I was very excited about Cook and Taste Barcelona...until I found out that they are on vacation in August, which is when I will be there. I'm looking for something--anything--similar in Barcelona, as well as in Paris. I love to cook, and food is half of the reason I'm going to Paris, and a good portion of the reason I decided to add Barcelona to our trip. I will be in Paris with my husband, but will be in Barcelona on my own, so a 'private' cooking lesson would likely make me uncomfortable--I'm looking for something in a small group class (as even in Paris, I'd likely be taking the class on my own, whilst the husband eats cheese and bread in a park somewhere). Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
Cook'nwithclass in Paris is very good. You meet the chef at a market, select the protein and veggies based upon what is in season, then head back to the kitchen for the preparation. I think the class size is limited to 6.
It is the #1 rated thing to do in Paris according to TripAdvisor.
Your husband can pay €35 to join you when the meal is ready.
I did just this recently with a family member who took a class. The meal was amazing. You won't want to eat the rest of the day. Very rich food. Thoughtfully paired wines and port. Cheese course based upon selections made at the market.
The classes are taught in English, by the way. The market experience itself is pretty amazing as you have a local helping "decode" the various shops. Apparently one of the shops had some sides of horse meat hanging. The class opted to go with duck though.
Afterwards the chef can give you the "shortcut" to Sacre Coeur.
Posted by
York, PA
300 posts
Tracy:
We took a class with Cook'n With Class in February. My photos are on Flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71511153@N00/sets/72157623402671332/.
Posted by
St. Pete, FL
75 posts
My husband took the half day course with Cook'n With Class in March 2009 and loved it. He said the market experience alone was amazing. His class that day was 4 people, so lots of personal attention from Chef Eric Fradeau. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Posted by
OP
Macungie, PA, USA
463 posts
Yeah...I checked out the pictures on flickr (thanks!) and even watched a little video on YouTube...and then I found out how much a class at Cookin' With Class costs. I just can't swing 185 Euros--around $223. That's 10% of our 'fun' budget for the entire trip--and we're away for a month! Perhaps I can find something smaller and less renown, or just buy a cook book and explore the markets on my own. This sounds like way less fun, but still--I'll be in Paris, so I can't complain!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Hi Tracy - Let us know if you find anything more reasonably priced. I know the Ritz Hotel offers cooking classes and I think you can pay to watch some of them, which wouldn't be hands on but might be interesting, and I would think it would be less expensive. On the other hand, it's the Ritz and would probably still be expensive.
Another idea is to talk to the vendors when you go to the markets and ask for preparation suggestions. I'll bet you get some good ideas/recipes.