Upcoming events

Jun 20 7:00 PM

Pasta Making 101Strathern Campus, 17054 Strathern St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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Jun 21 11:00 AM

Perfect Pastry CreationsStrathern Campus, 17054 Strathern St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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Jun 21 6:00 PM

Sophisticated SushiStrathern Campus, 17054 Strathern St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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Jun 22 4:00 PM

Distinctive Tastes of VietnamStrathern Campus, 17054 Strathern St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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Jun 26 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Kintsugi WorkshopStrathern Campus, 17054 Strathern St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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Explore our offerings

ArtFest 2025

A Creative Experience Like No Other A live artist competition unlike anything you’ve seen. This isn’t an art show where you stroll past finished work in silence. This is art in motion — a bold, high-energy live competition where every piece is created in real time. Watch fashion designers, makeup artists, floral arrangers, painters, culinary artists, and more bring their visions to life before your eyes. You’ll roam the Arboretum, take in the process, sample food-based creations, connect with makers, and witness artistry where it begins: at the moment of creation. In a world obsessed with polished end results, ArtFest invites you to witness the making — the skill, the risk, the beauty of the process. What to Expect Artists competing live across a wide range of creative categories Culinary competitors offering edible art samples Immersive stations including fashion, charcuterie tablescapes, florals, body art, and more Interactive mingling with artists and a chance to cast your audience favorite votes Live award ceremony** under the stars Surprises, special moments, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, movement, and creativity Whether you’re an art lover, creative professional, or just someone looking for something real, ArtFest will move you. What You’ll See: Creative Disciplines Live and Unfiltered ArtFest brings together an incredible range of artistry — from brush to blade, frosting to fabric. Whether you're into fashion, fine art, or food that looks too beautiful to eat, you'll find something that stops you in your tracks. Here’s a preview of the categories you’ll experience live: 🎨 Visual Fine Arts Where color, texture, and imagination collide — see work come to life stroke by stroke. Live Painting Drawing Printmaking Digital Art Graphic Design 🧱 Dimensional & Spatial Arts Three-dimensional work that reshapes space and form, right before your eyes. Sculpture Challenge Mosaic Art & Tile Design Textile & Fabric Art Candle Making & Wax Art Floral Arrangement 👗 Wearable & Body Art Art you can wear, model, or transform into. A full sensory experience. Fashion Design Jewelry Design Traditional Makeup Prosthetic Makeup 📜 Paper, Ink & Letterform Where precision meets poetry. Expect elegance, patience, and wow-worthy detail. Papercraft, Paper Art & Origami Calligraphy & Typography 🍰 Culinary Presentation & Edible Art Taste meets artistry — see (and sample) creations that look as good as they taste. Cake Decorating Charcuterie Tablescapes 🌿 Environmental & Experiential Design Full table scenes and interactive displays that completely reimagine space. General Tablescapes Photography Challenge You’ll be free to move throughout the venue, interact with artists, observe their process, and watch as each piece unfolds in real time. No screens, no edits — just pure creativity in motion. Learn more about ArtFest 2025 here!

From $25

Distinctive Tastes of China

Master the art of crafting an authentic Chinese feast in this hands-on cooking class! With expert guidance, you'll gain the skills to bring traditional Chinese flavors into your home kitchen. Start by preparing handmade wontons filled with a savory blend of pork and mushrooms. Next, you'll cook crispy Chinese chicken coated in a spicy, citrus-infused sauce - think the best parts of Orange Chicken and General Tso's Chicken, but better! - perfectly paired with stir-fried vegetables and fluffy steamed rice. To end on a sweet note, you'll make Ma Lai Gao, a soft and airy Chinese steamed sponge cake enriched with evaporated milk. Feel free to bring wine or beer to sip on while you cook and enjoy your meal! Menu Fried Wontons:** With thin wontons, ground pork (or shrimp), garlic, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Crispy Chinese Chicken:** With chicken, soy sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, oranges, whole dried chili, minced ginger, and garlic. Sizzling Stir-Fry Vegetables:** With bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, ginger, and bell peppers. Rice** Ma Lai Gao (Traditional Chinese Steamed Sponge Cake):** With eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, evaporated milk, cake flour, and butter. Please Note: Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Distinctive Tastes of Philippines

