l'ecole de la maison

I attended the French pastries class which was a half day session. The group of ten prepared eight different desserts. Each person or couple picked a dessert to prepare. The Osthoff team already had all the ingredients and utensils lined up on the large cooking island inside the private kitchen just for the cooking school. Choices ranged from creme brûlée' to chocolate mousse, tarts, truffles and crepes. The chef and two kitchen staff were very pleasant and helpful. They were picking up dirty dishes so fast and always around to help. It is a little disappointing in that you are so focused on preparing your dish that you do not get to learn firsthand how the other dishes are prepared, but I do feel I could make again the dish I prepared. The chef is also stretched thin running from person to person to show how something should be done. I enjoyed the experience and they offer a variety of classes. If you are staying there or a foodie, it is worh doing. You get to taste all the dishes and take home any leftovers.

A family reunion at Osthoff Resort (see separate review) included our own private cooking lesson at the hotel's L'ecole. It was better than imagined! The whole event was very well organized, instructions easy to follow and there was lots of help for those of us who don't cook much. But the food was incredible! We had the Italian meal (eight entree dishes and wine) and had left- overs enough for another meal. Would do it again!