The Social Practice Lab at the Columbus School of Design

Kitchen Social is a social practice lab dedicated to cooking classes as an avenue to bring students together through cooking sessions, as well as providing space for research, experimentation, and collaboration on topics like food waste management, cultural impact studies, community building efforts, social innovation initiatives and social enterprise. This open kitchen facility can also be booked by School of Design classes for class projects and events.

Polaris-area restaurant was buzzing with diners on a Tuesday evening since opening earlier in 2019. Their sophisticated yet approachable menu offers shared plates like cheddar scallion biscuits and Korean BBQ cauliflower alongside craft cocktails to please every palette imaginable, earning them recognition from Columbus area local media such as 614 Magazine as "Best New Restaurant." It is clear why Polaris has quickly gained such popularity among diners; in 2018 614 Magazine awarded them their Best New Restaurant honor.

At one time, kitchens were considered gendered spaces occupied by women for domestic tasks and food preparation. With women entering the workforce more quickly and men taking greater control over finances in households, kitchens became places for social gathering. Today's modern kitchen often opens into both the living room and dining area to provide space for family and friends to gather while preparing food together.

NPD Group reported in its recent study that more and more people are seeking hands-on culinary experiences, leading to an upswing in cooking classes as well as social practice labs that offer both classroom learning and experiential instruction.

The lab, designed to replicate residential kitchens, features high-end appliances and tools. Instructors who double as chefs also serve as entertainers and educators - engaging students through demonstrations and games while simultaneously entertaining. Each class focuses on either pizza, tacos, sushi or vegan cooking concepts and includes four courses. Students range from individuals celebrating birthdays or anniversaries through to couples celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries celebrating together; classes typically accommodate between one and 18 guests and BYO are welcome!