" "this is what we are going to do next year, will you like it?" survey.
They did the same thing with the Culinary School "
The culinary school is tanking it seems. They sure do try to coax you to take part, I myself don't see any since in it. I am not into the whole Up charge deal.
I am the biggest "foodie" there is. I love cooking, watching food network, and reading about new and innovative recipes, and methods. I even thought about culinary school after managing an iconic food establishment for over 5 years, HOWEVER i have issues with the up charge issue to watch someone cook, or to get a recipe. I have made the Molasses cookies and they were great-I didn;t pay for the recipe however, it was a free recipe from an interview when the school opened.
I think the Culinary School would be more successful if it was tied in with the motorcoach tour tickets as something that they have to do while they are there. I personally have yet to do it, but it is not my forte so I probably will not.
I just find it odd that they charge to learn how to cook when the other demonstrations around the park are free.
I wouldn't say it is tanking.... I have been on park 7 times this year. 3 times I have tried to sign up for a class and had to be put on a waiting list because it was already sold out.
The thing with the Cul is that they do not offer unique classes.
I know I can have made most all if not everything they offer. I would
love to see them offer more choices. Maybe I have not been paying attention but the five times we have been to the park since the cul opened no one in a family full of chefs has been interested in going to the class. I even offered to pay for my mother in law , who can't cook, to go and she turned it down.
Maybe an Idea would be to teach people to make what they serve in the park.
Lets say the Cinnamon bread from the old bakery or possibly the skillet lunch. Funnel cakes, a pastry dessert from the upper bakery. Soemthing tangable, "bring home a little SDC home"
This might actually increase food sales as it builds revenue for the school.
I think 7.00 is a good price for the classes, that's more than enough to justify, they have already paid to come in the park.
Sell some cook books on the way out of the class and you are making money.
I would like to learn something specific that I enjoy already and not a Cookie or a pie I cannot try before I go in to see if I want to learn.
This seems reasonable to me, and would build my interest.
" SDC Kitchen Secrets"
well.....................................?
Better yet, make it a sit down meal and show -- you get to eat what is made, but you get to learn how it IS made so you can try to make it at home (though most won't be able to)... it's like a show that you'd see at the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.
I went to the school. I was under the impression, that we would get to eat. Basically they read the recipe to us, tried to sell us a book, talked about places to eat in Branson, then gave us a little taste, of what they made. Wasn't what I expected. I thought it was a waste of time, and money. :(
You didn't even get to cook? I thought cooking classes would actually, you know, let you cook.
What about bringing in visiting chefs from regional, or national markets to demonstrate much like a show that would come to the park. I would go see a popular, chef/ author before I would go listen to places to eat in Branson.
They charge for that?
I would have been up to the customer relations desk so fast there would have been flames.
Its a school......
Wow, glad I didnt raise my blood preasure trying that out.
^^^It was kinda like watching someone make hamburger helper! :)
Very simple.
What they need to do is open it up. Have a simple recipe but SDC it. Corny jokes, and maybe an interuption from a hillbilly husband. Heck I would guess that more people would love to know how to make moonshine, soap, or homemade applebutter, than what they teach now.
^In other words, make it a show worth seeing.
BTW, we should probaby take this conversation over to the 2009/10 Project thread, and reserve this one for what's coming/not coming for next year.
Has anybody heard any updates as to what will be going in the place of the waterboggin and splash harbor?
^Yeah, it's been discussed in this thread numerous times.
Back to the CC School, Here is the latest info. on the classes to be offered this Summer.
I have a fascination with canning lately, and I wouldn't mind seeing what the canning process here entails. The others, I could leave be...
Culinary of the Sixties - The changes in our nation were reflected at the dinner table. Enjoy Kennedy-style entertaining and buffet ideas and Baby Boomer kid favorites!
Winning the War on Munchies - School's out and summer vacation can mean more time for munchies. Learn healthy snack choices for the whole family that are tasty, creative and fun!
The Quest to Cook for Less -Delicious meals don't have to be expensive. Begin with budget friendly meat and build side dishes that make for a mouthwatering meal!
Tropical Fun in the Ozarks - The sweet tastes of nature come alive as we mix some of the favorite fruits and emulsions of the tropics into breads, salsas and beverages.
The Colonial Breakfast - The Colonial American breakfast was far from the juice, eggs and bacon of today. Learn three favorite dishes from this early American fare.
Cool Summer Appetizers - From Gazpachos to Tapenade, get recipes for appetizers from around the world that are sure to keep you cool on summer afternoons!
The Flavor of Smoke - Learn the secrets to hot smoking, smoke-roasting, smoke-baking, cold smoking, and even the use of liquid smoke!
Summer Dinner Class - Join us Friday, June 11 at 4:45 pm for our Summer Dinner Class. Then enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Great American Country Nights show in Echo Hollow® Amphitheatre from the back porch of the Culinary & Craft School!
Canning 101 - This introductory class will demonstrate the entire canning process for homemade jam and a tomato salsa. You'll even get one sample jar to take home!
It all sounds like a real snooze. You can get the same thing on Food Network and it's free.
I hate being a "backseat mod" but let's try to keep this thread on track for discussion of just things dealing with the 2011 project. Let's move (or even better yet split) all Culinary School discussion to another thread.
Thanks
Yeah, we're definitely getting off-topic. I'm not entirely sure how to go about splitting something into a new topic, so I'll let Steve take care of it next time he's on. I do think there seems to be enough interest to warrant a separate topic for the Culinary School.
Thanks. I was going to split it, but hadn't really had the time in the last two weeks.
I'm a foodie. I love watching cooking shows, reading about cooking, dreaming up my own creations, and enjoying a big meal.
But, even I don't get the attraction of the school. Maybe it's for people who think they get "authentic home cooking" at Cracker Barrel.
My guess is the park was attempting to profit from the success of food network and other similar programs. I really don't have any personal interest in doing anything at the location, except pass it by.
Keep in mind, the full name is the Culinary AND Arts School. When do people get to learn some of the arts?
^Precisely my question HB! My wife likes to cook, but I think she'd much rather take a class on basket making or quilting. When are they going to start the "craft" part of the "Culinary and Craft School"? ???