the day we can welcome people back in the store where they’re sitting together around a table and enjoying the classes, but we will likely always have one night a week that we will continue to offer virtually. Virtual gives you the ability to be able to connect with people all over, and that is something really special. We often say through this experience, every cloud has a silver lining and the virtual classes have offered many silver linings.”
Customers are able to sign up for Jill’s Table Cooking Classes at jillsclasses.ca and pick up recipe packages at Jill’s Table on 115 King Street or call for delivery. Wilcox encourages anyone of any level to join the fun and comfort of finding peace and laughter in the kitchen.
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