Benedict Jenks

I am thinking about travelling to Japan for two to three weeks of cooking lessons this October. I'm between jobs hence the short notice and short time window. I'm likely to start a new job at some stage in November and want to take the opportunity to have some fun. I do nmot speak Japanese. I would like to focus on technique, rather than learning how to produce dinner party menus and I am prepared to work hard. I am an enthusiastic largely self taught amateur cook and would like to learn the proper methods and techniques. I originally posted on the adventures in eating board and it was suggested that I try the Japan board. As far as location is concerned, I am fairly flexible - it's the course and surroundings that are important not proximity to shopping. I had thought that Kyoto might be nice! any thoughts?

Yes, I am bowled over by the response - especially Suvir's detailed information. Also amused by the side comments on Indian Chinese or even Peranakhan cuisine. I'm just waiting to find out whether my (business) meetings are going ahead but on the basis of your posts I'll be trying to tag on a day or two for culinary exploration. I'm amazed at everyone's generosity and the way you all want to share your knowledge and experience. Thank you

I guess that if I was in New York - I'd be asking which of the famous places such as Le Cirque, Daniel, Lespinasse, Jean George are really worth it. I'm likely to be staying in a 4 or 5 star business hotel for inside of a week and really want info on where to go eat really good Indian Food rather than just eat in a hotel or take guide book pot luck.

I am likely to be in Bombay for a few days - can anyone recommend places to eat?

I'm planning to be in Budapest in April - can anyone recommend places to eat?

Can any recommend a shop in London which stocks a range of Laguiole corkscrews where you can see the different woods and choose one that you really like. I keep findiding shops that only have one or two in stock and it's impossible to compare.

Does anyone know where you can get Spiegelau glasses in London? I'd look to look at and feel them - you can't do that with a brochure or on the internet.

I've eaten Monkfish liver in the US and also at Sushi-say in London. I've seen the raw livers for sale at the Kensington Place Fish shop in London - I know this may not be much use in Edinburgh.

Went there with a friend two Fridays ago. Service was absolutely terrible and at these prices it is inexcusable. We ordered the set meal and every time we asked when we would get some food we just carried on waiting. The starters were Ok but nothing special - lacked excitement and precision of flavours. We then waited nearly an hour for the main courses. The main courses were very good and highly and aromatically spiced but well defined with different aromatics not just heat. We ended up waiting over an hour for the desert and went to complain to the management. The desert finally came but by then we had lost interest - a shame as they were very good - especially the sticky rice. Management dealt with our complaints extremely well when we finally spoke to them rather than the waiters. At these prices the service is unacceptable and I will not be in a hurry to go back - There was a perfectly good Italian restaurant there before and I can't understand why the hotel management have changed it.