Has anyone done this? What was your experience? We will be in NO for 4 days in January. This sounds like it would be fun.

Hi-
I've been on a "girl's trip" (girls being 30-ish) to New Orleans for the past 4 years, and we've been to the New Orleans School of Cooking class 3 of the past 4 years and always want to go back. We've had 3 different chefs and have always found the demonstrations interesting and informative. They'll give you tips on anything you ask about--not just what they are cooking. They tell a bit of history about the food, the different cultures that played a role in the development of certain dishes, etc. The food is pretty good, but not real spicey (they are feeding 25+ people, usually) and they let you try several different sauces, etc. And there's beer! Or tea, if you are suffering from too much beer. There has always been a mix of men and women at this. Hope you enjoy it if you go.

Is this something DH would find fun? He is not really into cooking, but would go along with me if it was entertaining.

Did you do the 4 hour class or the 2 hour class? I was thinking about doing the 2 hour class as our time is limited.

Go, go, go!! Even though the title states "School of Cooking" it is more like a place to relax, talk to fellow travellers, laugh, and enjoy some good cookin'! Truly, I can't recommend this place highly enough - and everyone I know who has gone has enjoyed it.

Even if your husband isn't into cooking, I think he would still enjoy it. Yes, the chef does show the class how to cook and answers questions from the "class," but it is more than that. He entertains, tells about local culture, and even gets into the historical aspect of New Orleans (without getting dry and boring). When I went, there was an equal mix of men and women and while I think some of the men went to please their wives, they ended up having just as good a time. If you want a comparison to go by (though not very good), think of Emeril's show with more emphasis on conversation/talking than on food preparation.

As to the 2 hour or 4 hour? Completely up to you. I went to the 4 hour "class" and the time flew by. I skipped breakfast that morning and was glad I did - at the "school" you are more than welcome to "seconds." The only difference between the two classes is that there are 4 dishes prepared and served during the 4 hour class, 3 during the 2 hour class. Plus, starting at 2pm, the 2 hour class is kind of in an awkward time slot - too late to be lunch, too early to be dinner. Personally, I would recommend the 4 hour class, but that's me.

Either way, make sure you make reservations (can do so when you get to NO), and find out what the menu will be. It varies from day to day. As detroit_sg stated, the food is not that spicy, but then, the chef is serving a large group and doesn't know the tolerance level of each guest. There are hot sauces on the table if you want to add a bit more fire to your gumbo or jambalya, however. The New Orleans School of Cooking is on the internet as well, and can give you more information there as well.

Hope you have a great time!

Thanks for the info! I have registered for both of us to take the 2 hour class. All I had to say was *beer* and he was sucked in! lol.

You can sign up on their web site and it gives the menu. I look forward to watching them make Shrimp and Artichoke Soup, Crawfish Etouffee and Pralines!

Thanks again.

Please let us know how it turns out for you - we keep talking about taking a class when we're in New Orleans, but just don't take the time. Give me incentive!!! Have fun!

Think this would be fun for me & the wife on an anniversary trip?

KansasCowboy - This will be an anniversary trip for us. I think it will be fun.

My wife still raves about a tall guy named Kevin who did the cooking class. Ask for him if possible.

Chef Kevin is the best! He is so funny and really has a good understanding of New Orleans. KansasCowboy, I think this would be a fun thing to do for an anniversary - especially if your wife is into new recipes or if you are curious about making some of the foods you taste in the restaurants.

It has been quite a few years, but I had a great time. And I don't do a lot of cooking. My brother (who does a lot of cooking) recomended it to me.

I would consider doing it again.

Keith