Other tasty options for curious cooks

For foreigners looking to expand their culinary horizons or for those just sick of eating at restaurants, Beijing has been bubbling with more cooking services.

Tina's Personal Cooking Service is a new service for expats too busy to cook. Founded by Beijinger Tina Bai, the business offers cooking in the home, grocery shopping, meal consulting and ayi training. For more info got to tinabeijing@hotmail.com.

Chef-at-work offers cooking classes for beginners with a menu catered toward what each client wishes to learn. The Chinese chef and interpreter will help students pick out three dishes, go to the market, and cook the dishes so that they can be reproduced at any time. More Information can be found at www.chef-at-work.com.

China cooking school tour is a cooking experience for those on a more serious culinary quest. Taught by Li Zhengtai, a master of Sichuan cuisine, the tour lasts for 10-12 days and takes patrons around china to learn the different cooking styles the Middle Kingdom has to offer. More information at http://www.infohub.com/vacation_packages/6946.html.

Hias Gourmet offers a variety of services for curious cooks of all levels. The cooking classes are taught in a traditional style hutong home and focus on the Chinese Jiachang Cai or "family" style dishes. The service also sets up day trips and dining itineraries for tourists looking to explore Beijing's fine dining circuit. Set up classes or trips at www.Hiasgourmet.com.

(China Daily 03/21/2008 page19)