L'Academie is a great place to go if you love to cook and wanted to learn more, or you don't cook at all and need some lessons. They have 2 locations - one is for recreational cooking and the other is a professional culinary school. There are a variety of classes teaching you everything from basic techniques to ethnic cooking. There are single classes as well as a whole series, such as one on the science of baking ingredients. Gift certificates are also avaiable.
One of the coolest things you can do is volunteer as an Assistant for the classes. You have to spend extra time setting up and cleaning up, but you get to learn and be in the class for free. You also accrue points for each class you assist, allowing you to take a class for 50% off. What's neat is that these points can be given away to family and friends.
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