In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner

What a fabulous evening for friends from California! We Enjoyed Bob’s fabulous tips and prepared a great meal with wonderful wine pairings. Thanks Bob.

A deliciously different date night! Chef Bob brings his 5 Star Dining experience directly to you while teaching you all about the ingredients and tricks of his Master trade. Pairing wines with each course and utilizing only the freshest foods. We traveled from Atlanta and this was the highlight of our weekend. I highly recommend this unique experience!

Chef Bob was so welcoming and the food fantastic. The player piano keeps the mood relaxed and fun. We were able to attend for a special etiquette event and had an absolute blast. We cannot wait to come back again and again :)

Date night at Chef Waggoner’s kitchen was a HUGE SUCCESS! We had so much fun last night… from the amazing food to the new friends we made this is by far the best hands on culinary experience in Charleston!

Strolling in Charleston on a girls’ trip with my mom we happened upon Chef Bob Waggoner prepping for that night’s cooking class. We chatted and instantly wanted to join his dinner party. Lucky for us he was accommodating. As it turned out he was the chef at the Belmond Charleston Place hotel where we were staying. Whenever we mentioned our plans for that evening to fellow travelers and natives we were met with great enthusiasm and high praise. We were not disappointed to say the least.
He plans each menu around the day’s organic bounty and his guests’ tastes and dietary restrictions for those lucky 10. The entire class is hands on and when too busy socializing Chef Bob tended to our pans. The evening was fun, full of tips and delicious. He is the consummate host. Truly a one man operation from the preparation, to teaching, to serving, till our final toast as he bid us goodnight. Worth every penny and then some!
Highlights of the Night:
— Top of the line equipment
— Limoges china
— French wines for every course
— Local produce from Chef Bob’s go to’s
— Fresh flowers
— Piano music
— Small, intimate setting
— Beautifully prepped and executed
Absolute must on any foodie’s trip to Charleston!

My wife and I had the best meal out in a long time. Fortunately we got to cook it ourselves with four other couples. The problem is it makes eating out anywhere else pale in comparison. In 39 years of marriage this is the third meal my wife prepared. She did great.
The atmosphere is the first plus you notice. The host is the second. Bob created an inviting comfortable space in which to cook and dine and drink. The evening flew by as each course was paired with a complementary wine, including dessert.
The menu was a series of easy to prepare dishes with complex and appealing flavors. Dessert was a warm and tasty final act in a great dinner performance.
This stop is a must for beginning cooks to experience chefs. When we return to Charleston we will dine here again!

Chef Bob Waggoner’s cooking school is by far one of the best experiences I have ever had in Charleston. If you live in the Holy City and are looking for an unforgettable night out with a friend, family member, boyfriend/​girlfriend, you have GOT to sign up for one of his classes. Chef Bob offers his school most evenings from around 7−10ish and the experience is beyond worth the $ 125 per person. Chef Bob is funny, super personable and extremely knowledgeable– making him the perfect host for the evening. Each class has around 10 – 15 guests, with everyone feeling like family by the end of it. Regardless of whether you are a master cook or struggle making mac & cheese, Chef Bob guides you through four extremely easy yet delicious courses with all ingredients pre-​portioned and ready to go. When I went, we made an awesome proscuitto & goat cheese salad, seared scallop w. pineapple, duck with blueberry-​port sauce and croissant bread pudding for dessert. Upon completing each course, everyone brings their dish to a large dining table and sits down to enjoy, while Chef Bob transitions into a waiter and serves wine. I describe the experience as half cooking class half dinner out. Extremely casual and relaxed, upon finishing dessert everyone stayed to enjoy more wine and chat with Chef Bob. We left at around 10 but assume some people lingered much longer. I already can’t wait to go back again and hope to take my parents when they are in town next. Be sure and sign up ahead of time, as his schedule fills up fast!

I’m not going to repeat what the first reviewer said because I agree with them 100%. The setting is everyone’s dream kitchen and dining room but with enough cooking and prep space for you and all of your friends. I couldn’t believe the quality of everything from the beautiful Limoges plates to the La Creuset cookware to the Wolf ovens. Don’t go here if you have jealousy issues.
Aside from the setting and the yummy food and drink, there’s Bob. He is such a great host. We had a group of 12 girls there for a bachelorette weekend and even had a Karaōke DJ set up shop for the last two hours of our night/​end of the four course meal. Naturally, I would’ve expected a chef with such a beautiful place to be hesitant of this sort of debauchery, but he played along and made us feel welcomed and comfortable. He even did the first karaōke song/​duet to «I Got You Babe» with the bachelorette and it was priceless.
With all of the bachelorette & bachelor parties coming to Charleston these days, I couldn’t believe we were the first to take advantage of Bob’s Kitchen. It was certainly a night to remember and would recommend the experience to anyone.
PS — If you’re interested in the DJ, they were great, prompt, and reasonable:

This is the most AMAZING class taught by the most amazing chef! You are welcomed into a gorgeous space with a grand piano and subtle music, there is a beautiful lounge area and a large kitchen with wolf ovens and cooking stations for all attending. You eat as you cook and can make up to 5 courses. Once you’re done cooking your appetizer and something is cooking in the oven, Chef Bob has everything perfectly times so that you can enjoy one delicious course as the other cooks. He is so patient, relaxed, and will make this an enjoyable experience for all. There is amazing wine, champagne, and he only uses the best ingredients. I never knew I could make such amazing food. We will definitely be coming back… the price is very fair and you are treated like royalty! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

The whole experience exceeded our high expectations! This is exactly what Charleston needed and it makes Downtown even more fun. We love going out to eat and enjoy good food and wine but this evening was nothing like we have ever done before. As soon as we entered the place, we were impressed by the beautiful kitchen and cookware. The interior is very modern and chic and feels like a NYC loft. Another really cool thing was the «self playing» piano! Chef Bob is that kind of guy you instantly feel comfortable with. Pretty hard to believe that an award winning chef has managed to remain so down to earth. Once the group was complete, the cooking began and we made 4 courses (mushroom soup — shrimp mouse ravioli — lamb t-​bone with mediterranean vegetables — apple tart). Each course was paired with the perfect wine and everything was just delicious. What we also liked is that its a great place to meet and make new friends and the whole atmosphere is very relaxed with a lot of laughter and conversation. If you live in or visit Charleston, make sure to make a reservation and go!