How does someone learn for free?

January 29, 2007 7:44 PM

My fiance has become obsessed with making ice cream. He has been making at least 2 new (and unique) flavors of ice cream every single week since August. He keeps saying he wants to learn more about it, and is planning on taking that ice cream master class at Penn State when the time comes, but that is a whole year away. What I would like to try to do, as a gift, is arrange for him to observe a local ice-cream expert (in New York City, or within public transportation reach).

I just wanted to see if the hive mind could give me some advice as to how to go about this, and if this is realistic. I suppose I could just go ahead and start making phone calls, but I'd rather be a little prepared and not sound like a complete fool. I could have sworn I have heard or seen mention of people being allowed to shadow or observe a chef at work in a kitchen, but I can't turn up anything when I'm looking for it. Is it called shadowing? Do chefs (or whatever it is you call an ice cream maker) allow strangers to just come into their kitchens and watch them work for a day for free, if you ask nicely?

What's the best way to approach the chef, and has anyone ever gotten to do what I am asking about? And better yet, anyone know of an ice cream expert in NYC that I could ask?

Thanks.

posted by eggplantia5 to food & drink (9 comments total)

I think you should tie it to a certain date or event--"to celebrate our engagement/my fiance's birthday/Valentine's Day/whatever" you'd be flattered for him to be allowed to trail (shadow?) the chef for a few hours.

And definitely mention that he's already somewhat experienced in the craft--and wants to learn from a master. If you emphasize this, it will seem less like "some creepy ramdon person who thinks they might like to make ice cream" and more like "a person seriously into ice cream who has a special [insert occasion here] request.
posted by staggernation at 9:07 PM on January 29, 2007

Oh, good ideas - thanks!
posted by eggplantia5 at 9:30 PM on January 29, 2007

"Do chefs (or whatever it is you call an ice cream maker) allow strangers to just come into their kitchens and watch them work for a day for free, if you ask nicely?"

Yes, and especially if you're prepared to work in the kitchen (or whatever it is ice cream makers use) while you're there, doing menial tasks like washing dishes or whatever.

I have a friend who enjoyed cooking and volunteered to do work experience in a commercial kitchen so he could observe the chefs and learn some of their secrets.

I'd just identify the people he'd want to observe, then call them up and explain what it is you're trying to organise.
posted by robcorr at 11:22 PM on January 29, 2007

Not exactly what you had in mind but if you have a free weekend you can rent a car and go to Vermont to tour the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory. You get to see how it's made, etc. Good fun.
posted by gfrobe at 12:45 AM on January 30, 2007

The "shadowing" that you are speaking of is known as "doing a Stage" or Stagiare if you are parling en francais. That may give you some good google clues. To do this at a top restaurant is like the culinary equivalent of an internship at J.P. Morgan, however, so I'm not sure how much luck he'll have even as an advanced home cook. Also they typically last for a week or so, I believe. That said, I've heard that Room 4 Dessert is doing some pretty cutting edge desserts. Il Laboratorio de Gelato is also supposed to be great. Awesome idea, I'm sure you're fiance will love it.
posted by rorycberger at 2:09 AM on January 30, 2007

You know, this is a shot in the dark, but has your husband looked for other ice cream making amateurs in the area?

I don't make ice cream, but I brew beer and make pickles. The help I've gotten in learning has come, not from professionals — who have staked their livelihood on a particular recipe and feel no need to share — but from fellow homebrewers and home canners. I suspect that if there is a community of home ice cream makers, they'll be likely to a) teach your husband what they know and b) know which professionals, if any, are friendly and supportive towards amateurs. And in a city the size (and decadence, and overall foodie-ness) of NYC, I see no reason there shouldn't be a community of home ice cream makers.
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:37 AM on January 30, 2007

Call Cones on Bleecker Street in the West Village. Some of the best ice cream (gelato) and sorbet in the city, and they make it all on-site; I believe it's two Argentinian brothers who make it, and they're both very friendly and personable guys. Worth a call, I'd say.
posted by saladin at 6:42 AM on January 30, 2007

Cool! Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
posted by eggplantia5 at 7:45 AM on January 30, 2007

Definitely shoot the fellas at Il Laboratorio an e-mail or something. They're very press friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. And, hey, if not make it an excuse to stop in and binge. Donut Plant is right nearby, too.
posted by GilloD at 9:14 AM on January 30, 2007