Helen's Kitchen Cooking School

5.0 star rating
14 reviews Rating Details

Category: Cooking Schools  [Edit]

3 Ingleside Rd
Natick, MA 01760
(617) 500-0817
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14 reviews in English

  • Review from CeeCee R.

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    • 3 friends
    • 123 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    I can't believe that I was not able to find any fish related classes in the Greater Boston area aside from Helen's. I was so ecstatic when I signed up for Helen's mailing list thinking that I can sign up for the class. Unfortunately, the process was not as simple as I thought it would be, her classes sells out very fast. After a month wait, I was able to register for her fish class.

    Three months after I longed for a fish cooking class, I finally attended my first class with Helen. Small class, there were a total of 8 students, perfect size so that each person still can have an interaction with her. Very insightful class from beginning to end. It was not just a cooking class, she talked a lot about selecting the right fish, which fish mongers to go to, how to substitute within a recipe, etc. Dishes that were cooked that day were delicious. So far, I tested two recipes on my own last week and it turned out really good.

    Helen's classes are in Natick, it was somewhat of a long drive for me, but it was worth it. I have been cooking class hopping from Boston Center Adult Education (BCAE), Cambridge Culinary School, and various other places and I think Helen's cooking classes are highly recommended!

    I have another class booked with her in June and  I can't wait for my next class.

  • Review from Searching J.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Cambridge, MA

    2.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    Waste of time and money .  Because everyone has "duties", you miss what is being said and done while you're involved in your duty.

  • Review from Ella M.

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    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    One Fish, Two Fish.  My wife and I enjoyed our cooking class with Helen.  She explains EVERYTHING and is patient and very knowledgable.  The fish dishes we prepared were awesome.  I can't wait to prepare these dishes again and try others she provides on her blog.  She has inspired me to cook more. Thanks, Helen!

  • Review from Cecilia L.

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2008

    Helen is an awesome cooking teacher. My bf and I took her fish class at her home and found it entertaining, unpretentious and of course, delicious.

    Bf's mom got us a gift certificate for a cooking class with Helen last Christmas, which we managed to lose. He explained in an email to Helen and she very kindly sent us a new code.

    Helen is funny and her kitchen warm and inviting. Her classes are eight people, and cost $70 to $80 for a three-hour session. I love to cook, but bf and I were clearly the ones at the class who knew the least about cooking and food. Fortunately, Helen is skilled at teaching both ends, and each person participates in some aspect of the cooking (chopping, testing the fish for doneness). Then, as the dishes finish, we all eat family style.

    Helen also told us how and where to shop for fish and all sorts of informative tidbits about the properties of various fish, storage, etc. We made bluefish with crispy potatoes, swordfish provencal, salmon teriyaki, poached halibut in sorrel cream and trout amandine. They were all delicious but not difficult, and I make the bluefish dish often.

    It was the perfect gift! I'm dying to go back for the French bistro class.

  • Review from Frances T.

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    • 30 friends
    • 1 review

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/23/2010

    I used Yelp a lot to find good restaurants but I was never motivated enough to register as a member and write any review. I love Helen's class so much that I decided to write my very first Yelp review.

    I took my first class about 2 months ago. It was the fish class and it was awesome! Three hours went pass very quickly and I learned a ton. I took the "tender at the bone" class one month later and it was equally impressive. What I love about Helen's class:

    1. Helen is very knowledgeable and nice
    2. It is small class of 8 people, everyone gets to learn well and ask question whenever
    3. Helen not only teaches how to cook the dishes but the theory behind the cooking. Cooking becomes not just an art but a game for me. Now I learned the theory, I no longer have to try hard memorizing the steps and I can easily apply the theory to other dishes.
    4. The classes take place at the big kitchen of Helen's house, very quite, clean, and cozy.

    I recommend Helen's class to anyone who is interested in cooking. It's definitely worth the price!

  • Review from Lengie L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Andover, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2011

    I attended Knife Skills class recently and liked it a lot. Helen is very good teacher.

