Cooking Classes

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** **This dinner in particular will be very special as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. How better to honor a semiquincentennial of democracy that spending an evening practicing it?** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

From corn to tortilla: nixtamalize, grind fresh masa, make tacos, salsa, and artisanal Mexican sorbet **The Mexican Table by Chef Josa Maldonado @josafatmas** **From Corn to Tortilla. From Tortilla to Taco.** Join an intimate hands-on Mexican cooking experience and learn the traditional process of nixtamalizing corn, grinding fresh masa in a molino, and making authentic tortillas from scratch. You'll also prepare a fresh salsa, build tacos using your handmade tortillas, and finish the experience with artisanal Mexican-style ice cream. Discover the techniques, flavors, and traditions behind real Mexican cuisine while sharing great food in a small-group setting. No experience necessary—just come hungry. 🌽🌮🍨

🔥 **Wood Burning: Craft Your Own Personalized Wooden Spoons** 🔥Ignite your creativity and personalize your kitchenware! 👉**Registration** is **Online Only** at: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6697653 ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 🕒**When:** Sunday, **14 Jun 2026**, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍**Where:** Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 **Details:** Join us for a hands-on project class where you'll learn the beautiful art of wood burning. We will guide you through the basics as you permanently etch your own unique designs onto a wooden spoon. Whether you’re looking to create a decorative addition to your kitchen or a thoughtful, handmade gift, this class is the perfect way to make a custom keepsake! ⚠️ HOW TO REGISTER An RSVP on Meetup does NOT reserve your spot. **Please register via the link below** to attend. ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 👉https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6697653 Hope to see you there!

Come and join us for our first recipe and cookbook swap! Bring your gently used and unwanted cookbooks or individual recipes to share with others. Do you have a well loved and delicious recipe that you want to share with others? Are you looking for new ideas for your weekly meal planning? Do you have old cookbooks that you don’t use anymore? Come and join us for our first recipe and cookbook swap! Bring your gently used and unwanted cookbooks or individual recipes to share with others. You can either print out your recipe ahead of time or use some of our provided blank recipe cards the day of the event.