The Art of Tapas by Carole Nelson Brown

Spanish tapas culture is built on conviviality, bold flavours, and effortless bar-side grazing. In this interactive evening cooking workshop at The Depanneur on Spadina Avenue, chef and private caterer Carole Nelson Brown invites home cooks to master both traditional counter staples and smart contemporary riffs.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Participants will tackle the fundamentals of classic Spanish tapas alongside modern kitchen adaptations. On the traditional side, you will learn the art of genuine pan con tomate—rubbed with garlic and ripe grated tomatoes directly over crusty bread—along with versatile Spanish sardine toasts. To contrast the classics, Brown introduces contemporary techniques including a quick Spanish tortilla made with truffle potato chips, and tender Manchego-stuffed mushroom caps served with a scratch-made romesco sauce. Cooking both styles side by side provides a hands-on masterclass in flavour balance and texture.

About Chef Carole Nelson Brown

Following a four-decade career as a professional makeup artist for film and television, Carole Nelson Brown transitioned full-time into culinary arts, establishing herself as a private chef, caterer, and recipe developer behind Mama Shack. Her workshops emphasize approachable kitchen techniques, storytelling, and high-impact flavours that anyone can recreate at home.

What to Expect

The class runs for two and a half hours in The Depanneur's bright demonstration kitchen near Queen and Spadina. All ingredients, aprons, and cookware are provided. After the prep work is complete, everyone sits down together family-style to feast on the multi-course spread, paired with optional glasses of chilled tinto de verano. Transit access is easy via the 510 Spadina or 501 Queen streetcars.