MEDIA CONTACT:

Vanessa Ormsby, RCA Communications Manager

(361) 320-2064 / vanessa@rockportartcenter.com

2025 CULINARY SERIES SIZZLES AT THE ROCC

Popular events continue to sell out with new classes now available  

ROCKPORT, Texas (Jan. 3, 2025) —The Culinary Classes at The ROCC continue to whet the appetites of those looking for a unique dining and educational experience, featuring world-class cuisine created by notable chefs, including James Beard Award finalists, and expert wine pairings by sommeliers.

Hosted throughout the year in the American Electric Power Foundation Culinary Arts Kitchen located in The Rockport Conference Center, the chef’s table experience in the intimate kitchen setting is limited to 16 attendees, both RCA members and non-members, providing an up-close view of each demonstration and personal interaction with presenters.

Since opening in November 2022, The ROCC has hosted numerous expert-led culinary experiences with an international flair, including French, German, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Vietnamese cuisine — even a chocolate-themed event. As a result of the positive public response and sellout events, plans are now underway to offer monthly events throughout 2025.

“We’ve hosted some delicious events featuring notable chefs,” said Laura Vogel, education director for RCA. “These culinary classes bring together high-caliber chefs, wine experts and more to create a first-class experience for attendees who not only learn from the best, they also get to enjoy the amazing results. The word has spread and these classes now sell out regularly.”

Events are held on Sunday afternoons from 2–4 p.m. and those wishing to participate can sign up on the RCA website, including Masa Para La Masa with Wine Pairing with Chef Jon Hinojosa on Jan. 12,  Spanish Sausage Dish with Wine Pairing featuring Chef Adam Gonzalez on Feb. 9, Gumbo Roux with Wine Pairing featuring Tony Legner on March 9, and Summer Wines from the Pacific Coast with Sommelier Kim Bridges on April 13. Cookbooks correlating to hosted events are available in RCA’s John and Mary Willrodt Gift Shop.

For more information on the culinary classes, visit rockportartcenter.com follow RCA on Facebook and Instagram, or call (361) 729-5519.

About Rockport Center for the Arts

The new 1.2-acre Rockport Center for the Arts, the Coastal Bend’s first multidisciplinary arts organization, is located a block away from Aransas Bay in the heart of the Rockport Cultural Arts District. Designed by the award-winning team at Richter Architects, the state-of-the-art campus features a two-story, 14,000-square-foot, visual arts and education building with four galleries and five classrooms (204 S. Austin St.); The Rockport Conference Center, a one-story, 8,000-square-foot conference and event center, known as The ROCC, (106 S. Austin St.); with a 16,000-square-foot Sculpture Garden serving as a visually inspiring transition space between the two buildings. The hours of operation for the showroom, galleries, and gift shop are Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. For information on event space, or to book an event, call (361) 450-8033. For general information and to become a member, visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519.

About The Rockport Conference Center (The ROCC)

Located at 106 S. Austin St. on the 1.2-acre Rockport Center for the Arts campus is The Rockport Conference Center (The ROCC).  Perfect for small conferences and board meetings, team-building events, family reunions, wedding receptions and more, the one-story, 8,000-square-foot conference and event center features a 4,400-square-foot ballroom (Randy Ewing Kemper Hall), 1,400-square-foot reception area (Estelle Stair Foyer), a fully equipped catering and culinary arts kitchen, and state-of-the-art AV and Wi-Fi throughout. For general information or to book an event, visit the-rocc.com, or call (361) 450-8033.

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