"Un-Gourmet International Cooking Club"

I know that there were previous posts on cooking clubs in/around the city and I came across this group - Un-Gourmet International Cooking Club. Here's a "blurb" about the group:


What:
Un-Gourmet International Cooking Club's mission is to learn about and to prepare cuisines from around the world. It is called Un-Gourmet because it is not your skill that we are interested in, but your sincere desire to meet good people and to learn and try other culinary traditions.

Who:
We are a multi-generational and multi-racial group of folks who are passionate about cooking ...White, Black, and female would definitely describe us. The members come with a wide range of cooking skills.

Where:
We meet in Hyde Park. The location is conveniently located near Lake Shore Drive and is easy to access from the Dan Ryan (I-94). The place has a fully functioning kitchen and has a comfortable place to sit and talk with each other

When:
We gather on the first Saturday of each month. We arrive at 5:30 pm warm our dishes and then at 6:00pm we dig in.


How:
Each month a theme is selected, for example February we cooked Polish food. A week prior to the event a menu is e-mail to the members. Each person e-mails back to me what they wish to prepare, I in turn e-mail it to the group. To avoid duplicate dishes, selections are on a first come basis. Everyone prepares their dish at home and we have a potluck from the country of the month. There is a $5.00 monthly donation and we ask that you bring copies of your recipes for the other members. Because of the location, we do not have alcohol at our events.



Has anyone every heard of this group and/or participated? Any additional info on this group is appreciated, Thanks!

Nope, I haven't heard of them but I'd so love to join in the fun! What makes it even better is that it's in HP (I live there too). But anyway, I've read of this kind of "cooking club" in one of the near north neighbourhoods in the Tribune. It's kind of secretive and private. Its presence is spread through word-of-mouth.

MARIAS23,

If you're interested in joining the next meeting/potluck, it's going to be on Saturday, 02/04/06. The cuisine theme for the month of February is FRENCH.

Here is a link to you and anyone else that may be interested:

http://www.asiansocialnetwork.com/?&Vie ... ayEgsJOnYA

(the odd thing, I found this group on the Asian Social Network website.

Hi,

I contacted them the first time they posted on this website. I inquired for more information, they responded with a repeat of their post. They also wanted to conduct a phone interview which I assumed they were sizing me up. I didn't follow through.

If someone wants to jump their hoops and join, then please do advise on the experience.

Regards,

Well, just as Cathy previously mentioned, I responded/RSVP'd to the upcoming event this Saturday and received the same "blurb" about the group.

I also got a phone call, which I returned last night. I wouldn't say that the phone call was to "size me up," but instead, it was a more personal way of getting to know the basis for their group gatherings, an overview of what they are all about and to provide interested folks some insight to what to expect in their gatherings.

From what I was told, the group is very small consisting of 6 solid consistently participating members within an age range between mid-30s to late-70s. There have been several folks that have attended on an occassional basis and some that are semi-regulars. The group runs the gamut in terms of ethnic background and strives to learn about other cultures through food.

Some of their previous themes included Indian cuisine, in which a reputable Indian grocery store or restaurant owner came in as a speaker to share his experience and knowledge about Indian cuisine, foods and marketplace.

From my conversation last night with the hostess and founder of the group, they are very warm and welcoming where their focus is in learning about the theme of the month and not so much the critique of the food folks have prepared and the authenticity of people's offerings. It's a laid back group who likes to eat, laugh, and learn about culture and diversity through food.

I'm looking forward to checking them out and you can't beat the $5 donation just to cover staples like dinnerware, silverware, etc. If you are interested in participating, please click on the link I provided above and RSVP. They hope to have a final menu and guest list confirmed by Thursday, 2/02/06.

I just came from my first "Un-Gourmet International Cooking Club" and it was a wonderful experience!

The food was delicious and the company I shared it with was even better. I was impressed with the vary casual relaxed setting and the welcoming hospitality the group gave me both as new comer to the group and as a new resident of the city.

I highly encourage other people to participate in their monthly gatherings to 1) enjoy the tasty foods prepared and 2) engage in great conversation!

For the month of March, the cuisine celebrated with be Irish, in light of St . Patricks Day. And April will be the month for Cuban eats.

Hmmm... I got an error message when I tried to access the website. Is there any other way I can contact them?

Marias, I sent you a PM with the hostess's email addy if you need to contact her for additional information.