New Orleans Natives Announce New Five-day Culinary Tour Including Hands-on Cooking Classes with Big Easy Master Chefs

NEW ORLEANS, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Frances Kirchon and Linda Meyers, founders of the new culinary tour Cook New Orleans, announced today their program calendar for 2010. The tour features three hands-on cooking classes and insider visits to restaurants, cafes, bars, food markets, and historic music and arts neighborhoods. Kirchon said, "At Cook New Orleans, you'll roll up your sleeves and cook with New Orleans chefs using recipes, ingredients and techniques passed down over the generations. You'll meet restaurateurs up close and personal, visit offbeat spots on and off the tourist maps, and discover the New Orleans eateries the locals love."

The hands-on cooking classes feature special menus designed by Kirchon and Meyers to showcase the treasures of New Orleans cuisine. Classes are taught by master chefs anxious to share their culinary expertise, cooking secrets, and delicious food with food lovers. Meyers says, "Cook New Orleans will expand your palate and your understanding of the historical significance of New Orleans food customs and dishes. Each class features appetizers, main dishes, and desserts prepared in a relaxed and fun environment. You will learn new dishes, make new friends, and take home recipes to prepare for family and friends."

Kirchon and Meyers are cousins with deep cultural roots in the tastes and traditions of New Orleans.  The Cook New Orleans itinerary includes a walking cocktail tour of the French Quarter, a taste tour of historic restaurants' specialties, a visit to the Crescent City Farmers Market and the Old Algiers arts and music neighborhood, and breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the places where locals eat seafood, po'boys, muffulettas, and beignets.

The Cook New Orleans culinary program is offered four times in 2010 -- July 14-18; July 21-25; October 6-10; and November 3-7. The cost of the 5-day program is $1,750 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $250. Cost includes four nights hotel located in the French Quarter (Vieux Carre), three hands-on cooking classes, all meals and receptions, excursions, bus or mini-van transportation for tours, and gratuities. Airfare and airport transfers not included. For additional information, visit the Cook New Orleans web site at http://www.cookneworleans.com.

SOURCE Cook New Orleans