Getting a chef to talk about his experience and career is not an easy task, however, every now and then you get lucky. I ran into Zeet Peabody while he was teaching a cooking class at The Flaky Tart in the Atlantic Highlands a few weeks ago.
Food classes, we think we know it all, and then take a class and realize that we know nothing. Okay, a little dramatic maybe, however, sitting in on a cheese tasting class at The Cheese Cave in Red Bank I honestly have to say that I learned quite a bit.
In the Atlantic Highlands on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, The Flaky Tart hosted a cooking class titled April in Paris. Chefs Zeet Peabody and Marie Jackson kept all of the students busy learning the techniques of mise en place, whisking, and the art of whipping up master sauces such as Bechamel and Mayonnaise. Starting everyone off with an aperitif of Lillet with a splash of seltzer water and a slice of orange, it did indeed set a French mood.
So you know how to cook; well yes, most of us do. However, when offered the opportunity to learn from professional chefs, especially those who work in and own a very popular restaurant it becomes almost an obligation to attend such a class.