
Learn to cook like Jamie Olivier
How about a piece of chocolate flavoured with sea salt? Too many adjectives come to mind, not related to "yummy" exactly, right? I made the same face gesture you are probably making right now when I was told about this invention but the truth is that this new flavour is actually delicious, along with other shocking chocolate combinations like hot chilli and ginger. Surprised?

The chocolate bars stand in Recipease
The area that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant made world famous in the movie "Nothing Hill" now hosts an interesting meeting point for food lovers and nutrition seekers. It's called Recipease and it offers Londoners the opportunity to learn to cook like the reputed chef Jamie Olivier, who sponsors this establishment. "I've always wanted to create buzzing little community hubs where people can really get involved with food. There's something for everyone at Recipease", said Olivier.

Classes of sushi, pasta, cocktails, among others
This is the third establishment of this kind opened in the UK. The first one started 4 years ago in Clapham Junction and it was followed by one in Brighton. Even though they all have the same purpose, their personalities vary. "The one in Clapham Junction is smaller and people interact more with the chefs; the one in Brighton is a cafe, and this one in Nothing Hill is just crazy", stated Aine Dowling, supervisor of Recipease in Clapham Junction who was spending the day in Nothing Hill to help out

Cooking community hub
People who make their own meal are a rare breed in London. Cooking skills are limited to what dip or sauce you use with your salad. Eating pre-packaged meals everyday cannot be healthy, but London's hectic, busy lifestyle doesn't afford much more time and effort in our kitchen. Recipease is more than just another cooking hub; it's a creative initiative that promises to change Londoners' eating habits. "Recipease is a hands-on approach to encourage people to make real food and proper meals", said Aine.
This two-story building in the vibrant area of Nothing Hill has a cosy kitchen in the middle of the hall where they teach people to cook tofu, pizza, pasta… There is also a fire oven in the end of the hall that gives the place the perfect ambience at the time it achieves a sensational taste. The entrance catches the visitors' interest with a display of magnificently delicious-looking pastries that look completely different from the ones we are used to.

New cakes that are a treat to the palate
The design of the place is charming and friendly. With comfortable sofas, cosy design of library, books arrangement, with a homey feeling and coffee on the second storey, the place looks like it belongs in Star Hollows and the wanderer's eyes of Gilmore Girls fan such as mine involuntarily look for Lorelai and Rory sitting on a table teasing Luke.

The decoration is welcoming
The classes are directed at either beginning or seasoned cooks or people in search of some fun. These include A taste of Japan, Knife skills, Unbeatable filled pasta, Mexican street food, Fragrant Thai green curry, Become a sushi master, Dipping into chocolate, South Indian prawn curry, and Cooking the perfect steak. When the class is finished, pupils can either sit down to taste the dishes they have created or take them home to share with their friends. Classes for groups or children are available.
For a full list of classes and to book, click
here. You can also book on the several tablets there are on the walls, but you have to book 24 hours in advance.
At the moment, the special offers are as follows:
Off peak: book onto one of their daytime lessons and save up to 25% off the total lesson price.
Bring a friend: book yourself and a friend onto one of their "Bring a friend" lessons and you'll each save 5 pounds off the total price.

It's time for a pieace cake and coffee!