655428 Sun Sep 27 23:48:59 -0700 2009 10 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 5063185 Any recommendations for weekend cooking classes in the Bay Area? I'm specifically looking for classes where I can hone a specific technique to perfection and really get a solid grasp of the scientific principles behind it, rather than the more fun-focused classes where you cook a meal with everyone and eat it at the end, which seem more designed to just get your feet wet. Thanks! Sun Sep 27 23:48:59 -0700 2009 215658 mr_darcy 1 5063488 Probably not what you want but here is a schedule with weekend classes. http://www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com/cgappliance/index.php?flag_menu_index=calendar_php Mon Sep 28 06:57:02 -0700 2009 5063185 105235 wolfe 1 5063800 Tante Marie has some weekend programs: http://www.tantemarie.com/cookingcourses.html Cavallo Point had some when they first started, but I don't see any on the current schedule. http://www.cavallopoint.com/cooking_school.php Kitchen on Fire has Saturday classes: http://www.kitchenonfire.com/classes/index.html Mon Sep 28 08:46:34 -0700 2009 5063185 11369 Robert Lauriston 1 5064443 Hugh Carpenter, something of an underground cult figure for his cookbooks (with his wife) on eclectic Asian and Asian-fusion food ("Hot Wok," "Hot Pasta," etc.) -- Carpenter was a former Chinese-Studies scholar -- teaches intensive, retreat-type cooking classes in the Napa area, which may be longer than weekends. Link below to the site. The guy is a phenomenon. I took a couple of his abbreviated (evening) classes on the Peninsula, last decade (as part of a classy series that brought in everyone from Chef Chu to Mimi Sheraton to Julia Child). He was truly original and worthwhile. Deep explanations, demonstrations of how the flavors "work" with each other. The sort of cook who will show you insights that few others know about. I came away inspired, cooking with some of his ideas ever since. http://www.hughcarpenter.com/schools/ Mon Sep 28 11:58:11 -0700 2009 5063185 69634 eatzalot 2 5139465 That's a great recommendation. Does Hugh still teach? I've never taken a class but both he and his wife are certainly lovely to be around. Thu Oct 29 00:20:01 -0700 2009 5064443 18222 maria lorraine 1 5065218 The up valley extension of Napa Valley College has a class called "blademaster", it is all about knife technique. Mon Sep 28 16:44:51 -0700 2009 5063185 13725 Brandon Nelson 2 5139463 Check out all the classes offered by the Culinary Arts Department of the Upper Valley campus (St. Helena) of Napa Valley College. Thu Oct 29 00:18:54 -0700 2009 5065218 18222 maria lorraine 1 5066488 Thanks much for all the helpful responses! Tue Sep 29 07:51:06 -0700 2009 5063185 215658 mr_darcy 1 5067199 I've always wanted to go Ramekins in Sonoma. Has anyone tried this place? http://www.ramekins.com/ Tue Sep 29 11:26:08 -0700 2009 5063185 66143 pisang goreng 1 5138863 I think if you contact Cooking with Julie in Napa you could tailor a class to your liking. She is classically trained and does custom classes, even on the weekends. Her instruction is very detailed and full of professional vernacular and helpful hints. I have been extremely pleased with what I have learned in the ones I have taken. Here is the link https://www.cookingwithjulie.com Wed Oct 28 17:34:57 -0700 2009 5063185 1119985 Chris Towns 2 5139464 Julie's good. I like some of the classes at Casa Lana too, in Calistoga. Check out the programs. Thu Oct 29 00:19:09 -0700 2009 5138863 18222 maria lorraine