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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Eric

Tampa, FL, United States

USD
$42-$59 per person

Mexican Fiesta or American BBQ in Tampa Florida

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Eric

Eric and his wife Nancy love traveling – they have been to all 50 states in the US and 49 different countries! They discovered Traveling Spoon during one of their trips to Portugal and they enjoyed it so much that they decided to be hosts themselves! Art is Nancy’s passion and food is Eric’s – he wants to cook, teach, and meet new people so they can enjoy a homecooked meal together. Eric is an expert homecook with over 40 years of experience - cooking started out as a necessity and over the years became a huge source of joy. He is a firm believer in preparing his meals with lots of love and care as everyone deserves great food and drink - it is good for the soul!

When asked why he’d like to be a host, this was Eric’s response, “Meeting new people, sharing experiences and allowing me to share my love for food, is what I need to be doing for the rest of my life. Let's talk, cook, and eat and I promise it will be fun.”

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) You will be welcomed with a smile into Eric and Nancy’s beautiful, warm and spacious home, which is 30-45 mins away from Clearwater, St Petersburg and Disney in Florida. Eric loves hosting and sharing his passion for food and cooking. You can look forward to a Mexican fiesta meal, prepared using the freshest of ingredients or an American BBQ meal, where meats will be grilled to perfection on their outdoor grill. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Eric knows the perfect place to buy fish or shrimp that was caught that very day! And on Sundays (lunchtime), you can enjoy a fun outdoor brunch, while you relish on their must-have brunch menu. Your meal concludes with tea or coffee.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Join Eric in his open kitchen for a 1.5 hour Tampa cooking class near Disney in Florida. During your hands-on cooking class, learn to make 2-3 dishes from scratch. Depending on the menu you choose, you will learn to make an appetizer and main dish or grill outdoors. After cooking, join Eric and Nancy at their dining table to share the meal you helped prepare.

Notes: Eric can accommodate all special dietary needs, however, you need to inform him in advance, while booking your Tampa cooking class online. If you're looking for something fun to do near Disney in Tampa Florida, this activity is perfect for families.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Please choose one from the following menus:
  • Mexican Fiesta – Burritos or tacos or quesadillas, choice of 7 different fresh salsas (with adjustable heat levels), guacamole, and chips. Sangria or tequila, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • American BBQ - Burgers, wings or sausages, coleslaw or macaroni and cheese, homemade fries or onion rings. Beer or wine, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • Seafood - Fresh grilled fish or scallops or shrimp, pasta or risottos and fresh salad. Crisp white wine, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • Sunday Brunch (only available on Sundays, lunch time) – Quiche or omelettes or breakfast burritos, French toast or waffles, breakfast meats and fruit. Mimosa or bloody mary, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.

Traveler reviews

5.0 (7)
This was honestly one of the best experiences we’ve had not only in the Tampa area...but anywhere...worldwide!!! Calling it a cooking class doesn’t quite capture what it is. It feels more like spending the evening with great hosts (who felt like preferred family by the end of the night) where you happen to learn a bit about cooking along the way. Eric and Nancy are fantastic. They made both me and my sister feel comfortable immediately, and the whole night is relaxed, funny, and interactive. The food was excellent, but their company and the atmosphere they created really made the evening special. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back with other friends, partners, and anyone else who'd delight in an exceptional night out If you're anywhere near Tampa, I would absolutely recommend this. I’d give it six stars if that were an option.
- melissa March 16, 2026
I had a great experience with Nancy and Eric. The food was great and they were very welcoming. It was a good experience and good vibe.
- Tiffany July 25, 2024
This experience is like visiting a friend who just so happens to be an excellent chef! Eric worked with me to design a menu that was customizable for dietary differences /spice tolerance and those with varying skills/interest in the kitchen. We did an Mexican inspired lunch and the food was so yummy, and so plentiful that we took doggie bags home. I got a chance to be hands-on helping cook, learning short-cuts and tricks for enhancing flavors & the other couple got a chance to relax. A win-win! Nancy took great care of us, making us feel (literally) at (their) home; she made a welcome sign/ happy birthday sign with our names and was so great about refilling glasses, serving, clearing plates, offering to-go boxes; all the while sharing stories of their travels around the world. All in all it was about 3 hours, which we enjoyed, but if you are in a rush (or super hungry when you arrive), let Eric know when you get there so he can adjust. Also know that you won't be working from recipes, so if you want to recreate the meal, ask & Eric will send afterwards. Be aware, they have (well-behaved) cats so don't book if you have allergies. It was such a fun afternoon, I would recommend!
- 945leigh July 01, 2024
Eric and Nancy couldn’t have been better hosts if they tried. Wonderful people. Amazing Mexican food and the Sangria was the best I have ever had! If you’re looking for a unique dinner idea~ don’t pass this up!
- Dawne February 16, 2024
Eric and Nancy couldn’t have been better hosts if they tried. Wonderful people. Amazing Mexican food and the Sangria was the best I have ever had! If you’re looking for a unique dinner idea~ don’t pass this up!
- Dawne February 15, 2024
Cooking with Eric was a unique experience. It was a one of kind evening with good food and a lot of laughter.
- Victoria_L August 31, 2023
Eric and his wife were great. They corresponded with us to determine what we wanted and then made it happen. They were interesting conversationalists, knowledgeable about food , the area and its history. They were gracious when we were late. All in all we had a great time and felt like we were visiting friends.
- Ian and Deb June 25, 2023
Read More

Eric

$42-$59 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $42 $42 $42
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $59 $59 $59
Alcohol
 $25 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $42 $42 $42
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $59 $59 $59
Alcohol
 $25 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Eric

Eric and his wife Nancy love traveling – they have been to all 50 states in the US and 49 different countries! They discovered Traveling Spoon during one of their trips to Portugal and they enjoyed it so much that they decided to be hosts themselves! Art is Nancy’s passion and food is Eric’s – he wants to cook, teach, and meet new people so they can enjoy a homecooked meal together. Eric is an expert homecook with over 40 years of experience - cooking started out as a necessity and over the years became a huge source of joy. He is a firm believer in preparing his meals with lots of love and care as everyone deserves great food and drink - it is good for the soul!

