My last blog post was about my 24th birthday. To follow up, I mentioned I am not one to make a big deal out of my birthday, or many holidays for that matter, but this year was exceptionally special. I received one of the most thoughtful gifts to date.

I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and, as I mentioned before, have been able to try many different cuisines. I have a few favorite restaurants including Ozer in London and Sprüngli in Zurich, but my all-time favorite place to visit is famous patisserie shop Ladurée on the Champs Elyséesin Paris (for those of you living in New York City, one just opened up!). Laduree is known for its tiny confectionery treasures called macarons — no, not the coconut macaroons that you are familiar with in the States. Macarons come in all different seasonal flavors such as my personal favorites, cassis and rose. These delightful treats look like little hamburgers — the top and bottom of the “bun” are meringue-based cookies, and the inside is a jelly-like filling (or sometimes cream-based).

The people behind Twenty Manning Grill and Audrey Claire (two great restaurants to visit in Philadelphia) just opened a new cooking school called COOK. They offer classes that immediately sell out once available, despite the high price tag. Every time I see a listing of the classes being offered, I swoon over all of them and wish that I could attend. One thing to mention is that these classes are conducted by some of Philadelphia’s famous chefs. Here is a taste of classes that are currently offered:

· STARR SERIES: Serious Ceviche with Douglas Rodriguez of Alma de Cuba
· COOKing with Cheese with Robert Sidor and Emilio Mignucci of Di Bruno Brothers
· Healthy Spring Fare with Kriti Sehgal of Pure Fare

So you might be asking yourself what the connection is to COOK and my travels? While spending a semester abroad in Paris, I developed an intense love for French macarons, and anyone that knows me well knows this. For my birthday, one of the gifts I received was COOK’s class called “French Macarons with Dan Tang of Sugar Philly,” and I couldn’t be more excited! I am looking forward to learning the history behind these little treats and how to make them, so I can do it on my own for all of my family and friends to enjoy.

Check back in a few weeks for pictures!

— Lindsay Gruen, digital account executive