CURIO-EXCLUSIVE BLENDS FOR FRESH COOKING

Thursday, May 1 · 6 - 8p

Did you know that we have far more bitter taste receptors than any other, and when we taste something bitter our whole body reacts? Or that aromatic molecules ease gut spasms by irritating our smooth muscles so that they contract and then relax?

Come deepen your understanding of how flavor shows up physiologically in our bodies! In this class, we will learn how to use common kitchen spices to promote circulation, ease gut spasms, modulate blood sugar and more!

After we’ve fully nerded out on chemistry, Mo will guide the class in making our own medicinal spice blends! Each participant will have the opportunity to make their own individualized blend to take home for their household or to gift to someone they love. Part science, part play, this class is for anyone who knows that cooking is the best way to care for our communities.

Class price: $25 per person

SIGN UP

Saturday, May 3 · 11a-4p
Sunday, May 4 · 12-4p

FREE!

Come meet Nikki of portoula - a local business featuring artisanal, handcrafted products from Greece. Featuring single origin, artisanal honeys from Greece and other joy-inducing treasures from Greece such as colorful, hand felted shawls/scarves and gorgeous, meticulously handcrafted jewelry designs – this will be a feast for ALL the senses. Join us!

This is an open-house style event (tickets are available but not required to attend!), where guests are invited to come say hello to a local, like-minded business in Curio's lab space. Stop by for as long as you like!

Monday, May 5 · 7 - 8:30p

FREE!

Join us for a conversation all about sesame with debut cookbook author and founder of Seed + Mill in New York, Rachel Simons. Rachel's new book, Sesame: Global Recipes + Stories of an Ancient Seedis more than a cookbook - it's an exploration of culture and migration and a singular seed's ability to bring people together over a diverse and lively table. Rachel will share her insights about sourcing the best sesame seeds, how Seed + Mill's halva and tahini is made, the storied history of how sesame has travelled and is beloved all over the world and her favorite recipes from the cookbook.

Learn more about Seed + Mill here:https://www.seedandmill.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3Omdj4_oOYkyeYX-ZS8-lryAF_EQ-yUxx4x1DwMOfHpMUhnhc

Thursday, May 8 · 6 - 8:30p

Ready for some serious spice exploration? Delve into the enchanting world of spice blending with instructor Susan Turner!

She’ll introduce you to our flavor theory and the principles that we use to make the exquisite blends we’re known for. Susan will guide you through tasting different spices and teach you about flavor and aroma. She will demonstrate blending techniques and discuss how attention to details such as texture and color can make a blend sing. And, Susan will share insider knowledge about layering flavor, roasting spices, grinding, sensory analysis, and training your palate.

In the hands-on portion of this class, you’ll make one of Curio’s classic blends plus create a blend of your own from our spice cupboard of over 80 intriguing spices. You’ll head home with Curio's Spice Flavor Wheel, blending recipes, and jars of the two blends you made during class. Join us for this wonder-filled evening! This is a small class, limited to 15 participants. Sign up today to reserve your spot!

Class price: $85 per person
Drinks and light snacks included

SIGN UP

Saturday, May 10 · 12 - 4p

FREE!

We are so excited to host local artist Nasim Rahravani - whose beautiful pottery and more will be available for purchase at her pop-up in Curio's Lab on April 19th! Stop by to browse and say hi!

About Nasim Rahravani:

Nasim has loved pottery ever since she was a child. She enjoys shaping clay into beautiful pieces and has always had a special connection to this creative craft.

Instagram: @pottery_with_nasim

FREE!

Immerse yourself in the world of Costa Rican spices and learn about their intricacies, flavors, uses, and healing properties with regenerative spice farm owner Geri Brown!

Geri will share a variety of fresh spices from her farm in Costa Rica to smell and taste while discussing how each can be used to heal. Join us and learn more about how Thai Ginger, Lemongrass, Hibiscus Flower, and the "3 Queens" (Ginger, Turmeric and Black Pepper), can be use not only to bring more joy and flavor into your meals and drinks but to heal a variety of health conditions.

Bio:

Geri Brown is a Michigan native who has lived in Costa Rica with her husband and business partner, Rob, for over 17 years. Together, they founded Silviterra, a forestry company that has planted more than 2.3 million trees since 2009, promoting conservation-focused, sustainable timber production in collaboration with universities and national institutions.

In 2011, they launched Cinco Ramas, a 27-hectare organic and regenerative spice farm, known for its innovative cultivation practices and commitment to dignified, long-term employment. The farm grows over 50 crops, including 18 spices, and protects 12 acres of tropical wetlands.