  • Review from Evie U.

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    • 13 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2009

    I took Helen's "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" class. I recommend spending an evening with Helen because not only is she a knowledgeable and highly skilled Chef, but she is witty and downright adorable!
    She clearly loves to teach and encourages home cooks never to fear in the kitchen. When you go to her class, you will take part in the cooking process and taste several mouth-watering dishes that you won't forget, and the best part is, you will then be able to make them at home.
    Helen has a star quality about her and she has nowhere to go but up in the culinary world, so I suggest taking advantage of her classes as soon as you can!

  • Review from Melanie D.

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    • 7 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    My girlfriend and I have taken two of Helen's classes now, One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish and Tender to the Bone. They were both exceptional classes. Helen is one of a kind. You feel right at home in her personal kitchen. You feel immediately comfortable learning, asking questions and communicating about cooking. Helen takes plenty of time to explain everything you need to know about food, the myths and the reality and puts it all in plain terms. She even gives you materials to take with you in case you forget! The class was well worth the cost and I would recommend to anyone.

  • Review from Laura G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Newton, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/23/2010

    I just made the tomato onion tart that I learned to make last Saturday in the Easy as Pie class. My family loved it, as did I. I came home after Helen's 3 hour class with the ability to throw together pate brisee (I have discs of dough in my refrigerator) and now have the savvy to bake tarts, pies and galettes. I am extremely pleased. The class was not too long and therefore not overwhelming so I actually retained what I was taught. All in all, a wonderful cooking lesson.

  • Review from Val M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Winthrop, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2011

    My son and I recently took Helen's first class on Grains and Beans and were not disappointed.  It was 3 solid hours of teaching, lots and lots of information, very interactive and worth every penny.  We made 6 dishes (maybe 7?), each delicious and nutritious.  And the handout at the end was a bonus.  Helen is a born teacher, super organized and prepared, and very enthused about her topic.  We can't wait to take another class - we just can decide which one!

  • Review from Ellen S.

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    • 19 friends
    • 198 reviews

    Melrose, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/6/2008

    Helen Rennie is a professional chef and if you can get into a class then you go to Helen's Kitchen - which is literally in her home - for some phenomenal cooking classes.  I received a gift certificate for cooking lessons and truly think it was one of my most favorite gifts ever.  I love to cook and I have learned so many things from Helen, plus now have so many more recipes!  She also writes a great blog where you can find even more yummy recipes!  If you like to cook or even if you are looking to broaden your cooking repertoire, you can't go wrong at Helen's Kitchen.

  • Review from Joanna S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Newton, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2011

    Helen is very knowledgeable about methods, ingredients, equipment, and anything that has to do with food and cooking.  The fish class was extremely interesting and fun!

  • Review from Alex E.

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    • 0 friends
    • 29 reviews

    MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/4/2008

    I've taken two classes with Helen - her fish class at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and her pasty / apple class just the other day at Helen's Kitchen. Both times I came out with a much  better understanding of cooking and food, and with a full stomach. She really knows her food and she is a great teacher. I recommend her classes to anyone who wants to be a better cook at home.

  • Review from Inna K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Arlington, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    I just took two of Helen's classes (knife skills and sauce and the city). I can't think of a better way to spend 6 hours. I learned a lot, had fun, and feel inspired. Here's my list of what I love about Helen's kitchen:
    1. There isn't much one can ask that Helen does not know an answer to. and if you manage to find something, she will find out and get back to you.
    2. Helen explains the science behind the cooking and her specific suggestions for best way to cook something.
    3. Helen does not try to sell you on expensive kitchenware and supplies. On the contrary, she suggest the least expensive ways to achieve the best results. I've been very happy with her suggestions for knives and kitchenware.
    4. Helen is very approachable, open and friendly. It is simply a pleasure to interact with her.
    5. I am sure there are lots of things I am missing or can't find the words for. Overall, I could not have had a better experience. Can't wait to take more classes.

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