Testimonials
“Last Wednesday February 17, I was privileged to attend a presentation by Rilka, of the preparation, cooking and eating a culinary delight of real food, and the bringing together of simple fresh ingredients, fine wine and great company. To the delight of everyone in attendance we were able to be hands on, the end result was a fabulous meal wonderful conversation and friendships enhanced. We all left with a renewed confidence about our own culinary skills and that you don’t need a commercial chefs kitchen to be a great cook, it just takes passion and enthusiasm about food and a mix of energy, love and laughter.
Thank you Rilka for welcoming us into your home and especially its heart your Kitchen. ” - Philippa
We arrived at 7.00p.m. to be greeted by Rilka who was very glamorously dressed – wearing very high heels. Her welcome was warm and we felt privileged to be invited into her own space. The only thing bubbling on the stove as all 10 of us walked in were prunes in chicken stock. “I just want you to eat, drink and be merry”, said Rilka donning her apron (thank goodness) “if you’d like to help with preparation, you’re more than welcome.”
Some of us assisted, some of us chatted – naturally conversation evolved around all things pertaining to food and cooking, and how do you peel an onion? Over the next hour or so as we sipped on delicious wine with gourmet stuffed olives, Rilka proceeded to prepare dinner, chatting about what she was doing, incorporating many valuable tips into her commentary. The menu was gazpacho soup, followed by lamb in paper accompanied by a potato and prune tart and green salad with The Drunken Sponge as the finale.
Needless to say, the meal was absolutely superb with each course complementing the next. We also were shown how to ‘preserve wine’ with the use of an innovative locally-produced wine preserver of course!
Our evening was most memorable. We came away with all the recipes, which some of us have since tried with great success. From my point of view, the experience of our evening has provided me with the confidence to be more adventurous in the kitchen (minus the fabulous clothes and stilettos) as well as leaving me with very pleasing memories of a great night with good friends.
The only downside to the evening is that Rilka invited us – to leave – at 12.30 a.m.!
All good things must come to an end!
- Meg, March 2010