New Business ‘The Local Epicurean’ Brings Specialty Food Market, Italian Cooking Classes

There’s a notion about cooking being more about following your heart than a recipe. 

Michigan State University alum, East Lansing resident and local entrepreneur Gina Mudrey followed her heart and it led to opening up a new business with a specialty food market and kitchen for cooking classes. The brick-and-mortar shop is focused on connecting with people, creating meaningful hands-on experiences and sharing delicious food.

The Local Epicurean, located at 2843 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 100, is slated to have a soft-opening on Monday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. The 4,000-square-foot storefront is near Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, but offers a unique environment with a market, a kitchen space used for cooking classes and an outdoor seating area. 

The new location is part of a franchise based in Grand Rapids. Now Mudrey is bringing the experience to share with others here in the East Lansing, Okemos and Lansing areas. 

“It’s the perfect little specialty boutique, offering fantastic classes, delicious drinks, and an amazing market, complete with a take-and-bake section,” Mudrey said of the Grand Rapids location. “I could easily spend hours browsing and have dinner ready for the night. So, when the opportunity to bring something similar to East Lansing came up, I couldn’t wait to jump in.”

Just as mealtime frequently brings people together, Mudrey hopes her new business can also do the same. 

“The Local Epicurean isn’t just about cooking classes and selling food — it’s about bringing people together, sharing knowledge, supporting local businesses and promoting a love of good, Italian food and delicious wine,” she said. “Through our hands-on approach to food and cooking, we’re creating a community hub where people can learn, grow and connect. We hope to enrich lives by offering not just delicious meals, but experiences that foster community, creativity and wellness.” 

Private, three-course cooking classes are available for parties of two to 60 people, and range from $99 to $129 per person. There are about 20 different classes, mainly focussed on pasta or risotto. Current classes include pasta fundamentals, seasonal gnocchi, steak & ravioli brunch, fog-smoked risotto, Sicilian scampi, Ligurian lobster, Umbrian tenderloin steak, chicken parmesan, morel mushroom, eggplant parmesan lasagna and more. 

Attendees are guided by a talented cooking instructor throughout the two-hour classes and learn about the chemistry behind cooking pasta. 

“You’ll get to make and enjoy every course, including fresh pasta that will be prepared in a laid-back, casual setting with an instructor to guide you through all steps,” Mudrey said. “No worries if you don’t have cooking experience either. Our classes are perfect for everyone and we make sure you leave with the recipe so you can try it at home. Plus, each class is prepared with a drink suggestion to enjoy while you cook and eat.”

The unique cooking classes are suitable for families, date nights, corporate outings and more — with options for aspiring cooks at various skill levels. The instructors have varied backgrounds in the kitchen and provide instruction in a fun, engaging way, Mudrey said. Typically, classes are offered for students ages 12 and above, but sometimes additional classes for younger children are offered. 

“You can book a three-course meal experience, or take things up a notch with a Mystery Basket challenge or a Chopped-inspired ‘Food for Thought’ activity,” Mudrey said. “Our instructors judge the Mystery Basket and ‘Food for Thought’ challenges and award the winning group, so it’s a little friendly competition to spice things up.”

Shoppers are encouraged to stop by the market to see fresh hand-cut pasta being made right in front of them, which is also available for purchase in the market area. 

“The Local Epicurean specialty market is stocked with all of the good stuff you need to bring the flavors home — fresh pasta, imported pasta, sauces, oils, vinegars, salts, cheeses, wines and even some tasty take-and-bake meals made fresh in-house,” Mudrey said. “We even take specialty orders in our take-and-bake section. Many of the ingredients used in classes are available in the market, so you can grab everything you need to recreate your favorite dishes at home.”

There is also a Supper Club option for those looking to meet new friends, eat good food and participate in a culinary adventure on a more regular basis. Members who sign up for this free email list can gain access to $79 classes and a new three-course menu each month. 

The Local Epicurean is currently hiring instructors, mixologists and pasta-makers. To sign up for a class, call the shop at 517-61-9-0588 or inquire online.