Paris - Chef Samira

I found Chef Samira to be a kind, friendly,interesting person. I was pleased by her style of teaching and learned several things I had never known such as removing the garlic center to avoid the bad breath factor and how to pick an eggplant to get one with less seeds inside. The trip to the market was a pleasure and really added a Parisian element to the class. Being in the chef's home and working in her kitchen was beyond my expectations and a very pleasant experience. The recipes were easy to read and understand and watching Samira in action was an education. I liked the hands on interaction of chopping. peeling and stirring. The food tasted great and it was a treat to sit in her dining room and taste the five course meal we had prepared. I now have a much better idea of what goes on in a professional kitchen. My husband and I have made a few of the recipes at home and enjoyed the flavors and the memories of our class in Paris. We would do it again! Robin K., NY

The best part of course was Samira. Wonderful person. We had a great time. I've already tried and shared her recipes. All a huge hit! The support staff is very efficient and professional. You are all doing a great job. Joanne D., Paris, France

Samira was a spectacular guide and hostess. Her knowledge of the area, and her close (almost familial) relationship with her vendors was impressive, and extremely entertaining. Our food was delicious, the hostess was fun and fabulous, and the setting was divine. I could not have asked for a better experience to add to my cultural tour of Paris. Victoria D., NY

The class was great. Samira was wonderful, from start to finish. The trip to the market was a great way to start off. Everything was so FRESH. I have made everything we made in the class except for one item... Would do it again and definitely recommend it to anyone traveling. Angel S., NJ

Samira was an excellent teacher who thoroughly taught every aspect of the methods required to cook a five-course French meal. Her husband interjected a very valuable lesson on French wines with an informative handout. I have recommended the school to many friends ... The entire experience was professionally conducted and I feel Samira and her husband are awesome individuals with a central signature core of kindness that I shall always remember. Mary R., TX

Learning to cook with Samira in Paris was a delightful experience. The shopping trip to the markets was fabulous - I was so impressed especially with the fish market, the best I have seen anywhere. The cooking experience so much fun. Samira taught us little things I had never known before, like how to "seed" garlic. The five course meal we prepared was beautiful and delicious, and dining in Samira's lovely home was the perfect ending. Merci, Samira, for making Paris a "Movable Feast," to quote Hemingway. I plan to re-live and remember the experience by preparing the same meal for my husband and some friends here in the USA! Merci, mille fois! The experience was priceless! Jonene E., MI

In any event, the day spent with Samira was the highlight of our trip. She is personable, knowledgeable, and most gracious and hospitable. The day was enjoyable and a wonderful learning experience. We will most certainly recommend her class to any of our friends who have plans to visit Paris. Larry B., CO

The class was terrific -- the early morning visit to a four star market was an unforgettable experience. Have never seen such wonderful food at one time in my life. Chef Samira's home is lovely and it was fun to experience a French home. Chef Samira was a lively instructor and taught us many useful things. And of course enjoying the meal together at the end was a lovely part of the day. Her husband added to the experience with a visit during lunch to discuss French wines. Ann A., NC

I loved visiting the market and food shops and learning etiquette associated with purchasing food. So nice to go to a Parisians home to cook and then eat in a lovely dinning room 6 people were in our group and it was a good number as we were all able to have "a go" and ask questions. Lovely to be able to buy Samiras' book to try other recipes. Lovely mix of recipes and not too complicated-a lot of work done by Samira beforehand I'm sure Vivienne P., New Zealand

It was perfection, a grand experience due to chef Samira Hradsky. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, beginning our day with a tour of vendors in order to purchase the supplies for our cooking day which included fish, meat, vegetable, cheese and finally the bread vendor. Samira is a perfectionist and each small detail was explained perfectly. She is indeed unique, a true global personality and excellent teacher. My daughter and I were so pleased and can only hope to replicate her recipes. Cynthia C., MA

Our day with Samira was wonderful. We really enjoyed going to the street market with her and looking at all the great fish, cheese and produce stores. She gave us a wonderful selection of dishes to choose from ahead of time and we really enjoyed everything we made. She has a terrific personality and we picked up many tips from being with her. She was gracious and amusing yet at the same time we worked hard. We loved finishing our day by enjoying the food at her dining room table. Her husband also joined us for a couple of courses and was, like Samira, most hospitable. By the end of the day we felt that we had known each other for years! I would recommend Samira's class highly to anyone who is interested. She had prepared a very professional, yet personal packet for us with all the recipes that we made with her. I have tried several of the recipes since returning and all have been easy to replicate! Our day was fun and informative--and delicious! Thanks for setting up the trip. Jood & Samantha T., PA

I am the travel agent that coordinated the group of 13. It was a wonderful experience, everyone loved it....Samira was wonderful, helpful, a great teacher and a great personality - I will use her again. Laura R., OH

