Do you dream of Traveling to France for Cooking Classes?

On Rue Tatin West Vashon Island, WA
Two-day class August 20-21, 2009
Evening classes August 21 and 22

Dream of traveling to France to cook?

Well, this summer France is coming to you! Susan Herrmann Loomis of On Rue Tatin, internationally recognized chef and cookbook author, is coming to Vashon Island, WA to share her love of France and her expertise in French cooking through hands-on cooking
classes in the lovely home of Steve and Cindy Stockett on Vashon Island.

Don’t miss this chance as Susan guides you
in the preparation of authentic French dishes, using the finest local and seasonal
ingredients procured just for you. With her focus on French technique and her joy
in the kitchen, a good time will be had by all as you prepare, then sit down to enjoy,
your authentic French meal.

These very special classes, which includes special tastings, hands-on classes with meals and more is filling up quickly, so please enroll now.

Call toll free: 1.866.369.8073 or email: cookingclasses@onruetatin.com or sign up here
Cost is $500 USD per person per two day class (Aug 20-21); fee includes cooking
classes, instruction and multi-course meals, with cheeses and wines.
Also available - evening classes August 21 OR 22, $250 per person per class evening class with tastings, followed by a five course meal.

Menus for each class will be different, so if you’d like to sign up for all four, you'll learn something new each time!

As always, each class will focus on French technique, as well as the finest local ingredients. We will do tastings of specialty ingredients, and will taste both local and French wines, as well as artisanally made cheeses.


ABOUT SUSAN HERRMANN LOOMIS - As an internationally-recognized expert on food, journalist, and trained chef, Susan has a depth of knowledge and an appreciation for the rich traditions around food. Susan believes that learning about cooking and food should involve much more than recipes and techniques. She delights in meeting and introducing the personalities and customs behind the great cuisines of France, where she has lived for twenty years. Susan is the author of six cookbooks, the most
recent of which is Cooking at Home On Rue Tatin (William Morrow).

The Worst Restaurant in Park Slope?

Restaurant Name: Sotto Voce
Restaurant Location: 225 7th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn

I usually like to post upbeat reviews of places I think worthy of visiting. However, I simply must express my distress about Sotto Voce. Before committing negative little finger-taps to the keyboard, I ate twice at Sotto Voce, just to be sure. I am now sure: this must be the worst restaurant in Park Slope. Yet - it is nearly always crowded. How can this be?

First, the bad: Sotto Voce has terrible service (rude, monosyllabic, indifferent), a filthy interior (think food on the floor, tables akimbo, things slopped onto the table, etc.), and truly terrible food (bland, tasteless, cold). I always try to look for the good things about a restaurant, but I honestly could not find anything positive about this horrible place.

But it never seems to run out of patrons, even as far superior places dwindle and go out of business. Why?

Well, sadly, I think this is because Sotto Voce long ago committed itself to embracing the twin principles of mediocrity and abundance. They ply you with all-you-can drink mimosas and dry, lifeless bread at brunch. They plop fat bowls of greasy pasta and better-made-at-home eggs before you. They let you loll about for hours, never taking your order or bringing your check, and they let your kids throw food on the floor, scream, and generally make a mess. In exchange, they feed you. And, at the end of the day, Sotto Voce proves that for many people, good food just doesn't matter.

It makes me sad that this places thrives while other more ambitious restaurants suffer and fail. But, as my dad always told, me: life just ain't fair.

In sum: if you value fresh, flavorful preparations (or, really, even warm ones) and desire at least moderately sentient service, avoid Sotto Voce like the plague.