Experience the heartwarming (and mouthwatering) flavors of the Philippines in this hands-on cooking class! Guided by a skilled chef, you'll master the techniques behind three beloved Filipino dishes, each bursting with bold flavors and comforting aromas. Begin with Adobo, a slow-braised meat dish simmered to perfection in a rich blend of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. Then, whip up a vibrant plate of stir-fried chow mein noodles, packed with shrimp, pork, and crisp vegetables. For dessert, enjoy the crispy, caramelized goodness of banana spring rolls. Feel free to bring wine or beer to sip on as you cook and indulge in your creations! Menu Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Braised Meat):** With chicken, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns Pancit (Stir-Fried Noodles):** With chow mein noodles, pork, shrimps, oyster sauce, fish sauce, carrots, cabbage, and scallions Turon (Caramelized Banana Spring Rolls):** With banana, spring roll wrappers, and brown sugar Please Note Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Distinctive Tastes of Thailand

Step into the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with this interactive cooking class in Los Angeles! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this hands-on experience will guide you through the essential techniques and bold flavors that make Thai food so irresistible. With a skilled chef by your side, you’ll start by preparing a refreshing Green Papaya Salad, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in a zesty dressing. Next, warm up with a Thai Coconut Soup, featuring tender chicken, fragrant lemongrass, and just the right touch of chili. Your main course will be a savory noodle dish with beef and Chinese broccoli. Finally, indulge in the ultimate Thai dessert—Mango Sticky Rice, an absolute classic you'll be able to recreate at home for your loved ones. Perfect for a date night, a fun activity with friends, or a unique way to meet fellow food lovers, this Thai cooking class in LA will expand your culinary skills and leave you with a satisfied appetite! Guests are welcome to bring wine and beer to enjoy during the class. Menu Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad):** With shredded green papaya & carrots, Thai chili peppers, palm sugar, fish sauce, peanuts (optional), dried shrimp (optional), and lime juice Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup):** With coconut milk, chicken (or tofu or shrimp), cilantro, palm sugar, galangal, Thai chili peppers, and chili oil Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fry Noodles):** With beef (or tofu), noodles, Chinese broccoli, and Thai chili peppers Mango Sticky Rice:** With fresh mango, sticky rice, coconut milk Please Note Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Distinctive Tastes of Vietnam

Bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your kitchen in this hands-on cooking class! Led by an expert chef, you'll explore the bold, fresh ingredients and dynamic flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine while mastering three iconic dishes. Start with Chả Giò, crispy Vietnamese spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and vegetables. Then, make sizzling Vietnamese-style coconut crepes, generously stuffed with succulent prawns and savory pork. Finally, craft a steaming bowl of pho, the beloved noodle soup infused with fragrant spices and tender beef. Feel free to bring wine or beer to enjoy as you cook and savor your creations! Menu Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup):** With onions, ginger, broth, beef, fish sauce, basil, coriander, and sliced chilis Bánh Xèo (Savory Crepes):** With rice flour, coconut cream, scallions, prawns, pork, and mung beans Chả Giò (Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls):** With ground pork, carrots, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce Please Note: Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Global Bites: A Culinary Passport Tasting Experience

Travel the World — One Flavorful Bite at a Time Global Bites is your monthly passport to the world of flavor — brought to life by the chefs and instructors of Life Plus Culinary Academy. Step inside our kitchen for a curated, 60-minute tasting journey featuring 9 internationally inspired dishes, each one representing a cuisine you can explore further in our hands-on cooking classes. From bold street food to elegant comfort dishes, you’ll taste your way across countries and cultures — and walk away with more than just a full belly. Ages: 12 and up welcome!\ Have younger foodies at home? Don’t worry — kid-friendly tasting experiences are on the horizon. Stay tuned for our special editions designed just for them! October Passport Menu 🇹🇭 Thailand – Tom Kha Gai 🇻🇳 Vietnam – Chả Giò 🇨🇳 China – Crispy Spicy Chicken 🇵🇭 Philippines – Pancit 🇮🇹 Italy – Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi 🇰🇷 Korea – Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps 🇮🇳 India – Garlic Naan with Paneer Butter Sauce 🇺🇸 American South – Smothered Shrimp & Grits 🍰 International Dessert Table – rotating global sweets curated by our pastry team Why You'll Love It Taste authentic dishes from around the world — no passport needed Discover your next favorite cuisine or dish to master Connect with our chefs, educators, and fellow food lovers Perfect for dates, family outings, team bonding, or solo culinary exploration Easy, accessible, and unforgettable — right here in the heart of the Valley

