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Ask Karen: cooking classes in Paris.
Dear Annie,As one would imagine there is a dizzying choice of cooking schools in Paris for tourists and residents a like. The following list should help you get started.
Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Française:
This is a serious school that offers a wide variety of choices for professional and amateur chefs. You can choose from demonstrations, half-day hands-on classes, and one-week courses. They also have a 30-week diploma course for serious chefs and a children's workshop for budding gourmets. (http://www.ritzparis.com 38, rue Cambon, 1st. Metro: Opera. 01-43-16-30-50)
Françoise Meunier
Françoise Meunier, a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Toulouse, runs an informal, but highly regarded cooking school in the 2nd arrondissement. During the three-hour class students prepare a three-course meal and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor once all the hard work is done. Classes are in French, but Françoise does speak English and is happy to help with translations. (www.fmeunier.com. 7, rue Paul-Delong, 2nd. 01-40-26-14-00)Promenades Gourmandes
If you're looking for a casual and fun afternoon, Paule Caillat's cooking school in the Marais might be for you. This is the one cooking course in Paris that is given entirely in English and is geared towards American tourists. The class begins at a local café, and then it's off to the market to do the shopping. Everyone takes part in the cooking back at Paule's apartment and then of course—lunch is served! If you'd like you can take the full day class, which includes a gourmet tour through Paris. (paule.caillat@wanadoo.fr. 187, rue du Temple, 3rd. 01-48-04-56-84.)
For a week long course there is La Cuisine de Marie-Blanche, a small cooking school run by Marie-Blanche de Broglie from her upscale Paris apartment. Students learn the basics of classic French cooking along with the "Art de Vivre" (table manners, setting the table, flower arranging). Classes are available in French, English, or Spanish. Fees: One class: 145 €. 5-20 classes: 550-1,850 €. One week intensive course: 1000 € . 18 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, 7th. 01-45-51-36-34):
Have a wonderful trip, and if you decide to attend any of these classes, please post about your experience on our message boards!
Best,
Karen
