One-Day Cooking Course in Paris – Lesson with a Local Chef

This was a short class (about 2.5 hours). We had a wonderful time with Chef Fred. He was very welcoming and allowed us to do lots of the hands on work. Further, he explained some things to look for regarding the particular things we were cooking as well as about the tools of the trade. It was a lovely afternoon. The staff was helpful enough. They chased down information on the availability of the class I wanted for my 9-year-old son. When that wasn't available, they came up with an alternative option that would work for us. Melissa B., UT

This day of learning was something that has changed the way I will shop in markets, and cook generally. Not everyone who is excellent at something (like cooking), is also excellent at teaching, but Chef Frederic excelled at both things. He was generous with information, and creatively adapted to my personal tastes. It is clear that Chef Frederic loves what he does, and this enthusiasm was really appreciated. I happened to be lucky, also, that it was a perfectly beautiful early, spring day. Deborah H., England

Chef Frederic was very knowledgeable and hospitable. We were happy that we were the only 2 in his class and as such had the opportunity to learn alot from him. He was very personable and patient. Martin and Vesna A., NJ

Chef Frederic was very personable and presented a great lesson. He was generous with his time in showing the market, how to cook the planned menu, and answering questions. The meal that he created for us was delicious and enjoyed by everyone. I would highly recommend his class to everyone. The Chicago staff was very courteous and helpful. They made signing up for the class easy and were informative. I definitely would use The International Kitchen again. Elka B. and Lynn P., IL

The recipes, ingredients and preparation were very good. I also enjoyed chatting with Chef Frederic. (I would describe this course as a beginning cooking course with the emphasis on describing the recipes. I am probably more of an intermediate cook and I would have liked to have more discussion of the fundamental methods, philosophy, techniques, etc of cooking as they apply to French cuisine in general.) Shannon M., Chris C., and Victoria C., CA

I enjoyed the class very much. I liked that it was one-on-one, I received instructions and good tips, and liked the level of participation I was given (not a lot of participation, which I think is best since I'm just learning, but I was given some easier tasks and otherwise just watched over the chef's shoulder). It was neat to have the class in a real apartment in the city because it felt more special than a business kitchen. The International Kitchen staff: very helpful and prompt assistance. I appreciated the details given as to how to get to the apartment (building code, detailed directions, and even a picture of the building was provided). [Macaron class] Katie H. and Tim J., WI

Chef Frederic was very knowledgeable and hospitable and we fully enjoyed the class. It turned out to be a private class just for the three of us, and we really appreciated the exclusiveness of it. And of course the desserts were absolutely amazing! Heather K.

Chef Frederic was wonderful and as there was only 1 person in the class besides my husband and myself it was very hands on and we were able to ask lots of questions. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone wanting a cooking class while in Paris. Chef Frederic even offered to email us recipes for the things we made. I hope to receive these and look forward to trying out some of the things he showed us. Marsha M., IL

We enjoyed our experience with Frederic immensely. The trip to the market was so unbelievable, and he definitely listened to our likes and dislikes. We were extremely fortunate, because we were the only ones in the class so we had his undivided attention. He was extremely warm and informative. We gave him our emails and he promised that he would send the recipes of what we prepared, but we have not received anything so far which is disappointing because we would like to prepare some of these things. It might not be a bad idea to have some recipes prepared and available to be given after the class or the opportunity at the time to copy some of the recipes. If you are in touch with him, he would greatly appreciate a reminder to email these recipes. We would definitely recommend him and you to all of our friends. Keith R., DE

Response from The International Kitchen: "Since the menu is determined by what ingredients are chosen at the market, it is difficult to have the printed recipes ready for you at the class. We have emailed the chef for your recipes, and will get those sent to you!"

We can't say enough about how much we love Chef Fred. We ended up being the only two in the class, allowing us to truly carve our own experience. Chef Fred was wonderful at the market, answering all our questions and his flexibility allowed us to create our own menu for the day. Back at the kitchen, we were shown plenty of techniques to keep us busy for a while as we practice replicating them at home. I was initially nervous about the class, as it seemed that most reviews online indicated that this class was often attended by people with more cooking experience than ourselves. However, I was pleasantly surprised that even two people in their early twenties were no challenge for Chef Fred, who is able to teach cooking to those of all ages and levels of expertise. We cannot recommend this class enough! Kelli B. & Shira B., PA

