Published: February 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Renata Parker
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Need a little help heating up a romance? Kitchens are the new destination hot spot, where the love for food is always in the air. Cooking schools like the Viking Cooking School in Atlanta are emerging as a new and creative form of entertainment. After a few classes, you could learn to melt a heart or two.

Launched by the high-end brand which is synonymous with a gourmet lifestyle, Viking’s comprehensive culinary program involves all aspects of the kitchen, including food, wine and even travel. Devoted foodies can test-drive recipes with confidence by enrolling in one of Viking’s 16 schools, which are located across the country. More than 70,000 students have participated since the program launched in 2008. Choose from over 300 classes conducted by culinary professionals and renowned chefs, who instruct you in a professional teaching kitchen. A plus of the Viking Cooking School’s program is that a portion of the class tuition is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Food lovers will learn the art of low-and-slow barbecue, the French techniques for love in soup preparation and the secrets that distinguish the amateurs from the pros. In the cooking essentials series, you’ll knock a few socks off with steakhouse grilling skills, and learn to finish an evening with an easy yet elegant warm chocolate soufflé.

Depending on the concept, classes are organized by different styles for different types of learning. The hands-on workshop teaches small groups how to prepare food and use different types of tools. Inside the kitchen, the Chef’s Table approach allows students to sit back and observe the chef, while demonstration classes allow a step-by-step style of learning. Learn new tips for wine and food parings, professional plating techniques and entertainment suggestions for all occasions. No matter which style of class you choose, frequent tasting is a must.

Workshops are conducted in intimate groups of usually no more than 12 participants, depending on the topics. This gourmet training for home cooks includes workshops on super foods, sustainable seafood, culinary basics, wine and cheese essentials, baking, international cuisine, chocolate and a date-night series, just to name a few.

Viking knows that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. In February, the school will offer a variety of classes, including a special three-hour Chef’s Table session on Valentine’s night. Forget the reservation battle and experience a little hands-on approach to romance by spending a memorable evening in a professional kitchen learning how to fill crepes, work with strawberries and chocolate and a deliver a succulent beef tenderloin. A sample of the tempting Valentine’s menu includes wild mushroom and brie beggar’s purses; mixed greens with bacon, apples and red wine vinaigrette; and beef tenderloin with sweet potato-crusted scallops and lemon pepper Beurre Blanc. Now that’s amore!

For girls who just want to have fun, Viking’s Atlanta cooking school takes you to Rome, Paris and Little Havana during a wildly popular Girls Night Out class where friends get together for fun-filled evenings exploring the foods and spirits of cultures known for food. Check www.vikingcookingschool.com for the complete culinary workshop offerings.

After a day of slathering, clarifying, braising and dicing, give your palate a break and pamper yourself with a stay at Atlanta’s new St. Regis hotel. Located on West Paces Ferry, the St. Regis resort features luxurious amenities and is perfect for a romantic getaway or just a spa weekend with girlfriends. What’s new at this location is an expansive skating rink which was recently unveiled as part of a collaboration with Coca-Cola, Bentley Atlanta and Mayors fine jewelry. Named for the distinguished Astor family, who founded the flagship St. Regis New York in 1904, the Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink is open to visitors and hotel guests. Glide the ice and then snuggle by an open fire.