Quote:
Originally Posted by Pat S
Dottore,
We have no formal training but have been taking classes with chefs from French Culinary Institute, CIA and other international schools. Our interest is in just about anything except American. Our favorites right now are Asian (Indonesia to Japan and anything in between), Mid East, and French. All for completely different reasons and flavors. The only two things we tend to avoid are chains and traditional american or americanized foods.
So how do you guys find classes and other events on your travels? Obviously internet searches work well, but have you all found any great places or other resources to help plan trips?
Pat
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The internet is the best bet.
I am a member of eGullet.com—and if you don't know this website yet, you should. It's the Pelican forum of the food world. Great threads. Very informative. Covers the globe. You can ask members in any country you are interested in about food-related travel and courses and they will get you all the current info.
You might also join the Slow Food movement. Google them. They have good programs throughout the world. Membership is a few dollars a year, and they're a fine bunch of people.
Indonesia? I did a course in Yogjakarta on "Javanese Royal Cuisine" a few years ago which was sensational. High Javanese cuisine is something that has almost died out, although a few Hotel chefs in Jakarta are trying to popularize it again. This course was organized by the Mercantile Club in Jakarta—but the Indonesian eGullet people could put you on to something similar.
Try to do a sushi course in Tokyo that includes morning shopping trips to the main fish market.
Europe has countless such programs year round. Again eGullet is the best way to research these in my view, as you will get current info from people who have actually taken them.