Southwestern class covers medicinal uses of food

Southwestern Oregon Community College will be offering a cooking class to explore the healing power of food in Brookings later this month.

“Food is the Best Medicine” introduces macrobiotics – a 4,000-year-old oriental medical philosophy introduced in the United States by George Ohsawa in the 1950s – and is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at The Gallery Restaurants, 515 Chetco Ave., in Brookings.

“Macrobiotics is a modern synthesis of these ancient concepts, the most comprehensive dietary philosophy I have encountered, and applicable to any situation,” instructor Peter Osterhaus said.

Registration for the one-day course is $36 per student. Expanding on these principles, the college also will be offering an 11-week cooking demonstration class – Serene Cuisine: Macrobiotic Cooking for Health and Vitality – beginning April 2, where students will be able to learn macrobiotic cooking techniques and sample food prepared in the class.

For more information or to register, those interested can contact the Southwestern Brookings Center by calling (541) 469-5017 or visiting the office at 420 Alder St. in Brookings. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Press Release Date: February 16, 2007