Blue Ribbon Cooking School, Seattle
Hands-on classes are structured around a menu.
Participants are grouped into teams; each team cooks one course and everyone feasts at the end.
Classes are from $50.00 to $95.00
(206) 328-2442, www.blueribboncooking.com

Bon Vivant, Seattle
Classes are in private homes throughout the region.
Each class is unique, depending on the instructor, the setting and the subject.
Classes range from $39.00 to $78.00
(206) 525-7537, www.bon-vivant.com

The Compleat Cook, Bellevue
Standard demonstration-style classes, punctuated with samples of every dish,
are held in a store stocked with an incredible array of must-have gear.
(Even the instructor is tempted to blow his budget on equipment.)
Classes range from $35.00 to $50.00
(425) 746-9201, www.compleatcook.com

Cook's World, Seattle
Many classes are conducted by the professional chef/owner of the store,
who teaches everything from basics to elaborate sauce-making techniques.
A student could get a complete education in classic cuisine.
Classes are usually $46.00
( 206) 528-8192, www.cooksworld.net

Gretchen's Cooking School, Mount Vernon
Set in the center of the lost-in-time downtown Mount Vernon, this store has a magical charm.
Students sit at the counter where demonstrations are conducted and at surrounding tables, creating a dinner-party atmosphere.
(360) 336-8747, No Web Site

Sur La Table, Kirkland
The most spacious, well-equipped and well-staffed school in the area makes up in professionalism what it lacks in intimacy.
Video monitors allow students to see every detail that might not be reflected in the large, overhead mirrors.
(425) 827-1311, www.surlatable.com