Le Calabash Petit Conservatoire de la Cuisine

I had a great time! In the beautiful surroundings of the Loire Valley we were taught refined dishes. The trip ended with three fun days in Paris, where we learn everything about cheese and wine parings!. Sydney and Alison are recognized chefs and wonderful hosts. Very recommended!

The Calabash is an experience not to be missed, the chefs of this cooking school are the best, don't hesitate for a second you will not be disappointed in any case!

The attention and dedication of Alison and Sid working together to deliver Le Calabash experience is second to none. Their years of experience and knowledge are generously shared in such a warm and friendly, though extremely professional, way. And the food! Oh my goodness the food. : enough said!

We were at the Le Calabash Cookery school twice; the first time it was through good luck and the second time, because we enjoyed so much, we had to go again! We first met Sidney and Allison Bond, the owners of Le Calabash in 2011, as my wife and I for the 5 days, 6 nights French Culinary Adventure Course. We were signed for a shorter course in Normandy with another school, but when it went through, our travel agency Le Calabash beat. It was fantastic; and beyond all expectations. First, the bonds are so inviting people; and also quite accomplished. We have not only learned to cook with quality, local ingredients and learn valuable techniques that we still use today, they also took part in any need or mood. We were never hungry, and in the middle of cooking we visited a truffle farm, went to a local peasant market and toured wonderful old French villages in the Loire. Sid and Ali have become friends and we have kept in touch every year. Our children are in their early 20s and before they go their own ways, we decided to take the family on holiday in 2013. We chose France and Le Calabash just because of the wonderful memories we had. This time we booked the Christmas Culinary adventure. Some say you can't go back, but it was as pleasant and original as the first time we went, and our children, loved it too. The children were not in Paris yet, and Christmas in Paris shows the best of the city. As for Sidney and Alison, both very well made chefs (Sid is the cook of the kitchen, and Ali is a master baker) it doesn't matter if you have a professional practicing cook or you don't know your chinoise from your chantilly, you will learn cooking techniques and great recipes in Le Calabash. This is a completely practical experience. They observe the ingredients prepared, the dish created and finally plated. Then it's your turn, but you have Sidney and Alison, which will lead you all the way. The dishes are practical, fresh and delicious. Sidney and Alison are excellent chefs, great teachers and good people. They are friendly hosts, experienced tour guides, historians with dedicated personalities and now they are our friends. We cannot wait for our next culinary adventure in Le Calabash! African Culinary Adventure 2016, here we come!

Simply the best kitchen for miles round. beautiful cooking school and private restaurant in a picturesque small French village. alison and sid are chefs with a full of international cooking experience that they like to share with all. After the world travels and cooked for top heads of state, elizabeth ii at several locations in three different countries as well as numerous movie stars, they really have so much to share with us 'culinary adventures', as sidney like to call keen koche. I highly recommend this experience.