From $25

Kintsugi Workshop

Embark on a captivating journey into the timeless Japanese art of Kintsugi. This class offers a unique opportunity to transform broken items into stunning pieces of art, celebrating their history and imperfections. With our expert guidance, you’ll learn the traditional techniques of Kintsugi, using gold-infused lacquer to mend and beautify your chosen item. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this class promises a rewarding and meditative experience. Rediscover the beauty in brokenness and take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that embodies resilience and creativity. Join us for an inspiring session where you’ll not only create art but also embrace the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Who is it for?\ Classes are perfect for all ages, and are divided between adults and youth.

From $199

Pasta Making 101

Welcome to Pasta Making 101, where we master the art of creating both handmade and machine-made pasta. This class is designed for anyone who wants to dive into the rich world of Italian pasta-making while exploring the perfect sauces to complement each style. You’ll create two types of pasta: soft, airy ricotta gnocchi made by hand and silky tagliatelle crafted with a pasta machine. To round out the experience, we’ll pair these pastas with two distinctive sauces—one tomato-based and one non-tomato-based—showcasing the diversity of Italian cuisine. **Style: Group Cooking\ Instructors: 1** Menu Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi:** With ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic, and flour Luxurious Brown Butter Sauce:** With sage Tagliatelle:** With flour, eggs, salt, and water Marinara Sauce:** With garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil Please Note Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Perfect Pastry Creations

Welcome to Perfect Pastry Creations, where we focus on creating versatile, quick, and festive pastry doughs that will become the foundation of your most beautiful and delicious creations. This is the class for anyone who wants to spend less time worrying about dough precision and more time channeling their inner artist. You'll master three types of dough that are as fun to work with as they are to eat. Master the art of pastry dough in this fun and creative culinary session. Explore three versatile and festive dough recipes in a class designed to spark your imagination and elevate your baking skills. You’ll learn to create Pâte Sablée, Buttermilk Biscuit Dough, and Festive Seasonal Pie Dough or Scratch-Made Cake, with plenty of examples and techniques to inspire your culinary creativity. **Style: Group Cooking\ Instructors: 1** Menu Scratch-Made Fruit Tart:** With flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, mascarpone, cream cheese, lemon, powdered sugar, and fruit Buttermilk Biscuits Two Ways (Savory & Sweet):** With flour, buttermilk, and butter Cinnamon Swirl Cake With Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:** With butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cinnamon, sour cream, vanilla, and cream cheese Please Note Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Sip & Paint: Whiskey + The Fruits of Life Edition