We particularly enjoyed searching in the market with Samira. She opened our eyes to the fish market, and gave a true hands-on explanation on how to choose onions, shallots, best eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs. Another great part of the class was in her kitchen (which was very comfortable), when she shared her knowledge of garlic preparation, butter clarification tips, how to store leftover products, how to prepare fresh salmon filets (or how to properly freeze fresh fish). There is nothing like cooking with a pro to help me understand how to prep foods for recipes. Even just her habits of keeping her cooking space clean, or her method of storing fresh produce on her counter in attractive ceramic bowls, gave me inspiration for my own kitchen. Another wonderful gift was seeing how Samira organized her cooking and baking supplies. I came home inspired to create my own dishes, enhanced by her tips and recipes. The results were gratifying. Linda G., NY

Met with Samira Hradsky in her wonderful Apartment in Paris, shopped for the 5 course meal, and the food and class experience was exceptional. Would not hesitate to recommend her classes to all of my Traveling Friends, as a matter of fact I have given your email address to several of my friends that travel to Europe. Thanks again for the Highlight of our Paris Visit. Carl T., CA

From the beginning of the class, starting at the market, the program was onto a promising start. I enjoyed the relaxed and cozy environment of your home. Your explanation and informal format made the approach to cooking comfortable. I look forward to using your book and trying the recipes we cooked today with friends and family. In addition, your husband's wine commentaries was simple and user friendly. Thank you so much. Karen K., CA

Absolutely the very best cooking class I have ever done. Than you Samira for an unforgettable day of shopping, cooking, laughter, food and wine. Our trip to Paris has been made even more special by our day with you and we will remember you every time we have Citrus Tart - does it have the 'Samira Twist?'. Cassandra P. & Colin M., Australia

Absolutely wonderful class from shopping at the market to participating in preparing the meals. The explanations provided on what is being purchased and how it is prepared brought great insights to the surface. Also especially liked the session on wine with James and the chance to learn about each other. Samira's great opens and sense of humor was really appreciated - keep it up. Keith C. , MI

This was the most enjoyable way to spend a day. Not only did I learn, it was intimate, friendly, delicious and fun. The market visit showed me a side of Paris I would otherwise have NEVER seen. Being in Samira's home, learning the meal preparation taught me not only cooking hints, but gave a "local" feel to the class. I had a most memorable time. Thanks! Merci! Barbara S., TX

This was a major treat for us on our 10th anniversary! I have very much enjoyed learning more about cooking in one day than I will have in the rest of my life! Then add to that your fantastico presence and it was like nectar. Thank you so very much. Kevin C., VA

This cooking class was fantastic, beyond what I would imagine. After having gone to culinary school where I learned so much, I still learned more taking this class. Thank you so much Samira and James. Yvonne C., MI

Wonderful meal. I would not change anything. The trip to the market was wonderful. Will go back there on my next trip. When I prepare this meal I will drop you a line and let you know how was. Thanks again. Dorothy M., MA.

Totally professional class from a world class chef who instills perfection. From first through the last course the meal was exact. Preparation of each course was meticulous. As a participant I got involved and was grateful and rewarded by being part of the meal. The meal was delicious, well presented and would not be difficult to duplicate. I have the desire to grow in my interest to make gourmet food and impress friends with my ability to duplicate, I hope, some of Samira's courses. The food market was very interesting. Thank you Samira, I look forward to purchasing a signed copy of your upcoming book. Stay in touch. Thanks a million. Peter B., MO

I loved the market trip. It was just what I expected it to be - colorful, sensual, lively, and personal! The recipes were easy to follow and simple to do, yet complex in taste and variety. I feel I could create them at home, with some practice! The instruction of "how to" create the meal was personal, friendly, direct, and helpful. I learned several new simple things, such as how to melt chocolate in the microwave, clarify butter in the freezer, soften brown sugar in the microwave. But more importantly, I learned to make some unintimidating sauce. The ambience of the class was warm, friendly, intimate, unhurried a, and very personal. It was a surprise for my husband's 50th birthday and he really enjoyed it, which brought me great joy! Denise C., CA

It was all excellent! It was exactly what I had hoped it would be - great working space, very good explanations, new ideas, great friendships. I will tell my friends about it and highly recommend it. Thank you! A wonderful class! yes, I would be interested in your cookbook! Bill S., WA

The class was interesting and fund! I liked being able to participate, not just watch. I enjoyed the market experience. I feel I'll be able to make this menu and I can't wait to share what I've learned with my friends. I wish they could have been here. Thanks for reinforcing my ideas of fresh food is best. Carol B., MO

It was delightful from beginning to end! Very informative - from shopping, to preparing, to presentation and finally to enjoying eating the food we prepared. I particularly appreciated your treating us as friends in your home and not just as customers. Please e-mail me about the publication of your book and your book signing in Atlanta. Alan & Lynn M., GA

The class was wonderful! I had a great time watching, participating, and of course eating. Seeing how each course is prepared step by step makes it seem so easy and possible to do at home. The class has opened my eyes up to the fun of cooking and perhaps cooking will be in my future. I really enjoyed the class. Ann B., MO