Unfortunately had a very bad time. The class I attended was not set up for guests to learn, try techniques on their own, and enjoy the food they cooked. Instead, the kitchen was quiet and had a nervous energy, with none of the guests knowing where they were supposed to step in to help. Guests can expect to stand at their own station for five-plus hours in what is essentially a stress position and wait until one onion or chicken breast is passed between the 12 or so attendees to chop. Not only is this extremely dull, it resulted in our soup being over-seasoned and opened everyone in the class up to the mistake of an individual. One of Chef Denene's friends was in attendance and for some reason she largely only interacted with them, talking to them at a volume where no one else could hear and tasking them with the few opportunities available to actually cook, apart from my group there were many individuals in the class who came alone and were not engaged with or made to feel included by the Chef, who had the same attitude as a teacher who doesn't care your group project and is stressed out by being unprepared. If guests had difficulty cooking they were not given help, instead the chef would step in and do it herself. The bulk of the feedback we received was from Chef Denene reminding us which sink to wash our hands in, where to toss aprons, to wash dishes, and other trivial things that made our group feel more like free labor than students. This lasted from 10-1pm, upon which we enjoyed our soup and rellenos. The later was tasty but the soup was inedible by two in our group who thought it was too spicy as a result of the seasonings being measured by random class patrons who were receiving instruction secondhand. Our group left after this, not confident that the next four hours would be more interactive or than the end product would be tasty enough to make staying worth it. Rather than a class, this is more like a chef's tasting that you watch be made. If you do not know how to chop an onion you may learn something, but all in all the majority of recipes were not taught in anyway where you could feel confident in re-creating them at home, which was my hope. One would be better served spending their money either going to a nice restaurant or taking a class through an educational institution where the instructor has an interest in being a facilitator. I'd like to think that this was an off-day and would be interested in taking a different class if the Chef would explain her reasoning for the class structure. TL:DR: Not a cooking class in the way that you're thinking, vibes are off and at times rude. read more

I recently attended my second class at Le Chat Gourmet. In no way, shape, or form could I find something to complain about. Unlike some cooking classes that only allow for you to watch how the food is made, classes at Le Chat allow you the opportunity to be fully immersed in the cooking experience with the other classmates. Chef Denene does a spectacular job of teaching the class and demonstrating techniques that make cooking easier and more enjoyable. She can tell when people may be struggling with a certain task and she knows how to teach them how to perform that task more efficiently. From tasks as simple as how to properly dice green onions, to learning how to make a five star creme brûlée, Chef Denene is a true professional, minus the arrogant flare that can be seen in the "superstar chefs". With classes such as the recent San Francisco Chop House, complete with an appetizer of white cheddar crab dip with toasted artisan bread and a main course of bacon wrapped filets with sour cream chive mashed potatoes and fresh popovers with parmesan butter, it's difficult to not want to come back every week! And when dessert consists of freshly made orange-glazed doughnut holes served with a mocha latte toffee crunch sauce, it's easy to reconsider your career and want to go to culinary school. Needless to say, the two hour drive to get there is well worth it. The facebook page has great information and pictures as well. Chef Denene, thank you thank you thank you for another amazing experience and I look forward to returning soon. read more

See all

Denene, chef and owner of Le Chat Gourmet, is a top notch professional who provides for an evening of exquisite culinary endeavors in an environment of European rustic charm. My family and spouses (8 total) had a private cooking class with her. We spoke with her ahead of time explaining that four of the eight of us were vegetarians. She was very easy to coordinate with. When we arrived, she had an amazing four course meal planned out for us. She began by orienting us to the kitchen and explaining the plan for the day. The evening was planned for approximately 3.5 hours, but ended up lasting closer to 4.5 hours, as we had many questions. She is a professional, intriguing, and eager teacher - wanting not just to teach about cooking, but the culinary arts and culture surrounding food. We spent some of the time out in her garden picking fresh herbs and vegetables used for the meal. I highly recommend her/Le Chat Gourmet if you are either looking for a new and fun experience, or to continue mastering the craft of chef skills and cooking. Can't say enough great things about Denene! read more

See all

I surprised my boyfriend for a Valentines day gift. We drove about two hours, but it was well worth it. We were welcomed by the chef's husband who kindly directed us where to go. When we met Chef Denene, she was very personable and easy to talk with. We felt right at home. As the night went on we were able to feel even more at home with the other couples that came to cook. We eventually finished preparing the meal and were directed to a room in which the table was set and we sat down and ate all the yummy food. I would highly recommend this culinary experience to any level or age of "chef". Chef Denene was a joy to work with and very easy to follow. We definitely will be going back soon! read more

See all

Terrible. I did this service awhile ago as a gift and the chef was unprofessional. She did not teach only barked orders. Also, she fed the leftovers to her husband. We were not allowed to take it home . Don't go here. read more

Chef Denene rocks! My wife, friends and I love this place. We've been attending classes for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is fun and the food has always come out as some of the best in the Mid-Michigan area and you get to help cook/prepare it! Chef is always willing to answer any question about cooking and you learn a ton. She is professionally trained in French cuisine in both pastry and cooking. After helping prepare the meal you get to enjoy it with family and friends. Bring a bottle and some friends - sign up and have an amazing great time. Thanks Chef Denene for sharing your kitchen. ‍ read more

I have been going to these classes for years. The chef has a good variety of classes and it's a fun experience to make and then eat the food. read more

I received the chocolate class as a gift. I was so excited to attend. The class was a workshop - so 10am to 3pm. We made a crepe cake, chocolate mousse, truffles and fortune cookies. I learned one new technique - how to make crepes. It took the chef awhile to warm up to the group. There were 12 people in the class, so you got to be involved in some of the hands-on action, but you didn't make a dish from start to finish on your own. There were a number of teaching opportunities (different techniques, use of tools, etc.) that were not explained. So, if you were not familiar with the kitchen it may be overwhelming. At the end of class we took home a piece of cake, three truffles and two cookies. We ate the mousse during the class - that was the only thing we ate the entire time (approx 4 oz cup)! I was STARVING after being in a cooking class all day. Also, be prepared to stand the entire time (I anticipated this.) Because of the length of the workshop it would be helpful for participants to know that lunch is not included and you should be able to stand for five hours. For the amount of money paid $175 I do not feel that I got my money's worth. read more