An Elevated Sip and Paint Experience by Life Plus* Sip. Stir. Create. Join us on March 29 at 6 PM for an intimate and immersive whiskey-inspired sip-and-paint experience like no other. This exclusive Liquid Canvas event blends the depth of whiskey with the vibrant essence of tropical fruits—tamarind, lychee, and passion fruit—guiding you through both cocktail craftsmanship and artistic expression. Over the course of 2.5 to 3 hours, you'll create three stunning whiskey cocktails, each seamlessly woven into your artistic journey. Every drink will inspire a new stage of your painting, making for an unforgettable fusion of flavor, color, and creativity. What to Expect This class is intentionally small—just 8 participants—for a highly interactive, hands-on experience. You'll be led through the evening by expert instructors who will guide you through both crafting exquisite whiskey cocktails and bringing your artistic vision to life on canvas. Cocktails & Art Breakdown Each cocktail is introduced at a pivotal moment in your creative process, influencing your art in unexpected and exciting ways: 🍸 Tamarind Sour & Artistic Conceptualization Your first cocktail is the Tamarind Sour, a rich and complex drink with a tropical tang. Hands-on Challenge:** You’ll extract tamarind paste from a block of tamarind pulp—no shortcuts! This drink takes the most effort, much like laying the groundwork for a meaningful painting. Art Connection:** As you sip, you’ll conceptualize your painting, sketching out your vision with inspiration from the deep, earthy tones of tamarind and whiskey. 🍸 Spicy Lychee Sour & Color Theory Development Your second cocktail, the Spicy Lychee Sour, is as visually striking as it is flavorful. Aesthetic Focus:* A *red base, bright yellow drink, and a stunning ice cube**—perhaps tinted with hibiscus or encasing a frozen flower. Art Connection:* This drink introduces bold, playful contrasts, mirroring your transition into *color theory and initial sketching** for your painting. 🍸 Passion Fruit Sour & Final Masterpiece Creation Your final cocktail, the Passion Fruit Sour, will be elevated in garnish and presentation—featuring fresh passion fruit sourced from one of our gardens. Art Connection:* Just as passion fruit’s vibrant pulp transforms the drink, your final painting comes to life in this stage. The intricate details of your *garnish creation* will parallel the *finishing touches on your artwork**. Throughout the evening, light snacks will be provided to enhance your tasting experience. Why This Experience is Unique Fully Curated:* We provide *everything* for this *truly immersive* event—from *premium whiskey* to *hand-selected tropical ingredients—seamlessly interweaving the **craft of mixology and the art of painting. This isn’t your typical sip-and-paint where a glass of wine sits disconnected from the creative process. Here, each drink is intentionally paired with your artistic journey, ensuring an experience that is as thoughtful as it is magical. Cocktail & Art Fusion:* Each stage of your painting is guided by the *flavors, textures, and visual inspiration** of your cocktails. Your drink isn't just a side experience—it’s an integral part of your creative process. Small, Exclusive Setting:* With only *8 spots available, you’ll receive **personalized instruction in both mixology and painting, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience. Who Should Attend? Art enthusiasts** looking for an inspired, guided painting session. Whiskey lovers** who want a creative, hands-on tasting experience. Couples, friends, and solo adventurers** seeking a unique, intimate night out. Anyone ready to sip, create, and explore the connection between art and mixology!**

From $149

Sophisticated Sushi

Boost your sushi expertise with fun and engaging culinary sessions. Explore signature sushi recipes in this cooking class designed to bring your culinary skills to the next level. Led by a gourmet chef, you'll learn how to prepare your favorite restaurant-style sushi selections. Start by slicing raw fish and pressing it over rice and wasabi for nigiri. Next, learn how to cut fish for a traditional platter of sashimi. You'll also make hand-rolled temaki with nori and uramaki with rice and caviar. Finally, make chirashi, a bowl of vinegared rice topped with sashimi, an egg and other vegetables.\ \ Menu Nigiri:** With raw fish slices, vinegared rice, and wasabi Sashimi:** With raw fish slices or seafood Maki:** With nori seaweed, vinegared rice, and various fillings Temaki:** With nori seaweed and various fillings Uramaki:** With nori seaweed, vinegared rice, caviar, and various fillings Chirashi:** With vinegared rice, sashimi, various vegetables, and an egg Please Note Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class. Knowledge required Beginner-friendly to advanced, all are welcome!

From $125

Buy a gift cardGive someone you care about an experience they'll never forget.

When you give a gift card, you let the recipient choose their own experience.You decide the amount on the gift card and also have the option to add a personal greeting to the recipient. You receive the gift card by email.

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We can also arrange private events for larger groups, such as company events etc. Leave us your details and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

About Life Plus

Spark your curiosity in curated experiences

Experience the extraordinary with our mind-blowing courses designed to introduce you to the disciplines we love. Our passionate instructors create memorable experiences that last a lifetime. We take pride in offering small classes with personalized attention, ensuring the highest quality learning opportunities in Los Angeles and beyond. Discover hidden gems and enrich your life with us.

Elevate yourself with exceptional courses

Discover unique classes taught live at one of our local, Los Angeles campuses. Our classes are led by masterful, world-focused instructors who excel in their craft. Our 4-week courses, limited to 12 participants, ensure personalized attention and a tailored learning experience. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter instruction and embrace a course designed just for you.