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LEARN TO COOK LIKE THE FRENCH
Ecole de Cuisine Will Offer New One- and Two-Day Courses,
Extending Class For An Additional Month
 New one- and two-day programs focusing on a wide range
of cuisine and cooking techniques will mark the new and extended season of Le
Manoir aux Quat' Saisons noted Ecole de Cuisine. Aspiring chefs can still book
one of the cooking school's four-day programs until April 24, 2000 or wait for
its reopening on August 13th. For the first time, the Ecole de
Cuisine will offer both one- and two-day courses, each with a special
focus. The school will remain open
through May 25, extending its season by a month. Prices remain the same as last year for the four-day program, but
the Manoir has also introduced new rates for two students sharing a room which
amount to savings of about $500.
 Now in its own dedicated space and equipped with modern
culinary tools, the Ecole de Cuisine is set in the kitchens of a two-star
Michelin restaurant, Raymond Blanc's Manoir aux Quat' Saisons. "The Ecole
de Cuisine is an exceptional experience and an exceptional value," says
Alan Murchison, the school's director. The program offers not only top-notch,
hands-on culinary instruction, but also five-star accommodations and an
opportunity to sample the fine cuisine and notable wine list of one of Europe's
leading restaurants.
The Available Programs:
New One- and Two-Day Programs:
 The new one- and two-day programs have a varied and
global focus. Seafood lovers can spend two days learning to prepare such
delicacies as spicy crab spring rolls, moules mariniere, tempura oysters, and
crab bisque. Another two-day program covers preparation of fish and basic
sauces. Recognizing the growing interest in vegetarian cooking, the school
offers a two-day program on creative use of cheeses, rice, pasta and vegetables
(organically grown in the Manoir's gardens).
Students can perfect their pastry techniques and also
learn how to make superb bread, soufflés and even ice cream, choosing either a
one- or two-day course. And, dinner parties are made easy with daylong programs
on preparing a gala party menu or a traditional Christmas feast.
The Complete Program:
 Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons' Ecole de Cuisine also
offers a comprehensive four-day, five-night program in three incremental
stages. "The four-day programs are
very hands-on and very intensive," says Alan Murchison. Classes are
limited to 10 participants who learn skills and techniques they can adapt to
their own kitchens. "We emphasize proficiency, not rote learning,"
Murchison asserts.
The New Cooking School Programs:
By the end of the course, students will be able to
prepare ravioli, bone a quail and make a soufflé. But more importantly, they
will have the confidence and expertise to transfer those skills to creating a
memorable meal at home. And, no previous cooking experience is required.
Students check in to the country house hotel on Sunday
night and meet their instructors and fellow students at dinner. Classes run
from Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30/4:00 p.m. Each day is devoted to a
particular specialty:
The New Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons:
 Raymond Blanc's extraordinary vision extends beyond his fabled
kitchens. Students at the Ecole de Cuisine will also experience the new Le
Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, which includes the new cooking school facilities,
expanded dining space, new gardens and seven new guest suites. Located on 27
acres in the Cotswolds village of Great Milton, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is
just one hour by train or car from London and car service is available from
both Central London and Heathrow Airport. The surrounding area is home to
several of England's most notable attractions, including Windsor Castle,
Blenheim Palace, Stonor Park, Oxford and the Cotswolds.
Essential Information:
Prices are as follows and include instruction,
equipment, ingredients, luxury accommodations and meals at the Manoir.
Four-Day Courses: £1,475 (approximately $2507) or
£2665.00 (approximately $4530) for two persons taking the course and sharing
accommodations. Included are tuition, all meals, wine with dinner and Raymond
Blanc's acclaimed Menu Gourmand on the final night. Also included are five
nights' deluxe accommodation in the newly renovated hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons.
Partners are welcome to share the
accommodations. Meals and other expenses will be charged additionally.
Two-Day Courses: £700 (approximately $1190) or £1020
(approximately $1734) for two persons taking the course and sharing
accommodations.
One-Day Courses: £360 (approximately $612) or £540 (approximately
$918) for two persons taking the course and sharing accommodations.
One-Day and Two-Day Courses include one or two nights'
accommodations, all meals and wine with dinner.
Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons can be reached directly from
the U.S. via phone: (800)845-4274
For more detailed information on the cooking school,
contact the hotel's website: http://www.manoir.com
Edited
by Kerry Cohen
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