MONTEREY, CA - Rio Grill, located at 101 Crossroads Blvd in Carmel, announces the 2011 "Flavor Education Series" celebrating the food and the flavors of the Southwest. Rio Grill will be conducting 3 flavor education classes from May – September. Chef Cy Yontz has created this class series for people meet to friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine. During each class, attendees will learn the art of creating southwest inspired recipes and enjoy lunch with Chef Cy paired with cocktails or wine.

The first class will "Celebrate National Salsa Month" and be held at Rio Grill on Saturday, May 14th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Attendees will learn the art of salsa making. There will be a hands-on salsa making demo and Chef Cy will send you home with special ingredients and plenty of tips to kick up your next fiesta with flavorful and tasty salsas! You'll also enjoy a four course lunch created and taste hand crafted tequilas.

The second class will celebrate “Summer’s Bounty” and will be held at Rio Grill June 25th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. If you have a passion for produce and are not sure what to do with it, Chef Cy will teach you how to select produce at the peak of freshness and create some great summer recipes. You will also enjoy a four course lunch created by Chef Cy paired with local wines. You will also take home a tote bag of produce and recipes cards to kick off your summer!

The third class will celebrate the art of empanada making. This class will be held at Rio Grill September 24 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Chef Cy will educate on the history of this popular Spanish tapas and teach you the art of the perfect dough and provide tips for flavorful filling combinations.  Attendees will also enjoy a four course lunch created by Chef Cy and paired with Spanish wines.

Each class is $45 plus tax and gratuity.(Please note new class price.) Reservations are required. Space for these classes is limited to 30 attendees. For more information on Rio Grill and its upcoming 27th Anniversary or to sign up for a class, please call (831) 625-5436 or go to www.riogrill.com. The restaurant serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., dinner daily from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and brunch on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.