When asked why he’d like to be a host, this was Eric’s response, “Meeting new people, sharing experiences and allowing me to share my love for food, is what I need to be doing for the rest of my life. Let's talk, cook, and eat and I promise it will be fun.”

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) You will be welcomed with a smile into Eric and Nancy’s beautiful, warm and spacious home, which is 30-45 mins away from Clearwater, St Petersburg and Disney in Florida. Eric loves hosting and sharing his passion for food and cooking. You can look forward to a Mexican fiesta meal, prepared using the freshest of ingredients or an American BBQ meal, where meats will be grilled to perfection on their outdoor grill. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Eric knows the perfect place to buy fish or shrimp that was caught that very day! And on Sundays (lunchtime), you can enjoy a fun outdoor brunch, while you relish on their must-have brunch menu. Your meal concludes with tea or coffee.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Join Eric in his open kitchen for a 1.5 hour Tampa cooking class near Disney in Florida. During your hands-on cooking class, learn to make 2-3 dishes from scratch. Depending on the menu you choose, you will learn to make an appetizer and main dish or grill outdoors. After cooking, join Eric and Nancy at their dining table to share the meal you helped prepare.

Notes: Eric can accommodate all special dietary needs, however, you need to inform him in advance, while booking your Tampa cooking class online. If you're looking for something fun to do near Disney in Tampa Florida, this activity is perfect for families.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Please choose one from the following menus:
  • Mexican Fiesta – Burritos or tacos or quesadillas, choice of 7 different fresh salsas (with adjustable heat levels), guacamole, and chips. Sangria or tequila, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • American BBQ - Burgers, wings or sausages, coleslaw or macaroni and cheese, homemade fries or onion rings. Beer or wine, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • Seafood - Fresh grilled fish or scallops or shrimp, pasta or risottos and fresh salad. Crisp white wine, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.
  • Sunday Brunch (only available on Sundays, lunch time) – Quiche or omelettes or breakfast burritos, French toast or waffles, breakfast meats and fruit. Mimosa or bloody mary, if you’ve paid additionally for alcohol.

Traveler reviews

5.0 (7)
This was honestly one of the best experiences we’ve had not only in the Tampa area...but anywhere...worldwide!!! Calling it a cooking class doesn’t quite capture what it is. It feels more like spending the evening with great hosts (who felt like preferred family by the end of the night) where you happen to learn a bit about cooking along the way. Eric and Nancy are fantastic. They made both me and my sister feel comfortable immediately, and the whole night is relaxed, funny, and interactive. The food was excellent, but their company and the atmosphere they created really made the evening special. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back with other friends, partners, and anyone else who'd delight in an exceptional night out If you're anywhere near Tampa, I would absolutely recommend this. I’d give it six stars if that were an option.
- melissa March 16, 2026
I had a great experience with Nancy and Eric. The food was great and they were very welcoming. It was a good experience and good vibe.
- Tiffany July 25, 2024
This experience is like visiting a friend who just so happens to be an excellent chef! Eric worked with me to design a menu that was customizable for dietary differences /spice tolerance and those with varying skills/interest in the kitchen. We did an Mexican inspired lunch and the food was so yummy, and so plentiful that we took doggie bags home. I got a chance to be hands-on helping cook, learning short-cuts and tricks for enhancing flavors & the other couple got a chance to relax. A win-win! Nancy took great care of us, making us feel (literally) at (their) home; she made a welcome sign/ happy birthday sign with our names and was so great about refilling glasses, serving, clearing plates, offering to-go boxes; all the while sharing stories of their travels around the world. All in all it was about 3 hours, which we enjoyed, but if you are in a rush (or super hungry when you arrive), let Eric know when you get there so he can adjust. Also know that you won't be working from recipes, so if you want to recreate the meal, ask & Eric will send afterwards. Be aware, they have (well-behaved) cats so don't book if you have allergies. It was such a fun afternoon, I would recommend!
- 945leigh July 01, 2024
Eric and Nancy couldn’t have been better hosts if they tried. Wonderful people. Amazing Mexican food and the Sangria was the best I have ever had! If you’re looking for a unique dinner idea~ don’t pass this up!
- Dawne February 16, 2024
Eric and Nancy couldn’t have been better hosts if they tried. Wonderful people. Amazing Mexican food and the Sangria was the best I have ever had! If you’re looking for a unique dinner idea~ don’t pass this up!
- Dawne February 15, 2024
Cooking with Eric was a unique experience. It was a one of kind evening with good food and a lot of laughter.
- Victoria_L August 31, 2023
Eric and his wife were great. They corresponded with us to determine what we wanted and then made it happen. They were interesting conversationalists, knowledgeable about food , the area and its history. They were gracious when we were late. All in all we had a great time and felt like we were visiting friends.
- Ian and Deb June 25, 2023
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $42 $42 $42
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $59 $59 $59
Alcohol
 $25 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $42 $42 $42
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $59 $59 $59
Alcohol
 $25 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.