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Burgundy Robert Ash Cookery School at Rue Du Lac | Read
more... |  We had been to another cooking school in Perigord, France
a few years ago and that is our frame of reference. The experience at
Robert Ash was quite different - and very enjoyable. He is an energetic
and excelent teacher. As owner of an award-winning restaurant in
London, he was able to give us real life information and tips on menue
planning, food preparation and presentation.
The atmosphere at the school was informal and convivial. The co-owner
and host and his wife were helpful and the surroundings pleasant.
Francis B., MA |
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Ile de France Paris - Chef Samira | Read
more... |  It was a great class for the experienced chef or novice along for the ride. Visiting the market was very enjoyable as well as watching how scallops are shucked in France. Samira was fantastic and let the group stay long after the time class officially ended. The food, company and cooking lessons were all fantastic.
Mary & Michael, NY |
Paris - Lesson with Chef Eric | Read
more... |  We took a cooking class with Chef Eric and had an absolute blast. We had great food, great wine, and great conversation. I would recommend the experience to everyone!
Alyssa I., MA
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Paris - Lesson with Chef Myriam | Read
more... |  I took the class with Miriam in Paris. I loved going to the market, cooking in her home, eating lunch, and I certainly enjoyed the other two classmates. Only suggestion: She did not give out printed recipes...Highly recommend this for those who want a new experience for Paris. Favorite post cooking: she told us about a 'chef' supply store in Paris (cheap vanilla beans). The best shopping area/store in Paris for cooks!! Excellent overall experience.
Julie P., IN |
Paris - Wine Tasting | Read
more... | My husband took me to your wine tasting. I'm thankful for that!! It has been one of the greatest experiences we had in Paris... a truly unique opportunity to share a real French activity!! Thanks Olivier for making me feel French for a few minutes!!
Lindsay B., CT |
Paris Culinary Treasures | Read
more... | The culinary treasures of Paris vacation was truly a traveling epicure's delight. Sally organized each day's activities for us to share her knowledge and joy of food and wine, farmer's markets, neighborhoods, parks, and the wonderful people of Paris. She introduced us to many artisans from whom we learned the skill of hand made foods and crafts. Impressive were the varied and unique bistros scattered around the city at which we dined and loudly praised the cuisine with oohs and ahhs in true American style. Everyday offered a fun, new adventure exploring diverse neighborhoods and their individual ambiance. It wasn't that a single day was memorable - the entire experience was MEMORABLE. Sally's attention to detail was expressed in assuring the needs of each individual were considered within the group. She made everyday INTERESTING AND FUN.
The International Kitchen staff were knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful when I was planning my trip. Sally's friendly disposition and her insider's perspective of Paris made my vacation great fun.
Kay M., TX |
Paris Tour - A Foodie's Walking Tour | Read
more... |  Our guide met us promptly, was knowledgeable about the area, and frequently invited questions. It was a great experience.
Carol R., AL |
Paris Tour - Magical Marais Walking Tour | Read
more... | The Paris tour with Richard was so much fun and made
Paris feel personable and accessible. We went to the most exquisite
chocolate shop in Le Marais — I dream of going back there! But it wasn’t
all just hip boutiques and cafes, he also knows a lot about the history
and architecture of Paris. I look forward to doing another tour with him
on my next visit.
Kerry K., NY |
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Loire Grand Tour of the Loire | Read
more... | I am happy to tell you that the tour people in the Loire were first rate. Absolutely wonderful knowledge of the area, the program was great, when we didn't like the hotel it was changed instantly and so on. You have really found a treasure in Pascal. We got lost in Blois and couldn't find the rental car return place, and Pascal literally found us and guided us there. The wine caves, chateaux and the Michelin star cooking lessons were all memorable. Thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip.
Jackie K., CA |
Walnut Grove Cooking School | Read
more... | 
The Walnut Grove School was fabulous. Maynard & Benedict were excellent, patient, teachers. Their recipes were great and they were very organized in their presentations, etc. There was plenty of hands on participation. Everything was very clean, neat and well presented. There were only six of us in the class, which was great. We were treated exceptionally well. Our accommodations were fabulous. I am a very picky person and I can't find anything bad to say about the trip. Bravo !!!!
