Anyone attended any cooking classes in Paris which are fun and for amateurs? I know Cordon Bleu is really famous but that is too professional and the courses are too long. I am just looking for ad hoc classes. Help please!

Cordon Bleu lets you "take" a single class--usually 3-4 hours in the morning with a master chef demonstrating several recipes. I highly recommend it. Escoffier also has single class offerings.

Ditto - I took a 3 hour course in the evening at Le Cordon Bleu (translated into English). It was by no means overwhelming. The only problem was I ate so much of the demonstration I was too full to go out to dinner after.

l'Escoffier - single class or demo, about 3 hours. Chef might only speak French, but an assistant translates everything. Geared for all levels (my classes/demos included housewives, full-time culinary students, and professional chefs...and moi). You get a certificate when you take a class (very cool, framed in your kitchen) and a printout of all the recipes. <BR><BR>Francoise Meuniere - 1/2 day class in her kitchen (I don't think it's where she lives; it's her place of business in an old apartment building) with about 10 other students. She speaks English, lots of great techniques and helpful hints. You get a printout of the recipes you make.<BR><BR>Paulle Caillot - full day with her, going to the market, learning about the food, bringing it back to her apartment where you make lunch; she then acts as a shopping guide, taking you to Dehillerin or to shop for anything you ask. <BR><BR>Take any or all - these were some of the best experiences I've ever had!

Gail, Danna and Elvira - what are the approximate costs of those classes and how do you register for them?<BR><BR>Thanks for your help and all the interesting information!<BR>

I am also interested in doing a half-day or one-day class. I'll be there at the beginning of April. When will you be going, Cat? Please let me know where you end up taking a class..it sounds like a great idea!

Perfect timing for this thread! I'm looking for cooking classes in Paris for my sister's birthday. She's particularly interested in pastry classes. Does anyone have info on this?<BR><BR>I'm also looking for information on cost and how to register.

www.paris-gourmet.com The price is 185 euros per person for the<BR>whole day "French for a Day" program (cooking and shopping)<BR><BR>I just signed up for the above - will let you know how it was (end of April).

Ladybug: It's been 7 years, can't remember exactly how I signed up, seems I got info in the mail by calling the number in the back of Gourmet Mag. I think it was $40-ish for the Sabrina class (evening). <BR><BR>Elvira: glad to know someone else's kitchen is walled with souveniers. I have a great time begging chef autographs from trophy restaurants. Am framing chopsticks from Nobu and Eric(Le Bernardine) Ripert's signature on menu now! Not sure if I will have the nerve to embarrass myself that way at Guy Savoy and P. Gagnaire!

For l'Escoffier - sign up ASAP. the classes/demos fill fast<BR>http://www.ritz.com/En/R0502.asp<BR><BR>for Francoise Meunier<BR>http://www.inti.fr/fmeunier/<BR><BR>for Paule Caillat<BR>http://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/promen.htm

ttt

Cordon Bleu has a web site with information on their classes and fees: http://www.cordonbleu.net/schools/france/