Hill Institute

Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Time: 9-11:30 am
Where: Florence, MA
What: Vegetarian Cooking Class

You know how every once and awhile you stumble upon something really wonderful? I did this fall. I signed up for the Vegetarian Cooking class at Hill Institute, an incredible community center in Florence, MA. The class is taught by Paul Sustick, the "Paul" of Paul and Elizabeth's restaurant, which is located in Thorne's Market in downtown Northampton. P & E's, as it is commonly known by locals and regulars, is an institution in the Valley. I mean, come on, do you know anyone who lives in or has visited the area who hasn't eaten there? While I love to cook--and eat--I have to admit that before this class I didn't have very good culinary skills. After just 8 weeks, I'm so much better! My knife skills, as well as my creativity and risk-taking in the kitchen, have improved dramatically. Paul brings in cabbages every week (a la "Julie and Julia") so that we can hone our slicing and dicing abilities. Since I'm having so much fun and learning so much, I've already signed up for the spring session, which starts at the end of January. It's the best $50 (for 8 weeks) that I'll ever spend.