Does anyone know of the schools that offer recreational pastry classes? I know of the career-training schools, but I just want a school that has specific classes, if you know what I mean. So far I know the following, but if any of you have any others that you know of, I'd appreciate it:

Lenotre

Olivier Bajard

Bellouet Conseil

Thank you!

The French Pastry School in Chicago has "continuing education" classes that are wonderful.

I went to Pastry Camp last summer for a week and I had a wonderful time. My partner was 17 y.o. planning to attend culinary school after HS graduation. We did everything from brioche to chocolates to making isomalt cages.

The school is in the shadow of the Sears tower and 2 blocks from Union Station.

I stayed in the cheaper, quieter suburb of Downers Grove and rode the light rail train in every morning. The half hour ride was very relaxing and cheap. I wanted to return this summer but it conflicts with a cake for 500 that I've made a commitment to do---maybe next year!

Rae

The French Pastry School in Chicago has "continuing education" classes that are wonderful.

I went to Pastry Camp last summer for a week and I had a wonderful time. My partner was 17 y.o. planning to attend culinary school after HS graduation. We did everything from brioche to chocolates to making isomalt cages.

The school is in the shadow of the Sears tower and 2 blocks from Union Station.

I stayed in the cheaper, quieter suburb of Downers Grove and rode the light rail train in every morning. The half hour ride was very relaxing and cheap. I wanted to return this summer but it conflicts with a cake for 500 that I've made a commitment to do---maybe next year!

Rae

Thanks Rae. I do know of their continuing programs; I want to take one of their chocolate sculpting ones after pastry school.

Just so you know, you can take their "continuing education" classes anytime. You don't have to be a graduate of any program and in most cases, you don't really need any prior experience.

The Pastry Camp I took had a lower age limit of 16 (I think) and they allowed a 15 & 16 y.o. pair of friends team up for the week. My partner came to Chicago with her whole family and they did sightseeing, etc. while she was in class--everyone got to do what they really enjoyed for the week. I loved the pairings because half of us were parents with teenage children and the other half were teens. I think it gave all of us a better perspective when it came to working with each other!

Rae