You’ll Eat This Up: The New Orleans School of Cooking
It’s Not Just About the Food:
It’s About the Culture.
“The difference between Cajun and Creole? Cajuns use one pot where Creoles use several.”
— Harriet Robin, instructor/chef
In July, Tripadvisor named the New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter the #1 “Best of the Best Things to Do” in the U.S. and ranked them #12 in the world. After attending one of their classes this week, they’ve got our vote as well. Whether you’re part of the group or by yourself, whether you’ve come to learn or just to eat, whether you’re a local or from out of town, they’ve nailed the recipe for a good time.
The New Orleans School of Cooking offers two kinds of classes – demonstration classes where you watch and hands-on classes where you actually do the cooking. We took a demonstration class led by Chef Harriet Robin who, we believe, should have her own TV show.
Along with learning how to cook up New Orleans dishes like Crawfish Étouffée, Shrimp and Artichoke Soup, White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Pralines, we sipped ice tea and locally made Abita Beer and learned what it was like to grow up in New Orleans, one of the most colorful cities in the country. The food was absolutely delicious (and they offer you seconds!) and the commentary both charming and hilarious. You see, Harriet and the 11 other instructors at the school or more than chefs – they are entertainers. But, most importantly, they’re real people. Harriet gave us some good advice at the start of the class as she was melting butter for a roux. She said, “If you have bloodwork scheduled for when you get back home, you might want to put it off a month.”
“We love our butter and lard is alive and well in the city of New Orleans.”
— Harriet Robin
She truly is a New Orleans gem. At the end of the class, when Harriet asked if anyone had any questions, a 20-something at our table asked, “Can we give you a hug?” It’s that kind of one-of-a-kind experience.
You leave the class with recipes for all the dishes you’ve tasted that day along with a promise that, if you try one at home and send them a pic, they’ll send you a diploma from the New Orleans School of Cooking. How cool is that?
If you only have a short time in New Orleans, these 2 1/2 hours cover at least three experiences on your list…Food, Fun and Folklore! And, along with classes, the school runs a wonderful little General Store where you can buy fresh pralines and all sorts of fun gifts and souvenirs, such as onion-chopping goggles to keep the tears away during prep. It was summertime but we couldn’t resist picking up some stocking stuffers. So much fun. They also sell cookbooks, of course, including their own. Check out their online store.
“If the doorbell rings when you’re making a roux, take the pan with you.”
— Harriet Robin
Make Restaurant Reservations HereView our Best of Guides