Frequently Asked Questions - with Answers!
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSES
For questions specifically about the chilli course - please see Cooking With Chillies FAQ
Do I need to know how to cook well to come on these courses?
No, these courses cater for beginners and enthusiastic amateurs alike and are designed to show you how to use unusual ingredients and equipment in some simple [but often surprisingly impressive]
dishes. The course is not aimed at teaching you 'chef's skills', [although I hope you will pick some of these up as we cook] nor do I expect you to have them [although it is great if you have] - just
an interest in cookery and basic domestic cooking skills. The day is designed for you to have fun so if you can chop a vegetable and boil an egg - you will be fine.
How many people will be on the course?
There will be a maximum of 6 people on any indoor course.
How much cooking will I actually do and how much will be watching someone else cook?
A few dishes or parts of recipes may be demonstrated - but these will be the very simple ones that it is not worth you spending valuable time on during the course. The majority of your day will be
spent 'doing'. Some of the dishes will be cooked as a 'team effort' but you will have a hand in them all. You will not be sat watching me all day but will get a regular sit down and a break while you
taste the results of our labours. I have designed the courses to give you variety but to get you cooking as much as possible.
Will I have to wash up?
You will not be expected to do lots of washing up - only bits and pieces that are used and needed again as we cook.
Full Day or 3 hour Course - which is best for me?
The main difference between full day and 3 hour classes is pace - we have to get the food on quickly and the first 2 hours are hectic in a shorter class and you then relax and enjoy your meal in one 3 course sitting. On the full day class there is more time to relax over the cooking and time spent sat down is in shorter sittings throughout the day - so the pace seems slower although more is covered.
I want a sociable class - which is best for me?
Either is fine - the evening courses conclude with a sociable, relaxed meal and the full day courses include several opprtunities to sit down and enjoy a starter, main course or dessert and chat with
fellow guests.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself, your tastebuds and an open mind.
What do I wear?
Please wear sensible shoes [with covered toes] that are non-slip. Please also avoid wearing anything you value and don't want spoilt - we will be in the kitchen all day and inevitably things are
occasionally spilt or someone splashes you with produce. Comfortable casual clothes are best, without 'flappy' sleeves [as these have a tendency to 'dip' into the food].
FOOD AND DRINK ON THE DAY
What do you mean when you say dishes depend upon seasonal produce available?
The menu will vary slightly according to produce in season at the time of the course. For example; the types of fresh chilli we can use on the chilli course depends on which varieties are available
at the time. Also Fish courses rely on on availability of fresh [and preferably sustainable fish] so this course will change throughout the year.
What if I don't like some of the things we cook on the day?
Hopefully you will enjoy eating the dishes as well as cooking them. Time-permitting, we will cook a wide range of recipes. For example - on the chilli course we cook some hot and spicy dishes and
some milder recipes. On a number of the full day courses we will often cook a meat, a fish and vegetarian options - so if you don't like one dish hopefully you will enjoy the next. On shorter courses
I will always try to work around major dislikes if I am aware of them [the booking form requests that you tell me these]. You won't starve! The most important thing is that you complete a booking
form and detail your dislikes - we can then try to work around these when setting the menu.
I'm a vegetarian, is it worth me coming on the course or will everything include meat?
VEGETARIANS WELCOME - participants work as a team on the day and extra vegetarian dishes can sometimes be included on the menu if I am aware in advance! There are some courses where this
cannot be accommodated but please ask and I will try to adapt the classes to meet those who would like to come on them where possible.
I have a food allergy - can you work around these?
I do my best to work around most things. We have worked around wheat allergies on the chilli course and wheat and dairy allergies on the Around The World Street Food course in the past. I do my best
to accommodate most allergies if I have some notice. The best thing to do is to speak to me to discuss the most suitable course for your needs.
Will there be wine with lunch?
No. I do not have a license for serving wine. There will be soft drinks though.
BOOKING
How can I pay for the course? Can I use a credit card?
You can use your credit card to purchase a gift voucher through this web site. Unfortunately I am unable to accept credit cards direct but you can use direct banking to put money into my acocunt or a
cheque is fine. Please enquire and I will tell you where to send it once I confirm your place is available for the course date of your choice.
Can I book the course as a surprise for someone else?
Yes. Please contact me and let me know where you want the confirmation to be sent and who is attending and I can organise what you need.
Transport and Travel
Is it easy to find the venue?
A map and directions are available on this web site and I provide paper versions if required. There is a local train station and plenty of buses if you don't want to drive - again see the menu to the
left for the Public Transport page. Just ask and I will advise further.
Is it easy to park nearby for my course?
We are in a residential area so parking can be an issue - although there is always somewhere to park if you don't mind walking a few yards. We ask that you do not all try to park directly outside the
house or my immediate few neighbours' houses so that we are not asked to move cars during classes. You can park further down the road and walk back up or you can park in Blenheim Drive [the road that
is almost opposite the top of our road]. There is plenty of public transport too - just ask and we can provide details.
I live further away and would not be able to travel on the day - can you suggest anywhere for me to stay?
It depends on your budget but if you tell me how much you are looking to spend on accommodation I will try to advise. There are a couple of options closeby or I can give you ideas for places to stay
in Nottingham City Centre - including self catering, bed and breakfasts or hotels.
Accommodation in Nottingham - you could also try this site for places to stay in Nottingham.
I can't make the dates on offer - will there be more dates added?
I will be adding more dates according to demand. Let me know when you would like to come on the course and if there is enough interest I will add a date.
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