The market visit/cooking lesson with Chef Fred exceeded our expectations, for sure. We first met Fred at his apartment/studio, and were able to see another section of Paris that we hadn't seen. Fred asked us what we liked to eat, asked about dietary restrictions (my wife is a vegetarian), and developed the "menu" there, on the spot. We then walked to the open-air market, which gave us a chance to get to know each other. There, Fred gave us the scoop re: the local (and not so local) food market and scene, good restaurants/chefs in the area, etc. He answered all questions we had, was patient and personable, and was fun to be around. We then headed back to Fred's kitchen. By this point we had gotten to know Fred, which made the "lesson" that much better! He provided us with tips and techniques, more insight, and laughs. Chef Fred completely made this experience one of the highlights of our trip. The class (with him), definitely including the market visit, is HIGHLY recommended and well worth the fee. [Regarding communication with The International Kitchen staff:] Yes, except for one thing... my wife arranged the class. Initially, she was told that being a vegetarian was no problem, and that the chef would accommodate us. When we wrote to The International Kitchen just before our trip (to confirm), we were told that it "shouldn't" be a problem, and that the chef will "try" to accommodate. This was unsettling. In the end, Chef Fred was amazing and completely accommodating, in every way. But the correspondence from IK could have been better. Eric & Julie J., NY
_Response from The International Kitchen:_ We're delighted to hear what a wonderful time you had with Chef Frederic!! We apologize if you felt at all unsettled by any communications with us, that was never our intention. We take any dietary restrictions seriously, and we always convey them to the chef prior to the class!

We took Chef Fredericks 3 hr class in his apartment in Paris. I am an pretty advanced cook but my 21 year old daughter is not. The class was suited for both of us. Chef Frederic was very helpful not only with all the questions about French cooking in general and particularly what we were cooking--he was a great resource for certain food related things we were looking for in Paris and restaurants too. We really enjoyed the class! Meredith and Lizzy H., MO

This was an afternoon class in Chef Frederick's studio in Paris. We were very satisfied with him and also with the class. He is an experienced teacher and speaks English well so we had a great time. I had asked for the class to have recipes which would make treats we could take with us as the next day we were going on a Brittany barge trip. He demonstrated three recipes---two tarts and madeleines---and we did indeed take them along the next day. He had indicated that he would email me the recipes and I have not received them. If you could contact him and ask that he forward copies that would be wonderful. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in a short class in Paris! [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] Yes. You arranged everything very professionally! Linda C., MN
_Response from The International Kitchen:_ We're glad to hear what a great time you had with Chef Frederic! Following your inquiry, we forwarded on the recipes for the tarts and madeleines. Enjoy making them at home!

Fredric is very personable, knows his stuff - shopping at the market was informative, fun and wonderful - all the market folks knew him well. He is passionate about cooking and sharing his talents, great sense of humor! Loved the class. [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] Great job. Jill C., CO

I liked walking the market with Chef Frederic the most. He shared how he chose his produce, what to look for especially with regard to where the items came from, and the importance of building relationships with the vendors. The collaboration with regard to the menu was fun. During the cooking I think we all felt included and were encouraged to try. He worked with our mistakes and made us laugh. The whole experience was one of the highlights of our visit to Paris. [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] The communication with the Chicago staff was excellent. We received all the information we needed in a timely fashion. Thomas L. and Margaret H., CA

Chef Frederic was wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and patient with his teaching. Going to the market was great because he explained so much about the different varieties of vegetables and the differences in tastes. He asked after we walked through the market if there was something we would like to incorporate into our dishes we were going to prepare and I asked if we could use basil and thyme. We made an exceptional salad with fresh peaches, avocado, onions and basil it was fresh and delicious. We also made a dessert with Mirabel plums and thyme that was delicious and so easy to make. He was funny and truly a great master in the kitchen. [Regarding the class voucher:] Yes, we had everything we needed to find the flat and Chef Frederic. [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] Very helpful and always courteous. Patricia R. and Roni H., OR

The cooking class was wonderful. As it turned out, I was the only student that day. Chef Frederic is a class act. We got along well and I enjoyed getting to know about his life in addition to experiencing his neighborhood market and boulangerie. We developed the menu somewhat based on my expressing an interest in fennel and stating that I would be happiest with chicken or fish. His starter and dessert ideas were simple recipes that I can easily create myself. I learned several things from him that I will use going forward. He had a nice combination of having me do some of the prep work and demonstrating to me how to do certain special skills. Sharon

Chef Fred was charming and very knowledgeable. It was 'hands on' and he made me feel very comfortable in his kitchen. We shared a lot of common interests and love of cooking and food! If I return to Paris - or know someone who is coming - I will definitely recommend 'cooking with Chef Fred'! Judy, MN

We loved going to the open market to decide on what to cook, then select the items needed. The meal was simple, but very tasty. It was great to get the French chef perspective on ingredients, cooking and meals. Julie, CA