Do you love to eat? Do you enjoy cooking ... yet sometimes feel that your expensive cookbooks leave too many unanswered questions? Or that your are just a few 'hot tips' away from truly mastering your favourite recipes?
“It was these same shortcomings that motivated me to become a professional chef.
Two years of studying and many “ahaa!!” experiences later, I had found my destiny.”
In 1989 together with two other chefs, Sibyl opened an upscale restaurant in Hamburg, Germany where she worked happily and successfully for eight years. “I had no intentions of leaving my business, but while on holiday in Costa Rica in 1997 I fell in love - got married - and stayed! I have lived here in Playa Junquillal ever since.”
In 2001 prompted by the growing popularity of culinary travel, Sibyl opened her cooking school, eager to share all her knowledge and experience with tourists and locals alike.
Her customized classes are suited for cooking lovers of all ability levels and they offer the opportunity to learn in an intimate 'hands on' environment. Whether alone, or in a small group ( maximum of 4 ), each client receives Sibyl's individual attention as she imparts her wealth of culinary secrets that are sure to improve one's techniques, inspire creativity and ultimately delight the palate.
The format is geared for those who want to include a cooking experience in their vacation itinerary and each class usually involves preparing a 3 or 4 course meal and culminates in a leisurely opportunity to enjoy tasting the dishes. Dining on Sibyl's terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a worthy reward indeed!
It is the clients that decide the menu for the class – and it is based on what they wish to learn - or perfect. “Take wanting to know how to prepare fresh fish as an example... together we would learn to panfry one fish, poach another, and a third fish we would wrap in a banana leaf and bake in the oven. We would also make a fish stock, some homemade mayonnaise and a tasty sauce or two. And for a little local flavour we might prepare 'ceviche' – a citrusy raw fish appetizer Costa Rica style. To complete the meal there would be a refreshing starter salad, some interesting side dishes … and of course a sumptuous dessert!”
The Five Lesson Basic Course is designed for those who are interested in a full immersion culinary experience and clients who choose this format will receive an ample introduction to all the important techniques and cooking methods.
The protocol is as laid back as the setting. Lessons can be given in English, Spanish or German and the school is open to everyone (...you don't have to be a guest of Casas Pelicano to participate). “And your friends who would like to join us for the meal on the terrace ...but not the class, are most welcome.”
Prices:
One Lesson for 1 Person is $60.
Each additional Person (to a maximum of 4) costs $20 each.
Five Lesson Basic Course for 1 Person is $ 280.
Each additional Person (to a maximum of 4) costs $ 90 each.
