637174 Thu Jul 16 14:41:51 -0700 2009 6 52 Turkey/Greece 0 4865325 Hi All, I just got our tickets for Istanbul for April next year, and I'm starting to think of where to stay, and of course what to eat. I've read of several hotels that offer cooking classes, and several cooking schools in Istanbul. Can any one make a recommendation ? We were looking for something that would keep us well entertained, well fed, and leave us with a few recipes to bring home. Thu Jul 16 14:41:51 -0700 2009 96224 kungful 1 4865481 Here's a start: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/303831 Thu Jul 16 15:36:53 -0700 2009 4865325 14374 Mari 1 4866641 I took the cooking class at Cooking Alaturka when I was in Istanbul a few weeks ago. It was a great experience, even though Eveline couldn't be there to do the translation/commentary. Feyzi, the chef, knew enough English to teach us and make us laugh. There were only 3 of us taking the class that day so it was nice to be able to do lots of the chopping, peeling, plating... I'd recommend it. The restaurant and kitchen are lovely, we got to take home the 5 recipes we made, and the lunch was one of the best meals I had in Turkey. Fri Jul 17 05:15:33 -0700 2009 4865325 121480 buckeye.mary 2 4866935 How much is the class this year? Fri Jul 17 07:22:18 -0700 2009 4866641 14374 Mari 3 4866956 60 euros, but my class cost 50 euros because Eveline and her back-up translator couldn't make it. Fri Jul 17 07:28:10 -0700 2009 4866935 121480 buckeye.mary 1 4886500 read a story about the Istanbul Culinary Institute offering courses. the link below has more info on the subject. http://istanbuleats.com/2009/07/cooking-classes-at-the-istanbul-culinary-institute/ There is another outfit down in Fener/Balat area of the city that organizes cooking lessons for visitors. My friend's parents joined a 1 day session and loved it. http://istanbulfoodworkshop.com/ Fri Jul 24 05:56:21 -0700 2009 4865325 242937 antman 2 5041757 Also check http://www.istanbulculinary.com/eng/amateur-program/monthly-calendar for updates on 1-day workshops. Quite entertaining, first you go to a local market and do the shopping, then come back to the institute and cook them, enjoy them and a great experience. Sat Sep 19 07:15:31 -0700 2009 4886500 1096833 kook