Moroccan Cookery course
From the 2nd to the 4th of April 2009 Hertfordshire based Moroccan chef Mohammed Essakhi will run a three day residential cookery course at Marrakech Riad Papillon. This is an exceptional opportunity to cover the basics of Moroccan cuisine in a relaxed friendly atmosphere with a charismatic and knowledgeable teacher.
Wedding style feast
Participants will check in to Riad Papillon on Thursday 2nd April. The first session of the culinary experience runs from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm and provides for participants to work with Mohammed learning how to prepare dishes for a traditional Moroccan celebration meal based around a wedding menu. The group will work with seasonal vegetables which in early April can be expected to include globe artichoke, haricot beans and khochef (local celery). In accordance with tradition the principal meat will be lamb.
Menu preferences
At 8.00 pm the group will sit down together to enjoy the feast they have prepared. Mohammed will take this opportunity to discuss his menu suggestions for Thursday and Friday which will include a rich variety of hot and cold salads as well as delicious Moroccan staples such as cous cous and tagine. Regional specialities will include the mountain cuisine of the Berbers and fresh seafood from the fishing port of Essaouira.
Food shopping expedition
On the morning of Friday April 3rd Mohammed will lead a shopping expedition to purchase ingredients for the evening menu. The group will depart at around 8.00 am and the trip will take approximately two hours. The focus for the morning will principally be on street sellers offering fresh, traditionally grown produce within the ancient medina of Marrakech. Those who wish will go on to visit the magical Jema al fna returning in the late morning when participants will be free to explore the delights of Marrakech and enjoy the facilities of Marrakech Riad Papillon.
Friday cookery session
The Friday afternoon session of the cookery course runs from 4.00pm to 7.00pm before dinner at 8.00 to enjoy the fruits of the days labours!
Saturday
For courageous souls the morning of Saturday 4th will again start with a shopping experience, this time departing earlier at 7.00 am to visit the larger markets which will be bustling with life as they reopen after the Sabbath (Friday). A particular highlight will be the opportunity to dwell in the centuries old spice market situated in the old Jewish quarter of Marrakech known as the Mellah.
There will again be free time to explore and relax before the afternoon cookery session from 4.00 pm until 7.00 pm. The climax of the course will be the shared Saturday evening meal on Saturday 4 April, again commencing at 8.00 pm, punctuated by a visit from Gnawa musicians.
Pricing is based on two people sharing a twin/double room. The cost for the three days is £395 per person inclusive of accommodation, breakfast, food for the evening meals to be prepared by the group, bottled water and unlimited mint tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately. Lights lunches are available in the Riad or at a number of other places locally.