The International Kitchen Chicago staff was great. We had quite a few questions and you were always helpful and quick to respond to our needs. I have already referred many of my friends to your website. Keep up the great work !!!!!
Robert W., RI
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Provence/Cote d'Azur Aix-en-Provence - Lesson with Chef Marc | Read
more... |  Our class with Marc was so much more than we were expecting. He was a wonderful host as well as chef. We are all experienced cooks so he didn't spend to much time on basics but gave us a lot of side tips about spices of Provence and the philosophy of the cooking. His home is lovely and he gave us a great tour and history lesson. We picked the option of having our spouses join us for the meal---highly recommended. (people might want to know that Marc's home is quite a distance from Aix so the men just stayed and enjoyed the grounds while we were cooking instead of going somewhere else) Marc served our wonderful meal outside, joined us and we all sat and talked, laughed and ate for several hours. It was a beautiful and memorable day. [The International Kitchen Chicago staff:] Everyone was very helpful. My only suggestion would be to be sure to let participants know that this class, after the market trip (which was really fun and informative) is located about 1/2 hour north of Aix so they can plan accordingly. Thanks so much for helping us with this wonderful addition to a great vacation.
Elizabeth D., IN |
Bonjour Provence at Domaine de Valmouriane | Read
more... | May I recommend the cooking vacation that Carol, Nancy, and I attended
to anyone who wishes to experience unbelievable hospitality (I am from
the South, and know true hospitality), beautiful scenery, wonderful
food, exceptional accommodations, delightful day trips to the market,
picnics in a lavender field, and yes, a wonderful cooking vacation.
The trip exceeded my expectations, Phillipe and his wife, Martina, were
exceptional hosts and Phillipe, a marvelous travel guide.
The chef, Pascal, was delightful, informative, and even funny, he kept
the cooking classes lighthearted, and a wonderful learning experience.
It was a wonderful experience and the "before trip support" from The
International Kitchen was superb as well.
Bobbye U., GA |
Chateau de Berne | Read
more... |  We have now returned home from our Culinary visit to Chateau de Berne. This was my first experience of attending a french Cooking School and so I tried to prepare myself by doing some research on the Chateau etc. However, despite my efforts I could not have expected anywhere near what I experienced. The Chateau itself is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by the vinyards and olive trees, it was elegant yet charming. The entire experience was no less than perfect. The staff and service at the chateau were outstanding. Our Chef Sebastien, his assistant Martine, the maitre de Frederic, the driver and tour guide Allain and the many others who assisted made our visit comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. This vacation was supposed to be for me "a once in a lifetime" experience but after spending one of the finest weeks I could ever imagine I would like to do this trip again sometime. I would also like to thank and congratulate you and your efficient staff for organizing and arranging everything that was necessary for the trip. This has truly been an exceptional vacation.
Thank you, Joanne |
French Cooking Classes: A Week in Provence | Read
more... |  I had a wonderful, relaxing and educational week in Provence. The Week in Provence cooking class was an excellent balance of culinary activities (olive mill, wine class, chocolatiere, goat farm) and culinary education and hands-on experience. Chef Daniel was a pleasure to work with and he made the class fun as well as taught us lessons we will use for the rest of our cooking days. Anne and David's 'mas' is amazing and really felt like home for a week. This class is a great way to emerge yourself into French life and the hosts really have many contacts in the area. They support locally-owned businesses and introduced us to many new things. I took this class alone and really enjoyed meeting the other attendees.
Julie S., NY
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Gastronomy and Biking or Walking Along Provencal Paths | Read
more... |  A perfect balance of cycling, touring and participating in the classes. We had a great time and have already started recommending the trip to our friends. Willy, our guide, was FANTASTIC!
