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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... |  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 |
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 |
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Loire Grand Tour of the Loire | Read
more... |  Hi Robyn and Karen,
I thought you might want to know that our trip was fantastic!
Pascal was a fabulous guide of the Loire Valley. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed his company, learned an enormous amount of French history and were treated to exceptional wineries. The two French cooking classes were fabulous. The first one at the smaller Chateau was an intimate lesson in basic French cooking. The chateau owner's mother came from Paris and taught us how to make a cheese souffle. We enjoyed having a family meal with them. The second lesson was a more advanced course that we will need to practice before perfecting the dishes, but was incredible as well. We really enjoyed staying at the gorgeous Chateau de Noizay. Having Pascal as our guide throughout the trip made it exceptional.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Kind regards,
Sally F., NY |
Walnut Grove Cooking School | Read
more... |  This was an excellent course - casual, yet very informative. The key features were excellent instructors, plenty of hands on work as well as demonstrations, fabulous meals, a very quiet and relaxing rural environment, very good facilities and a well thought out program. Above all, I was looking for relaxation, and I got that in spades. The duration was very well calibrated for my purposes. I learned a lot in a short period of time, and had a lot of fun doing it.
One of the reasons I chose this particular course was the excellent and detailed course description provided on [The International Kitchen] website, a description which proved in the actual event to be very accurate.
I was quite impressed with the prompt response time and courteous accommodation I received from your staff.
It was a blast. Keep up the good work.
Earle M., Canada |
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Paris Paris - Chef Samira | Read
more... |
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
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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... |  Chef Myriam was a delight. She spent a lot of time with us in the
Market ... My wife and I were the only students and that may have
contributed to the intimate experience. We prepared foods completely
outside of our previous experience and learned a lot. Definitely
recommended.
Larry S., FL
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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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Provence/Cote d'Azur Aix-en-Provence - Lesson with Chef Marc | Read
more... | Outstanding class with Marc, the highlight of a wonderful vacation in Provence. Marc provided the "whole" package - a trip to the market answering any questions about lesser known fruits and vegetables and preparation techniques - phenomenal setting - great recipes - and a "host" mentality of wanting to make sure his guests enjoyed every moment.
Vicki W., OH
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Bonjour Provence at Domaine de Valmouriane | Read
more... | 
This was a marvelous trip and experience. Everything from our driver to our hosts, Phillipe and Martina, who made us feel at home, was wonderful. Phillipe and Martina are very attentive, and you can see how much they love what they are doing. Valmouriane was heaven for us, we liked it so much we changed our plans for the following week so we could stay longer. Phillipe was a great host and tour guide, very knowledgeable about the food, wine, and the interesting things to see. Pascal, our chef, was great. He has quite the wry sense of humor and made us feel like we really did know what we were doing. We learned a lot and can't wait to share it with our family and friends. The two things that were both mine and my husband's favorite, were learning to make a fabulous eggplant dish, and the trip to the goat farm and tasting all the cheeses. We would certainly recommend this trip, and The International Kitchen, to others.
We have traveled to Europe many times before this, so much of the basic travel information in the packet we already knew, but I felt everything was done very professionally. The only thing I wish they had done differently would have been to give us the recipe booklet earlier so we could have made notes in it. while our group did write notes everyday to share, it would have been nice to have the booklet in the beginning.
We were very happy with the whole experience. The staff at International Kitchen were very helpful, great at responding to emails, phone calls, and answering questions.
Nancy H., CA
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Chateau De Berne | Read
more... | Just wanted to let you know that the trip was an experience of a lifetime. The travel went very smoothly, the weather was great, the food fantastic, the accommodations luxurious and the staff very friendly and helpful. The cooking classes were wonderful-informative and fun. We enjoyed the extra activities as well. The setting is so peaceful; we took many long walks. We will recommend Chateau de Berne to our friends. Thanks again to you and the rest of the staff for putting together such a memorable trip.
Roxanne C., CA
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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... |
It was unbelievable! The location was something out of a movie, a dream. Hostelerie Berard and La Cadiere D'Azur will forever be in our memories. Chef Rene' Berard is a down to earth, kind, funny and extremely skilled man, a true gentleman with a true passion for what he does. We were both extremely impressed with not only the amount of information we received, but also with the welcome sense of belonging Chef Berard exuded. Seriously, I couldn't begin describing our excitement. Every participant was just as eager as us, and we all bonded and enjoyed every moment immensely.
The only thing I think should be emphasized to all participants is the need for a car. This was not our case, we received very explicit instructions and information regarding this, but a couple of participants didn't have a car.
Rodrigo M., WA |
Provençal Adventure | Read
more... |  Hello! I just wanted to write to tell you how much we enjoyed
our "Provencal Adventure" this April! ...
We had an absolutely fabulous time: my parents, my husband and
myself. The B&B where we stayed (Le Jardin de Bacchus) was stunningly
beautiful, as was the village where it was located, Tavel. It is
rustic, unspoiled and lovely, surrounded on many sides by miles and
miles of vineyards. The weather during our stay was 70's and sunny,
with only a few windy days (the famous Mistral, as recounted by Peter
Mayle). We thoroughly enjoyed our cooking lessons, set as they were in
our host Christine's sunny kitchen, with doors open on to the terrace.
We made herb-crusted chicken, Coq au Vin, Brandade de Morue (salt cod
mixed with cream and potatoes and baked in pastry), goat cheese wrapped
in eggplant slices, 3-chocolate mousse, strawberry/basil/lemon terrine,
Pissalidiere (a kind of sweet-onion "pizza" with black olives and
anchovies), among other dishes. With those dishes, we enjoyed
aperatifs of muscat and Pastis, jaw-dropping local wines (Tavel rose
and red Lirac by La Genestiere) during the meals. On nights when we
didn't have a lesson, we enjoyed one of Tavel's exceptional
restaurants, all within walking distance of the B&B. Our host
Christine, who is fluent in English, assisted us in planning our day
trips to le Pont du Gard, la Camargue, the Uzes market, Castillon du
Gard and the Popes' Palace at Avignon. We had been slightly worried
about driving in France, but it was no trouble: everything is very
clearly signed at the various roundabouts, and driving from Marseille
to Tavel via the highway was equally easy. What a fantastic vacation:
we were all very sorry to leave. If we had searched elsewhere for
months, we would not have found such a lovely and enjoyable place.
Thank you!
Kate V. |
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 |
Provence of Alain Ducasse | Read
more... | The Bastide Moustiers was the best- the hotel, the food, the countryside, etc. all were 6 star. John was an excellent teacher. Thanks for all your great recommendations.
Jean P., IL |
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Rhone Alps Lyon - Lesson with Chef Jean-Marc | Read
more... | We (my mother and I) really enjoyed chef Jean-Marc. He picked us up at the hotel and spent the time answering our questions. His English is great. Then we had a great time cooking with him - just the 3 of us in the kitchen. We took home a great experience, great recipes and thoroughly enjoyed Jean-Marc. Also Karen Herbst was outstanding in helping us work through logistics.
Christopher D., CA |
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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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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.”
