Le Colonial, Rush Street's destination for French-Vietnamese cuisine, offers a unique cooking class that unveils the secrets behind the food and goes far beyond the kitchen.
The students, 10 per class, pile into a super stretch limo and head up to Argyle Street, sometimes known as Little Vietnam, which is home to many Vietnamese shops and restaurants.
Chef de Cuisine John Ku and Executive Chef Chan Le also come along for the ride, which provides some great one-on-one time with the culinary minds behind Le Colonial's menu.
The limo stops at Tai Nam Food Market, where Ku takes the students throughout the store, giving tips on how to navigate their way through what is a foreign shopping experience for most.
"I like to bring them in and go along with them, and get them to see every little thing that I see and try to explain to them what each thing is ... to not be intimidated by it," Ku said.
Ku suggests five must-have items to start with if you want to cook Vietnamese food at home:
- Hoisin Sauce
- Fish Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Bahn Trang Rice Paper Rolls
- Rice Noodles for pan frying and salads
After the shopping excursion it's back to the restaurant, where Ku shows the students how to make dishes such as Crab and Asparagus Soup and Soft Salad Rolls with Shrimp.
And of course, the students are treated to a full meal afterward, with accompanying wine included.
The next cooking class will be held on March 28th. Le Colonial also plans a cocktail class for May 16th.
Tickets are $150 each for the cooking class. Reservations can be made by calling (312) 255-0088.