Mike & Dale D., Canada |
Heartland of Provence | Read
more... |  To start, we were met at the airport by our chef/host Michael Altman. Michael whisked us off to his home and our residence for the next seven days, Mas de L’Hermitage. The inn is located in the Provencal countryside and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest and the pictureque views of grape vines from a nearby winery. The setting is serene. The accomodations are warm, inviting and comfortable - our room had an in-room shower and toilette and a kitchenette with appliances to make coffee/tea, a refrigerator and stove. Each day we began with a breakfast of assorted breads/croissants and home-made jellies in Michael's kitchen. Michael then escorted us on our daily excursions which included a trip to the local olive oil mill, a farm where local cheeses are produced and a wine distributor. Lunches were in restaurants selected for both their cuisine and location. One particularly memorable excursion was a boat trip to St. Tropez with a visit to the local market and lunch. Along the way Michael shared with us local history and geography, as well as his culinary experience and expertise. He also seemed never to tire of our unending questions! We also were fortunate enough to visit during a school holiday and were delighted to spend time with his teenage daughter Lucy and son Thomas. After lunch it was back to the Mas where we had time to relax, take a walk and swim (which was a delightful surprise!). Early evening included our daily cooking lesson with practical advice and suggestions on application of culinary principles. The meals were both delicious and uncomplicated. Michael's approach to cooking is refreshing. Our final evening was spent at an exquisite restaurant run by a world-famous chef and his family. This cooking vacation was in celebration of my mom's 70th birthday. It was everything we had hoped it would be and more. The pace was perfect. It was perfect. One especially noteworthy item: Michael's experiences, ranging from his worldwide cooking and restaurant background, through his daily life in Provence for the last 9 years, allow him the unique ability to relate the Provencal experience both as an oustider looking in and as an insider looking out. He is easily able to compare and contrast his various cultural exposures, which include Mexico, the United States and the UK, to the Provencal way of life in a way that allows you a clear understanding of the distinctions and similarities between not only the cooking but even more broadly, the cultures. I found this aspect of our journey particularly enjoyable and it truly enabled us to immerse ourselves in the culture and cuisine that is Provence.
The International Kitchen staff was extremely helpful. They researched questions, returned calls promptly and provided complete details on the vacations that were available. They helped identify the most appropriate vacation for our needs and wants and they were right on target! Every connection occurred as planned and without a hitch.
Karen M., NJ |
Passport to Provence | Read
more... | We really loved our class. Every detail had that additional little touch of class, well beyond our very high expectations. Chef Berard's charming Bastide and herb gardens made for an active, but still relaxing honeymoon and we have already tried some of our new tricks and recipes after getting home. What a romantic trip!
Melissa M., MA |
Provençal Adventure | Read
more... | We completely loved our cooking school. Christine is a wonderful cook/teacher and a joy to spend time in the kitchen with. We made recipes which were staight forward to prepare but were so unique, we would have never tried them here at home (e.g. zucchini soup with smoked salmon ice cream - to die for!!!!). Christine and her husband Erik are wonderful people and enjoying your dinner with them is like spending time with old friends. Our accommodations were excellent...lovely rooms in a century old building and the village of Tavel is totally charming (like it was taken from a novel). The location of Tavel is excellent for day visits to wineries, historic churches, the Pont du Gard and many other communities with unique histories and charm. We will be going back again!!!
Gary and Linda, Canada |
Provençal Dream | Read
more... |  We thought the hospitality and the location where just wonderful. Brigette, cooked some amazing meals for us and it was great to tour the area with a tour guide. The rooms where really nice and very well kept. The view was spectacular.
I really enjoyed being in the kitchen with Brigette. i had only hoped to cook something a little more complicated and more interesting. As much as we enjoyed it, it was a bit basic. Unfortuantely, our trip was cut short by one day, so perhaps that would have helped in the cooking classes.
