A recent night at Ruffino's felt a little like dinner and a show—in the best way possible.

Chef Mark Reilly and Chef Patrick Trahan teamed up for the evening, collaborating throughout the class and bringing a fun, easygoing energy to the room. The two chefs walked guests through each course, sharing techniques, tips, and a few behind-the-scenes kitchen insights that made the whole experience feel personal and interactive.

The setup is one of the things that makes this class so special. Two large televisions sit at either end of the room so everyone has a clear view as the chefs demonstrate each dish at the front. They show you exactly how everything is prepared step by step, explaining the process as they cook.

Meanwhile, the kitchen team is already plating the dishes in the back, so guests can sit back, enjoy their wine pairings, and eat the dishes they’re learning about without waiting for them to finish cooking in real time. It’s the best of both worlds—you get the full cooking lesson while still enjoying a beautifully paced five-course dinner.

Each course comes paired with wine, and the atmosphere feels relaxed and social. It’s the kind of night where you can ask questions, take mental notes for your own kitchen, and enjoy great food with friends and family.

Another great touch is that guests leave with a cookbook featuring step-by-step instructions for everything served that night, making it easy to recreate the menu at home. And if plans change, tickets to the class are resellable, which makes grabbing a seat a little easier.

The experience changes themes every month, which keeps it exciting for returning guests.

The next class at Ruffino's will take place April 14 from 6–9 pm, and the theme will be seafood. Guests can expect the same five-course cooking experience with wine pairings and step-by-step instruction from the chefs.

If you love learning new cooking techniques but also love sitting back and enjoying a great meal, this is one of the most fun nights you can have in Baton Rouge. And judging by how quickly these classes tend to fill up, you probably don’t want to wait too long to grab a seat.