Has anyone here taken the Chef Skills one day course, or indeed any course, at Ashburton, Devon?

[snigger]

DH bought me this as an anniversary present. I'm chuffed, but the website decrees knife skills as a pre-req - I'm not liable to remove a digit, but I haven't got cheffy speed-chopping down pat - is this liable to be an obstacle?

That specific worry aside, what's the school like?

bump

Oh, let's paint the whole screen green, why not.

Bumpity bump.

C'mon MN, someone must know someone who's been there?

Ooh, an answer! I'd given up checking!

Thanks so much for the response.

Good to hear, the website seemed good and they seem to have a good rep based on feedback on there, but a bit of actual recommendation goes a long way....

Cheers, I'm just relieved I shan't be carving tomato rosettes for 7 hours

And did you send your DH? Was there an agenda to this?

I did the two day chefs skills course a while ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I do all the cooking at home, but felt I could do with some inspiration. Catering was also my first career, but that was quite some time ago so felt I was a bit rusty. However, as it turned out, the knife skills required aren't too onerous - its more a case of being confident using a knife rather than speed; you won't be expected to be able to slice a whole cucumber in 5 seconds! If I remember correctly, the most difficult tasks were taking the breasts off a duck and filleting a trout. It was all demonstrated to us beforehand and the knives they provide are VERY sharp, which makes the job easier.

It was a great weekend, and I can only speak highly of the place. Perhaps if I drop enough hints, I might get another course as a present for Father's Day ¦¬)