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Au revoir Les Gourmettes

If you’ve read more than a few posts here in the past nearly 10 years, then you know all about Barbara Fenzl and Les Gourmettes Cooking School. Barb started the school 36 years ago and has been selling out classes ever since. I came on board 30 years ago, but it doesn’t seem that long ago at all.

Barb has decided to hang up her apron and close the school. I understand, when you know it’s time, then it’s time. That is exactly how I felt when I closed Les Petites Gourmettes Children’s Cooking School after 18 years.

The Red Book Magazine’s April 2019 issue has the most wonderful article all about Barb and Les Gourmettes. Karen Fernau, the former food editor for the Arizona Republic, wrote a loving and lovely article. You may view and read the full article (pages 48-54) HERE. (Use the – + feature at the bottom of the pages to zoom in and be able to read the print. Also, the photos in this post are screenshots I took from the online magazine.)

Below is the last paragraph from the feature.

As my quote from the article implies, I’m still in a bit of denial that the last class at Les Gourmettes will be my final series class on May 15, 2019. I’m not going to think about that right now. I’m just going to continue to bask in the memories and feel the love and joy of all my years working with Barb and Kim at Les Gourmettes. xoxo


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18 comments

1 Debbie Elder { 04.13.19 at 6:49 AM }

Great article about Barbara! She will indeed be missed.

2 Sharon { 04.13.19 at 7:38 AM }

Through the years, I have taken classes with famous chefs (Jaques Pepin, for goodness sakes!) sitting in a cozy kitchen and then dined on the amazing food prepared by (you!) the chefs. The meal itself was often worth the price of the class. I’ve learned so much from Barb and the chefs. And I’ve enjoyed myself (which is so much more important). You’re right, you know. This was a unique school run by a unique woman with vision and talent. As far as I know, no one has been successful cloning Les Gourmettes. I will always remember the meals and the laughter and the teachers.

3 Barbara Fenzl { 04.13.19 at 7:45 AM }

Oh, Linda, this made me cry and I was determined not to do that! We’ve had so many, many happy memories together and those will keep me going for years to come. You have been my right hand for so long and without you and Kim it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun or as rewarding. I know we’ll stay friends forever but I’ll miss the constant camaraderie in the kitchen. Love you –

4 Linda Hopkins { 04.13.19 at 7:49 AM }

Sharon, so lovely and eloquently written. You must be a writer. xoxo

5 Linda Hopkins { 04.13.19 at 7:50 AM }

Love you, Barbara Pool Fenzl! xoxo

6 Nancy { 04.13.19 at 9:36 AM }

Great story, thanks for posting it.

7 Lina K. Austin { 04.13.19 at 11:52 AM }

Linda this is such hard news to take that I’m glad I heard it from you first. And so glad that you are blogging again so we can still feel some of the magic of the Les Gourmettes experience.

8 Lina K. Austin { 04.13.19 at 4:56 PM }

Hi Linda
I wrote a long post earlier and it does not show as printed. I am hoping you got it. Just checking.
Lina

9 Linda Hopkins { 04.14.19 at 1:02 PM }

Hi Lina, got it. Not sure why it’s not showing up on your end, but I see it here. I’m sending you an email too. xoxo

10 Sloane Ellen Hansen { 04.14.19 at 1:25 PM }

Well now I am going to cry. A life well lived! A job well done!

11 Rita { 04.14.19 at 1:26 PM }

I’m with you, Linda, in your admiration and denial. I have always enjoyed cooking, and learned so much from Barb. What a joy to take her classes and enjoy her teaching and cooking. Such fond memories. Bonne chance!

12 Betsy Storey { 04.14.19 at 5:23 PM }

loved reading the article– was fortunate enough long ago to take a class with Barbara and Razz(a long time friend) – loved it I know you will miss being her assistant but your new business seems to be just the best fill in !!

13 Anonymous { 04.15.19 at 12:02 AM }

What an amazing legacy! You instilled an enjoyment of good food in so many people. Job well done!!!

14 Lisa { 04.15.19 at 8:15 AM }

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to learn from you there! Emily too!

15 Shelley { 04.17.19 at 6:36 AM }

This post brought back the summers when Elizabeth attended your cooking school. Those were wonderful memories for her. Thanks!

16 Anne { 04.30.19 at 8:30 AM }

Hard to believe! It has been an honor to know Barb through you, Linda…so admire you both…heartfelt congratulations on all your accomplishments!

17 Shirley { 05.02.19 at 6:09 AM }

Barbara, Linda & Kim,
What a great article! I am blessed to have learned to cook from you three amazing women. I thank you for sharing your time and talents over the last 30+ years. You have touched so many lives in so many ways…xo

18 Marilyn Harter { 05.02.19 at 4:57 PM }

Classes at Les Gourmettes has been a huge part of my life for so many years! A quick phone consultation with my husband and one of us immediately driving up to turn in our registration! We’ve shared incredible food, stories, laughter and made many new friends during classes and learned so much! Thanks to Barb, Linda, Kim and the talented chefs!

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