NEW: Private Cooking Class & Lowcountry Boil with Local Chef Clay

Our review of this private cooking class in Savannah offers a taste of what travelers can expect from this intimate culinary experience. For just $89 per person, you get to learn authentic Southern recipes, explore local traditions, and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a charming historic setting. It’s an experience that blends education, culture, and delicious food into a memorable two-and-a-half-hour window.

What we particularly love about this tour is how personalized it feels — you’re not just a participant in a group, but a guest in Chef Clay’s own home, with the chance to learn directly from someone rooted in the Savannah community. Plus, the opportunity to sit down and savor the dishes you helped prepare —be it the iconic Low Country Boil or a hearty Brunswick Stew— makes it feel more like sharing dinner with friends than a typical class.

One thing to consider, however, is that this experience takes place in a family home that also shares space with two dogs. While this adds to the authenticity and welcoming atmosphere, it’s worth noting if you have allergies or sensitivities. This tour suits food lovers eager for a hands-on, authentic Southern cooking experience, especially those who appreciate learning about local history through cuisine.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Cook alongside Chef Clay in his historic Savannah home.
• Local Flavors: Focus on traditional dishes like Lowcountry Boil and Southern sides.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the roots of Southern and Gullah food traditions.
• Personalized Service: This is a private tour, so your group receives focused attention.
• Flexible Dietary Options: Vegetarian, seafood, gluten-free requests are accommodated.
• Scenic Setting: The historic home offers views of Tybee, Little Tybee, and Wassaw Wildlife Refuge.

An Inside Look at the Savannah Cooking Experience

This private cooking class delivers more than just a lesson — it offers a window into the heart of Southern cuisine through the eyes of a local host, Clay. Meeting at his historic home on Whippoorwill Road, you’ll start with a brief tour of the 1939-built house, which boasts views of nearby marshlands, including Tybee and Wassaw Refuge. These vistas alone already hint at the connection Savannah has to its natural surroundings and the seafood-rich dishes you’ll learn to prepare.

The Setting

Clay’s gracious family home adds a layer of authenticity that many larger, commercial cooking classes often lack. The open-plan kitchen is functional yet cozy, allowing for an intimate group atmosphere that makes learning feel more like a chat with a friend rather than a formal lesson. The house itself is a conversation piece, with its historic charm and views of the surrounding wetlands providing a peaceful backdrop to your culinary adventure.

The Cooking Part

The core of this experience is the Lowcountry Boil, a quintessential Southern dish celebrated for its communal, flavorsome nature. Clay guides you through the process of creating this seafood and sausage-filled one-pot wonder, emphasizing local ingredients and traditional techniques. The dish includes seafood, sausage, potatoes, and corn, cooked together in a seasoned broth that captures the essence of Savannah’s coastal roots. For those preferring non-seafood options, a hearty Brunswick Stew—slow-cooked pork with tomatoes—can be prepared instead, making this tour inclusive for various dietary preferences.

Learning about the Gullah culture’s influence on this dish adds an educational layer, enriching the cooking process with historical context. Clay shares insights into how these culinary traditions have shaped modern Southern food, making the experience both tasty and meaningful.

The Side Dishes and Extras

Beyond the main course, you’ll also learn to prepare a Southern-style vegetable side, which adds balance and authenticity to your meal. The focus on fresh ingredients and simple, flavorful techniques means you’ll likely walk away with new skills you can replicate at home.

The Meal

After the cooking, you’ll sit down at the dining table, either indoors or outdoors on the patio, to enjoy your hard work with Clay and his family. The meal is served with a couple of glasses of wine or beer, enhancing the relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Reviewers mention the deliciousness of the dishes, noting that the flavors are authentic and perfectly seasoned — a true taste of Savannah’s culinary soul.

Special Touches and Flexibility

This experience is tailored to your needs; Clay is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, whether vegetarian, gluten-free, or seafood allergies. Guests have appreciated this personalized approach, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal without concern.

The Overall Experience

The two-and-a-half hours fly by as you cook, chat, and savor your creations. Many reviews highlight the stunning views from the house and the friendly, relaxed vibe that makes the experience feel like visiting a friend rather than a commercial class.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Location & Meeting Point
The tour begins at 702 Whippoorwill Rd, Savannah. The address is straightforward, and Clay’s house is easy to find. The activity concludes back where it started, so no worries about transportation or additional logistics.

Duration & Group Size
Spanning approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, the session strikes a good balance between teaching and dining. Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, which allows for customized attention and a more relaxed pace.

Price & Value
At $89 per person, the cost is reasonable considering the personalized nature, hands-on cooking, and the quality of food and company involved. Compared to larger group classes or restaurant tasting menus, it offers excellent value for those eager to learn authentic recipes directly from a local.

Booking & Cancellation
Confirmation is immediate upon booking, and free cancellations are possible up to 24 hours beforehand, giving flexibility for last-minute plans or changes.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is ideal for travelers who genuinely want to dive into Savannah’s local culture through its cuisine. It’s perfect if you enjoy cooking, want a memorable story to tell, or simply love Southern comfort food. It’s also great for those seeking an intimate, family-like atmosphere, where you can ask questions and learn from a host with a deep local connection.

While it’s mostly focused on food, the scenic views and historic home setting provide a peaceful, picturesque backdrop that enhances the entire experience. The flexible dietary options mean it suits a wide range of dietary needs, making it accessible for most.

Final Thoughts

This private cooking class with Chef Clay offers a fantastic blend of authenticity, education, and delicious food. It’s a chance to step into a local home, learn about the culinary traditions that define Savannah, and enjoy a meal rooted in cultural history. The intimate size and personalized approach make it stand out from more generic classes, providing genuine insight and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re a food lover wanting to master Southern dishes, a history enthusiast eager to understand Gullah influences, or simply someone looking for a memorable activity, this experience delivers on all fronts. The views, the flavors, and the personal touch make it a standout choice for a truly immersive Savannah adventure.

FAQ

How long is the cooking class?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with roughly 1.5 hours dedicated to hands-on cooking.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely. Clay can adjust the dishes for vegetarian, seafood, gluten-free, or other dietary needs if you specify when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 702 Whippoorwill Rd, Savannah. The location is easy to find and convenient for local travelers.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the cooking lesson, the meal prepared, and a couple of glasses of wine or beer to enjoy with your feast.

Is there a scenic view involved?
While the primary focus is on the cooking and dining, the historic home offers views of marshlands and wildlife refuges that add to the ambiance.

Are children allowed?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the nature of the activity, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can participate in cooking.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

To sum it up, this private Savannah cooking class with Chef Clay is a treasure for those wanting an authentic, hands-on taste of Southern life. It combines scenic views, warm hospitality, and delicious dishes into a memorable experience that will leave you with new skills and a full belly. Perfect for travelers eager to connect with local culture while enjoying a relaxed, intimate setting.