Rave for Sur La Table Knife Skills Class

[xnyorkr]

I took one last night. The instructor was knowledgeable, witty, and helpful, and there was plenty of hands-on time with real food. We learned basic cutting, slicing, and chopping skills that will eventually get us chopping like Rachael Ray (smile). The workspace was adequate - there was a mirror positioned over the instructor so everyone could see what she is doing, even if we were in the "back row." There were assistants, also totally knowledgeable, who circulated during the hands-on parts to assist the students and clean up. We only used two types of knives - chef's and santuko. So paring and use of other types of knives will have to wait for the "advanced" lesson. But I was totally happy with how this class was conducted, and plan to take more now that I see how professionally they are done.

[FlavoursGal]

In my opinion, proper knife skills are the most important skills a home cook should master, before proceeding with any other culinary techniques. Understanding how to use a knife correctly makes for more efficient and enjoyable cooking. In fact, when I was conducting private culinary classes, a preliminary knife skills class was mandatory.

We don't have any Sur La Table stores in Canada, but I'm thrilled to hear that their classes are well-run and popular.

[xnyorkr]

What I learned in that class is that there is *so* much I didn't know! In fact, I have a lovely, brand new set of Wurstof Classic, including a big chef's knife, which I use all the time and had to sharpen twice already. But the way she taught us to chop, cut, peel, dice, the food looked amazing - straight, even, clean, and Fast! It usually takes me so long. BTW, there are quite a few good on line videos about knife techniques, including epicurious.com and allrecipes.com. I have found videos on sharpening, dicing, julienne-ing, etc.

[FlavoursGal]

The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) knife skills DVD is excellent, though a bit tedious to watch and quite costly to buy.

http://www.prochef.com/fbi/dvds_knife...

There is also a fairly new illustrated cooking book on the market, which demonstrates knife skills and specific knife cuts, as well as culinary techniques, in step-by-step colour photos.

[kabrown]

fantastic!
as that's where i was thinking of going!
thanks!

[xnyorkr]

I got an email from them today saying that they added more "knife skills" classes b/c they were so popular and filled up 3 months in advance. As it was, I got on all their waiting lists for all the knife classes (you can sign up on line), and got called to attend the very next one. You have to pay before the class. At the class they gave us a 15% off coupon good that night, and 10% off for the rest of the week. Whooo hooo, their merchandise is expensive!

[kabrown]

curious... but where are you located? i have been debating classes at the sur la table in my area but haven't heard any reviews of them... am in DC....

[xnyorkr]

I took the class at the Pentagon City SLT

[chowser]

I've heard great things about L'Academie de Cuisine's knife skills class. The biggest problem is that they fill up really quickly so if you need to sign up right when the schedule comes out.