Geri also leads "Healing Spices" workshops across Costa Rica, blending traditional herbal knowledge with modern science to promote health through nutrition, spices, and stress management practices. She is currently developing a conservation and education center to expand this work. Her mission is to make wellness accessible, joyful, and rooted in nature.

Learn more about Cinco Ramas here: https://cincoramas.com/

Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18 · 12-4p

FREE!

"I’m a former Montessori art teacher who can’t stop teaching. I work with a variety of ages groups in many different types of settings teaching sewing, mending, dyeing, printing, among other things. I focus on creating indigo-dyed, upcycled clothing. My interest in upcycling began with mending, which led me to explore ways to give used garments new life.

At the same time, indigo dyeing entered my life in a different but equally serendipitous way. As blue is my favorite color, I took a workshop out of curiosity, and I was immediately hooked. The rich color, the use of upcycled textiles, and the unique designs and patterns I could create captivated me. Since then, I’ve continued to explore this process, always using high-quality, natural fiber materials to craft beautiful, comfortable, and unique products. I fell in love with indigo dyeing and realized I could merge my passion for sustainability with this traditional craft.

Each piece has a unique history and character. I use various Shibori techniques to bind and create resists, allowing the dye to interact with the fabric in unpredictable ways. After emerging from the dye vat, each garment reveals a one-of-a-kind pattern. These techniques include folding, tying, wrapping, clipping, and other methods of binding fabric to create intricate designs that are unveiled when the piece is rinsed and dried."

Learn more about Cathy Karp here: https://www.ckrevive.com/about

Saturday, May 24 · 12 - 4p

FREE!

"As a curious gardener and a science teacher, I was amazed when I grew my first mushroom kit. To my surprise, the little mushroom pins popped out and quickly grew into large, gilled petals. It was beautiful! When I went to sautée my harvest in a little butter and salt, I was delighted by the meaty texture and savory flavor. I went on to share in moments of awe and wonder with hundreds of students as I brought mushroom grow kits into the classroom. Over a few years, I became obsessed with mushroom growing and foraging. I realized I want to share this passion beyond the classroom and hope you experience the same interest and intrigue as you spray and watch your own mushroom grow kit."

Learn more about Little Room Mushrooms here: https://www.littleroommushrooms.com/

Thursday, May 29 · 6 - 8:30p

Ready for some serious spice exploration? Delve into the enchanting world of spice blending in this SPECIAL EDITION of our most popular class with Claire Cheney, Curio's founder! This class will be centered around Morocco, with proceeds going to the Rose Oasis Project - our latest fundraising initiative in support of the community of women farmers growing Damask roses, spices, and herbs in the Vallée Dades Mgoune of Morocco.

She’ll introduce you to our flavor theory and the principles that we use to make the exquisite blends we’re known for. Claire will guide you through tasting different spices and teach you about flavor and aroma. She will demonstrate blending techniques and discuss how attention to details such as texture and color can make a blend sing. And, Claire will share insider knowledge about layering flavor, roasting spices, grinding, sensory analysis, and training your palate. PLUS, for this class only, dive into the world of Moroccan flavors, with a ONE TIME ONLY Moroccan take-home demonstration spice blend and some delicious Moroccan-inspired snacks!

In the hands-on portion of this class, you’ll learn to make a Moroccan-inspired 7 spice called “Marrakech” and learn about the flavor palate of Moroccan cuisine, plus create a blend of your own from our spice cupboard of over 80 intriguing spices. You’ll head home with Curio's Spice Flavor Wheel, blending recipes, and jars of the two blends you made during class. Join us for this wonder-filled evening! This is a small class, limited to 15 participants. Sign up today to reserve your spot!

Class price: $100 per person (includes a $20 donation to our Rose Oasis Cause Campaign)

Saturday, May 31 · 12 - 4p

FREE!

"Rebecca was born and raised in Ireland and is a Dublin Institute of Technology Fine Art graduate, with a particular interest in etching, so the move into working with metals was a natural one. She first starting making jewelry in 2002 for a dear friend as a 40th birthday present. The rest is history.

Each piece of Shepherd's Run Jewelry is made from scratch by jeweler Rebecca S. Scott, in her Somerville, MA studio. Using only responsibly sourced precious metals, semi precious stones and age-old techniques, every piece is designed and made by hand to be worn and loved long and often. Rebecca's work is modern, minimal and timeless in it's appeal. Rebecca will be bringing many of her best-selling designs and featuring several new designs for Spring 2025 for this show."

Learn more about Shepherd's Run Jewelry here: https://www.shepherdsrunjewelry.com/