Testimonials
Suzanne is a great friend, excellent cook and teacher, multitalented in every way. She is a totally versatile and imaginative cook as well as an outstandingly talented artist. And her easy, outgoing personality makes every get together a pleasure
-Patricia Wells, author, journalist, and cooking instructor
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Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of participating to several cooking experiences led by Suzanne and learned a great deal from them. Suzanne is foremost an artist (besides being a talented chef she is a painter and a photographer), and it shows in her approach to cooking: From the conception of a dish to its execution, creativity is at the forefront of the process. Her talent in cooking can be summarized in simple words: instinct for matching flavours and textures, simplicity of the ingredients and of the cooking process, respect of nature and the environment in choosing products, beauty in the display of the dishes (food styling). She is a true creator, but because she cooks with simplicity she can successfully teach her process. Participating in Suzanne’s classes is not learning how to copy a recipe, but rather how to interact with food and ingredients and learn how to become one’s own chef, an amazing experience that Suzanne makes fun and effective.
-Patrice Bret
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Suzanne is a very gifted visual artist but I think she is happiest and thrives the most in her kitchen. Her food is beautiful to look at and even better to eat. She is a sensitive and accomplished chef.
Suzanne’s generous spirit is evident in the knowledge she shares about food and everything she puts on the table.
-Johanne Killeen, author, chef and owner of Al Forno, Rhode Island
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A picturesque winery surrounded by rolling hills of vines set just outside a scenic medieval village perched high in the hills, the camaraderie of fellow students in a charming french country kitchen and Suzanne’s culinary guidance….it was a magical experience. All the recipes are ones you will want – or will be requested – to make over and over again. An added delight, the deliciously complex wines of the Mourchon Winery to pair with our creations. I enthusiastically recommend Suzanne’s course …it definitely needs to be on your bucket list.”
-Mary Davies
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We have learned so much from being in Suzanne’s kitchen. She is a natural teacher and her enthusiasm for the ritual of cooking is contagious. She positively oozes knowledge—about food and where it comes from and how to bring all of its best qualities to bear. This has been so valuable to us, especially as vegetarians. With Suzanne, it isn’t just about eating, it’s about the journey to the table, and with the skills we’ve gained through cooking with her, the possibilities are limitless and also delicious. We love going along for the ride.
-Jessica and Ian Bell
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Suzanne gave us our first cooking class ever. It was successful beyond our wildest dreams.
She prepared a three-day, bespoke program and menu that took our culinary skills to a whole new level. She provided all the necessary equipment; she chose dishes we specifically asked to learn to make — such as Pommes Anna and new sauces for game and fish. She also challenged us with unexpected, new and now enduringly favorite recipes, such as grilled flatbread and grilled octopus.
This exceptionally well planned and easily executed program also included learning how to shop knowingly at the vibrant and expansive Tuesday summer market of Vaison-la-Romaine; a personalized vineyard tour and lesson on the local wines and viticulture of the region; lunch at the fantastic Mourchon Vineyard — with it’s delightful, white and rose wines and breathtaking views; and, for the grand finale — Suzanne led and guided us to fearlessly and confidently prepare, host and serve a top chef-quality, deliciously memorable four-course dinner for 8 with a menu that could only be called — inspired!
It was a sensational, unforgettable experience and will be repeated for sure!
-Kyra and Tom Cheremeteff
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Suzanne understands both the science and the art of cooking. She revels in the creation of tastes and textures and has a rare ability to share her knowledge and practical skills.
Cooking with Suzanne has taught me not just how to replicate a dish but by explaining the “how” and the “why”, has inspired me to become more confidently (and calmly) creative in the kitchen.
From essential condiments (her garlic chilli oil has changed my life) to the preparation of perfect pastry, her cooking courses offer a truly immersive and extremely rewarding experience.
-Deborah Adams
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Suzanne not only took us under her wing as our chef one summer but she has taught us so much, as she is a very generous, thoughtful and passionate teacher as well as a chef. I’m an added challenge because I have Celiac disease and require specialized menus but she is never daunted and I am consistently amazed by her creativity in providing me with customized, delicious, gourmet quality meals. I have the feeling she enjoys the challenge almost as much as I enjoy the rewards!
What sets Suzanne apart is her gift for balancing flavours and making mouth watering, beautifully presented dishes that are simple and healthy, yet as impressive as anything I’ve tasted in a Michelin restaurant. The fact that this is achievable without stuffiness and in a spirit of sharing openly makes it all that much better!
-Jillian Bret
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I am a mother who lacked the “cooking gene”. Perhaps Suzanne’s success proves that necessity is the mother of invention! When Covid hit, with Suzanne’s gentle mentoring, I began to overcome my fear of cooking and baking. I started with bread and I LOVE it! Her calm guidance and encouragement saw me, at 77, embark on a new adventure creating food that is actually delicious. I now have more sensibility and instead of merely following a recipe (which was never a great strength of mine), I can now taste and adjust flavours, making the dish sing. Forever grateful…
-Sasha Kay-Grummett (her mother!)
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Suzanne has a rare capacity for combining ingredients to create flavours that are exciting and deeply pleasing. She is a wonderful teacher using humour, candor and common sense. Her unflappability in the kitchen, while juggling many pots, creates a convivial environment which is perfect for learning. I have never eaten with Suzanne without learning something, and I have come away from her teaching sessions with a wealth of practical suggestions and more importantly a new way of thinking about being while cooking. She is super creative and I find her recipes even more exciting and replicable than Ottelenghi.
-Soula Proxenos