So far I have taken 9 cooking classes at l'Auberge, with about 5 more scheduled, and I have had a wonderful experience in each of them. Four of the classes were with Chef Paul (basics) and five with Chef Ryan (brunch and a dinner course). Both are excellent teachers and go through great lengths to answer any questions that come up or demonstrate anything we?re asking for (sometimes many times). The mix of background information followed by hands-on practice has been just right, and for the brunch and dinner courses you actually have a formal setting to enjoy everything that was prepared. Every single class I learned something new and was able to do it home with confidence as well. The highest praise I can give is the fact that my youngest daughter didn?t want to go out for her birthday dinner this year, but requested something that I had learned to make in one of the classes. The payoff doesn?t get any better than that.
Nancy, the proprietess and owner of l?Auberge, has been a fabulous host on every single location. She goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome and included in her beautiful home and very well equipped kitchen (professional stoves, oven, lots of specialty items, etc). It?s fun to look around at all the vintage pieces she has accumulated over the years, both in the kitchen and dining room. She has many stories to share about those (just ask), and always keeps the conversation flowing when we sit down for brunch or dinner. She recently started making macarons at l?Auberge, and don?t miss the chance to try those and get some ? they are absolutely delicious.
I?ve done some cooking classes at other places, e.g., Sur la Table, and while those have been good as well, the variety of classes at l?Auberge and my interactions with Nancy and the Chefs keep me signing up for more.
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