Great Forum Idea--How About Culinary Education?
 

Of course, this is a big trend in travel and not all cookery vacation programs are really all that "educational." Any suggestions?

I have personally experienced a very educational and enjoyable mini-vacation in Nova Scotia last year at the Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School--excellent instructors and beautiful location. I've never seen such fresh fish and seafood!

How about other North American or European schools?

I love this idea. A few years ago I took the half day cooking class at the New Orleans Cooking School which was great.

My wife would kill to take cooking classes in Paris, but Patty Wells is gonna have to wait a few years before that fits into the travel budget. In the meantime, she's got her eyes on some classes in Santa Fe. Works for me! They've got a good photography school there too.

Yeah, culinary travel has grown considerably in the last few years, but I don't know if it warrants a separate forum. I think we've got too many as it is on Fodor's.

I think there are lots of options - some vacaion rental sites are even using that as a search opion now!

The situations really can be so different...from formal schools to one-day workshops, etc. - I was approched by a local chef in Italy and she offers private or semi-private lessons and workshops on cooking local cuisine...she comes right to your home.

As the Family Travel Expert for www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com, I am constantly on the lookout for fun family vacation ideas. My nephew loves to cook, so I began researching culinary travel opportunites. Most four and five-star properties offer many ways to be a "Chef for a Day" and have programs like "Make Holiday Cookies with the Chef," etc. You will be surprised at how many properties offer holiday-themed cooking opportunities right on-site. If you ask, they are usually happy to arrange a special day with the top chef of the property. Call the hotel concierge prior to your arrival and inquire. They will usually be happy to help. Whether you are a little kid, or a kid at heart, culinary education can be for the whole family. And, you don't have to fly to Italy or enroll at a school. Most properties can accommodate you on your vacation to most major metropolitan cities. I know Chicago and New York have these available. Try the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons or Hyatt properties. I have seen these programs offered from time-to-time.
Jennifer Michaels
www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com

Plenty of European suggestions!
In Paris, do not miss Laura and A World in a Pan. Her classes are quite unique! After cooking fresh local ingredients for two hours, the clients share the meal in her living room with a beautifully dressed table (www.aworldinapan.com)
In London, call Julia Chalkey from The Art Of Hospitality. A professional and enthusiastic chef, she has the poise you need to succeed in the art of hospitality. [email protected]