We spoke to Cooks Academy student Pam, from Texas, who undertook a four week certificate course.
We found out why she chose Cooks Academy, what she thinks of Dublin and what she makes of Irish cuisine...
Why did you want to do the certificate course?
Because I wanted to learn classic techniques, I didn’t just want to go and learn just how to make duck or just how to do Mediterranean food. This course is one of the only ones I could find that for 4 weeks that’s what they teach you. And it’s all kinds of food!
Why Dublin?
Because I love it! I’ve been here before; my husband’s family are Irish and we all came here in 1999 and 2008. I knew I would have to leave my home to do this course (as I live in a small place) so why not go somewhere fantastic, exciting and totally different?
Why Cooks Academy?
Well I looked at websites from all over the world and I kept coming back to Cooks Academy. They had a really good website for one thing, and the city centre location is great aswell.
Is it your first time in Dublin?
It is my first time here for a longer period of time and I love it…you can walk everywhere!
Are you enjoying the course?
I’m loving it! I love the people and I love the way they’ve put everything together. You start out and you think “oh this is pretty easy” and boy it’s not. It gets harder and harder. You’re building on everything as you learn. They really have it planned very well.
Have you made friends here?
I have, on Saturday I went with one of the gals to her house in Malahide and we went to Bray and all over. Last night I went out to one of the other gals and we celebrated her dog’s 5th birthday. There was a Romanian, a Swede, a German, a Puerto Rican, a Dutch and then there was me. The only Irish there were the dogs! It’s fabulous.
What are your impressions of Irish cuisine?
I love it; some people joke and say it’s all just potatoes but I have really enjoyed it. I’ve eaten very well here. I thought I was going to lose some weight with all the walking I’ve been doing but you can forget it!
What have been your lasting impressions of Dublin?
It’s exciting, it’s fast-moving; everyone walks really fast here (that might have something to do with the weather). Also everyone is very friendly – they accept you for who you are.
Have you had time to explore the city and its surroundings?
Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of walking and exploring. Some days I get on the DART and heading out of the city, to the coast. I went to the Botanic Gardens the other day and the Phoenix Park so I’m getting out and about.
Will you return to Dublin?
Oh yeah, I’ll be back!
Cooks Academy is located at 19 South William Street, Dublin 2 www.cooksacademy.com
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