Teresa S., Canada |
Provence Cuisine by the Sea | Read
more... | We were made to feel most welcome by the hotel manager, as well as the hotel staff. Chef Jean-Paul Lanyou was outstanding in teaching us techniques, and showing us the methods used in the professional kitchen. His assistant was most helpful in doing some translation and also in teaching us. The kitchen was a happy place, and communication did not always require a common language. Smiles and incredible food were abundant. We feel that there is no substitute for "hands-on" experience. Chef Jean-Paul personally took us on market excursions, and explained many interesting details of the wine and olive production. The wine museum was an unforgettable experience. The hotel environment was warmly welcoming to us, and we enjoyed exploring the town of Bandol "a pied" (on foot.) We did some lunchtime picnics on our own with fruit, cheese, and bread from the local markets. We often wish for a market like that of Sanary close to home! In closing, I would certainly recommend this trip to friends. Yours very truly,
Sonia R., CO |
St. Remy - Lesson with Chef Pascal | Read
more... |  We enjoyed the fact that we were the only two persons with Chef Pascal. Since there was only two of us, we were allowed to set the menu for the meal, with the Chef. Also, because we speak some French, it made the class and instructions easier... we did it in a mix of some English and more French. It also gave us more opportunity to ask questions about certain aspects of the food prep and local produce. You might want to think about sorting the group into some French speaking versus no French speaking. Pascal has fairly good English, but occasionally he is at a loss of how to translate some things. The packet was fine. We found the place to meet the Chef with no problems and he turned up on time to meet us that morning, even though it was raining.
Deb F., Ontario, Canada
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Tourrettes-sur-Loup - Lesson with Chef Yves | Read
more... |  Yves cooking with flowers class was delightful. He is a very pleasant person. We enjoyed it very much.
Carol F., WI |
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Rhone Alps Lyon - Lesson with Chef Jean-Marc | Read
more... | Our visit to the Paul Bocuse market in Lyon was very much fun. Clearly Chef Jean Marc is a regular shopper-we were greeted by many of the market proprietors and had some delicious samples of cheese, and chocolate. The foods are so beautiful and so beautifully displayed- the market is indoors, but feels like an outdoor market- the day was cold so it was a little warmer than outer Lyon! Chef Jean Marc has a lovely home and spacious professional kitchen. Anne and I enjoyed everything we did- it was very "hands-on"- we prepared a luncheon with several courses, the highlight being a strawberry tart. We were unable to eat dinner after this enormous delicious lunch! I think that doing these cooking lessons improves my cooking at home- new recipes but more importantly- small tips in preparation really make a difference.
Sandra S., MI |
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Southwest France A Week in the Heart of Bordeaux Wine Country | Read
more... | Wonderful hosts and wonderful location. Pascal is not just a terrific winemaker, but also a terrific person and a joy to be around. I don't think we could have picked a better time of year as the weather was perfect and we were there for the harvest. It couldn't be possible to find a better way to tour Bordeaux wine country. The French sure know how to eat... In the seven or so meals that were prepared for us, three are now my favorite meals ever thanks to Michelle's incredible talents in the kitchen. Wonderful wines and tastings accompanied every meal and we learned a ton with the help of Pascal and Michelle. I'm proud to say that along with Pascal and his workers, we were the first people to have tasted the 2007 Bujan harvest. We'll remember it forever.
The trip was very well represented and we knew what to expect, although our hosts were very flexible and allowed us to tailor events to our specific desires.
Well done! [The International Kitchen] staff assisted us above and beyond the specific trip we signed up for. They helped with flights and hotels when they really didn't need to.
Erik., FL
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Chateau Cooking in Bordeaux | Read
more... | It was wonderful. The Chateau was perfect. The setting beautiful and our host and hostess (Suzanne the chef) were wonderful. The food we prepared was fun and almost nothing I would (or will) prepare myself BUT that's fine. The experience of preparing and, of course, eating and drinking — fine wines, was delightful. Side trips were great though we had expected a little more wine tasting rather than town visiting but it all worked out. Our walk and picnic with the Mayor of Bouliac was a highlight. Charming man and great fun.
Deborah K., VA
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Cooking Vacations 
“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.”
