Scrumptious Gift Ideas to Thrill that Special Someone  

Looking for a unique and delicious gift that really will keep on giving?

How about a gift certificate for one of our many great classes—or a delicious dining experience at L’Ecole? Food gifts are always a hit, but a class from The French Culinary Institute will give anyone on your gift list valuable skills and techniques to last a lifetime.

All learning is hands-on, using our Total Immersion^SM approach with these intensive classes that are taught by the same faculty and in the same kitchens as our career students. No experience needed – just a love of good food.

Classes are offered throughout the year in a variety of schedules. The person receiving this gift will be able to choose their start date when they complete their enrollment. If you have any specific questions about class dates, please contact David Lopez in our Admission Department at 646-254-7522 or via email.

Purchasing a gift certificate is quick and easy. We’ll provide both a printable and paper gift certificate upon purchase so there is something to wrap and present. Just click on one of the classes below to get started. We’ve listed course dates below, but you don’t have to pick one to buy a gift.

AMATEUR SHORT COURSES
For the first time ever, you can get a taste of the world-famous French Culinary Institute in short, convenient classes. With our intensive, hands-on approach, anyone can hone their culinary and baking skills in a very short amount of time. And, with plenty of night and weekend sessions, there’s sure to be a class that works with any schedule. These courses are offered on a variety of topics. Purchase a gift certificate for one of these fun classes today:

• Chocolate Truffles, Bonbons & More (5 sessions, $995, Next class starts September 2, 2008)
• Tapas Essentials (2 sessions, $650, Next class starts May 31, 2008)
• Parisian Breads (3 sessions, $675, Next class starts September 2, 2008)
• Fondant & Royal Icing (5 sessions, $995, Next class starts October 14, 2008
• Knife Skills, Deboning, & Filleting (3 sessions, $500, Next class starts May 31, 2008)
• Breakfast Breads, Pastries & More (5 sessions, $995, Next class starts October 20, 2008)
• Charcuterie, Pates & More (3 sessions, $785, Next class starts October 29, 2008)
• Decorating with Chocolate (3 sessions, $785, Next class starts September 18, 2008)
• Sugar Paste Flowers (3 sessions, $775, Next class starts October 2, 2008)
• Whole Grain & Flat Breads (5 sessions, $995, Next class starts October 27, 2008)

ESSENTIALS OF FINE COOKING
Whether that special someone is a confident cook or wants to be, they’ll feel like a chef in just eight sessions as they learn alongside the same distinguished Chef-Instructors, and in the same kitchens, that make our career courses so extraordinary. With our small, personalized classes, students master basic skills and sophisticated culinary techniques that will serve them well beyond. (8 sessions, $2,345) Purchase a gift certificate for Essentials of Fine Cooking here.

Upcoming course dates:
• May 20, 2008

Pastry Techniques
Know someone who longs to step into the shoes of a professional pastry chef? In our popular pastry course, serious amateurs work with chocolate, cakes and tarts, cookies, doughs, meringues, buttercreams, mousses—and conquer those impressive restaurant desserts. You'll learn to handle a pastry bag with grace, as sophisticated techniques and high-level pastry skills become second nature. (20 sessions, $6,100) Purchase a gift certificate for Pastry Techniques here.

Upcoming course date:
• September 6, 2008

Artisanal Bread Baking
Don't you love the aroma of fresh baked bread, hot and steaming from the oven? In Artisanal Bread Baking, you can learn to bake beautiful baguettes, fabulous foccacia, crusty ciabatta, braided yellow challah, and other delicious breads from around the world. You'll roll up your sleeves and mix, ferment, punch down, shape, score, finish, and bake dough into delicious loaves. (5-6 sessions depending on schedule, $1,350) Purchase a gift certificate for Artisanal Bread Baking here.

Upcoming course dates:
• September 8, 2008

Food & Wine Pairing
Now, here’s something worth toasting. The FCI’s Dean of Wine Studies, Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, developed this 6-session course to take the mystery out of wine and make anyone feel more confident when ordering, serving and pairing it. A winning gift for the wine lover on your list (or as a business gift with extra sparkle), they can taste their way around the globe with our experienced and award-winning wine faculty starting this March. (6 sessions, $995) Purchase a gift certificate for Food & Wine Pairing here.

Upcoming course date:
• October 15, 2008

ITALIAN SHORT COURSES AT THE ITALIAN CULINARY ACADEMY
The Italian Culinary Academy, sister school of The French Culinary Institute, offers short Italian courses that provide the perfect introduction to authentic Italian cooking. Tailored to easily fit into even the most hectic schedule, these compact 2-3 session programs offer a solid foundation that can easily be expanded.

• Pasta Intensive – Perfect your favorite pasta dishes like Spaghetti con vongole, ravioli and tortelli. Next class starts August 9, 2008.
• Italian Fish & Shellfish Intensive – Receive an introduction to Pesce and Frutti di Mare, applying your new techniques to recipes such as seafood stew, salt cod with leeks and spicy lobster. Next class starts December 2, 2008.
• Italian Meat & Poultry Intensive - In just 3-sessions you will be well versed in a wide variety of preparations and recipes for meat, poultry, and wild game. Next class starts November 12, 2008.
• Italian Pastries & Desserts – Learn the techniques for creating the classics – cannoli, tiramisu, gelato, panna cotta, biscotti and many more delectable desserts. Next class starts May 14, 2008.

Of course, for some, the greatest gift is enjoying a great gourmet meal instead of preparing it. We have the perfect gift for them, as well.

L’Ecole, the Restaurant of The FCI
With its fresh seasonal menu and award-winning wine collection, a multi-course lunch or dinner at L’Ecole is always a welcome treat. Give a gift certificate for our acclaimed restaurant, which Zagat diners have said is "like getting Prada wholesale." Gift certificates for L’Ecole are available in any season, for any reason, and any denomination. To purchase a gift certificate for L’Ecole, please fill out the gift certificate form or call (212) 219-3300.