[pounagate]

As it was nicely pointed out to me, most of you may not read French, so I'll try again in English.
Does any of you know about a place where one can take cooking classes in Paris (or around)? Friends of mine from California will visit me in June, but they don't speak French, and one of them is a vegetarian, so that makes things a little complicated. If you happen to know about a place providing such service, please let me know and I will give you in return my special recipe: burnt-to-perfection toasts!

[willson]

I've been to classes with Samira Hradsky who has a lovely kitchen (approx metro Argentine as I recall). Lovely kitchen, lively, small classes (I was part of a group of 4) and included eating the results. Food Unites the World

have also been to Le Cordon Bleu, which does English translated demo & practical classes. Very professional but also entertaining for the amateur. Look at the "Gourmet Sessions" .LCB

Escoffier at the Ritz Hotel is apparently already sold out for the year when I looked at them last. Have not attended there but would like to. Ecole Ritz Escoffier
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...Willson

[swaldron]

[creampuff]

I've done a bit of research on French cooking classes.
My personal choice is Paule Caillat. She does market tours with classes in her home and gourmet walking tours in English for individuals and small groups. I can't vouch for the class since I don't take it until May 3. I assume she can customize a bit for your vegetarian friends. They should also check out Vegetarian Times issue from January 2003 with a discussion of gourmet vegetarian dining in Paris.

Paule can be reached at info@promenadesgourmandes.com

Shaw guides has a lot of info on cooking schools
www.shawguides.com

Good luck.

[cucina testa rossa]

for two very different types of classes, my vote is also with Francoise Meunier and the Ritz Escoffier. But it depends on what type of experince you are looking for. down to earth, hands on, casual or elegant observation....

Francoise Meunier's Ecole de Cuisine had a bright sunny atelier in the 2nd and always a very international mix of people in the class. It's hands on and everyone participates and preps/cooks part of the meal. then everyone gathers at a large table and feasts. Francoise speaks at least 5 languages (including Japanese) so no one feels left out. She also does market tours in the morning.

The Ritz is a two hour demonstration class of a menu and you get samples as the chef prepares them. The chef that taught my class was charming and handsome and there was someone there to translate as he taught in French. You can have tea before in the garden or stop in for a drink at the Hemingway bar after. A lovely day....

there is also a great new place in the 8th called Atelier des Chefs (http://www.atelierdeschefs.com/) on 10, rue de Penthievre. I went there in December and it is beautiful, hip, chic, cool, gorgeous. Almost Hotel Costes-ish without the attitude and pretention (well maybe a little from the woman at the front) but a lovely set-up. They have an amazing program at lunch. 15 (i think) euros for a 1 hour cooking lesson and lunch. The first half hour is the cooking lesson, one plate, and the next 30 mintues the class gathers at a very long high table and dines ensemble. they book out pretty far in advance so call ahead for reservations.

hope this helps, laura
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cucina testa rossa
http://cucinatestarossa.blogs.com

[sacramentosue]

Thank you all for the lovely list of cooking classes. I'll be in Paris June 20-28 and am sorry I'll miss the vegetarian extravaganza (my daughter has adopted this lifestyle and I'm trying to find gourmet vegetarian recipes so I'll await follow-up postings with baited breath.)

The good news is that I plan to attend Paule's Promenade Gourmand half-day class and one of her market tours. If any of you have experienced her teaching or will be attending in June, please let me know. Merci bien.

Sue

[Cornette]

I saw a lot of adds in the Good Food Magazine. All English Speaking Cooking courses in France.
Very expensive.
Just take a Dutch cooking course in French.
Most of us speak English

Cornette

[creampuff]

I'll be taking her class next week and will post my impressions when I get back. If you are looking for a home cooking experience I think it will be fine. If you want something more professional or classic it might not be the best choice from the feedback I got from acquaintances who have taken her class. My preference was for the personal, home-style experience, so I chose Paule.