I used to be an atrocious cook. I wasn’t embarrassed by it in the slightest – in fact I was perversely proud of it. Then I grew up a bit and though I better address this issue in hand. I did back to back classes at BooksforCooks in s’Notting Hill until I’d nailed it. So then I knew how to do lots of amazing dishes (but still missed out on the basics and the tricks. Those have since come and I am now relatively accomplished in the kitchen.) So I thought it was time I did a shout out to Books for Cooks for saving my bacon. They do tons of classes – that are very specific. great Keralan, Japanese, vege….they’re not hands on but you get to try every dish (with vin!), and you’ll know exactly how to recreate it once you hit home. The tutors/chefs are often familiar faces and are very good at fielding questions throughout whilst working up 6-7 dished on the trot. They used to be insanely cheap at £25 but looks like they’ve got wise to that. The mid-week classes are deeply Notting Hillbilly and luvvy but the weekend much more mixed up. Highly recommended. Here are a few that are coming up:
Southern Indian Cooking with Ganapati
At last a chance to go behind the scenes of London’s much-loved Indian restaurant Ganapati and join Claire and Aboo as they demystify the bright and fragrant aromas of Southern Indian cuisine.
Thursday 15th March 11am£40
Cooking Lebanese with Nada Saleh
Join Nada Saleh explore the exotic aromas and warm spices of the Lebanon and enjoy a flavourful lesson in how to make dishes from one of the great cuisines of the world.
Wed 8th Feb 11am £40
Hands on: Sushi with Kimiko Barber
If you thought that making sushi was strictly for professionals, then this class is for you. Discover how sushi can be made at home with minimum fuss and take home traditional, vegetarian and fusion recipes. A demystifying class not to be missed from cookbook author Kimiko Barber. This class is limited to 10 people; bring your apron.
Sat 18th Feb 11am, £80
Books for Cooks, Blenheim Crescent W11
