Now You're Cooking

Now You're Cooking

With so many chic riads serving up a culinary storm, it's no surprise that cooking schools in Marrakesh have taken off in recent years. Tagines, couscous, and briouates are all on the menu for the Maghrebian master chef in the making.

Dar les Cigognes. For a quick introduction to Moroccan cooking in the medina, this hotel offers a one-hour class every day at 6:30 for two people, for 150 DH each. Book ahead if you want to get in before the guests. 108, rue de Benima. 024/38-27-40. www.lescigognes.com

La Maison Arabe. This boutique hotel began its life as a famous restaurant and, aptly, and is now one of the best places for cooking workshops for amateurs and professionals alike. The workshops are conducted by a dada (Moroccan cook, traditionally female), and are organized in small groups around easy-to-use modern equipment. A translator (Arabic, English, French) provides detailed preparation and cooking instructions. At the end of each workshop participants dine on the meal they have prepared. 1, Derb Assehbe, Bab Doukkala. 024/38-70-10. www.lamaisonarabe.com. 1,600 DH 1-2 persons; 600 DH per person in groups of 3-5 persons; 500 DH per person in groups of 5-8. MC, V

Kasbah Agafay. Hidden away in a quiet corner of the Kasbah's grounds is the garden in which cooking classes are held. At the start of class you'll pick the herbs and vegetables for the dishes to be prepared, which include various tagines and couscous. Lessons also include bread and pastry making, and you'll use the traditional ovens that give these foods their distinctive flavor. Advice is also given about the excellent variety of Moroccan wines. 20 km (12 mi) on Rte. de Guemassa. 024/36-86-00 or 024/42-09-60. www.kasbahagafay.com. 1,600 DH 1-day lesson. AE, MC, V

Jnane Tamsna. Peggy Markel leads the "Feast for the Senses" culinary tours in the charming cottage compound with a thriving organic garden in the middle of the Palmeraie. A female Moroccan chef gives instruction in the preparation of exquisite Moroccan recipes that are easy to replicate back home. Douar Abiad, Circuit de la Palmeraie. 024/32-94-23. www.jnanetamsna.com. 700 DH per person for outside groups, minimum 6 persons. AE, MC, V

-Pamela Windo