Danna

My daughter and I are going to be in Paris from May 7 to 17, 2006. During that timeframe Le Cordon Bleu has two one-day courses. The Market Tour and Petit Fours. Any Fodorites with experience in either of these? Any input much appreciated.

elaine

I haven't taken these courses, but just from the sound of it, I'd go for the market tour. I've read about these, they will take you to the best local food markets, discusss how to choose the best ingredients for your cooking.
I am an avid baker, but the odds of my ever making petits fours at home are slim to none, whereas the experience of 'grocery shopping' with a professional would interest me greatly, and would provide great stories once I was back at home. But that's me.

Simone1

I second the market tour. I can only imagine how I would enjoy having someone for Le Cordon Bleu taking me around markets, butchers, etc. Of course explaining where to find good ingredients would not hurt either.

Danna

Elaine & Simone... I'm with you on the reasons for the Market Tour. My daughter will probably be more interested in the chocolate part of this decision. All insights will help. Many thanks!

Margaretlb

I'd take the cooking course. What's the use of a market tour to teach you where to shop for great ingredients when you don't live and cook Paris? I guess it could be interesting but I doubt it would be very useful. On the other hand, your daughter will always know how to make those petit fours. Some day, when she's an old lady and making petit fours she'll remember her day with you at Cordon Blue. She may have a daughter to pass the technique down to a start a family tradition. I doubt if a market tour would have the same lasting effect.