What’s the concept? Founded 12 years ago by brothers Nicolas and François Bergerault, L’Atelier des Chefs now offers i-Chef, its innovative online platform. Join live video cooking classes led by expert chef Cathleen Clarity, where you can ask questions in real-time. Sessions run four times weekly (Tuesdays through Fridays at 7 p.m., lasting about one hour), with replays available afterward. Over 850 courses are on-demand.
Our test run: I selected the chicken and lemongrass gyoza recipe—something I typically only enjoy at Japanese restaurants, assuming it’s too tricky to make at home. Prep starts with shopping from the site’s list and gathering tools. It’s straightforward, but plan ahead for any hard-to-find ingredients. I opted for a replay since I missed the live session. With ingredients prepped to mimic live conditions, I logged in, pulled up the recipe card (complete with written steps), and dove in.
Chef Cathleen guides seamlessly on screen, explaining every step with pro tips—like slicing lemongrass or mincing chicken safely. The pace is brisk, so I paused occasionally, but it felt achievable. She pauses to field viewer questions, keeping it interactive. In 48 minutes (longer for me with breaks), my gyoza and dipping sauce were ready. The flavor didn’t quite match restaurant perfection—stuffing was a tad dense—but it was impressively tasty, especially the sauce. Guests were stunned: “You made these?” Absolutely. I’m hooked and eyeing a veggie version next.
Verdict: This format shines for building confidence with challenging recipes. Replays suit beginners better than live sessions, which move fast—though Cathleen’s clear breakdowns make it worthwhile. I gained real skills and recommend it to cooking enthusiasts intimidated by complex dishes. Total win!
i-Chef: €9.99/month via the i-Chef site. Cancel anytime. 6-month pack €54.90; 1-year €99.90. First month free.
