Whether you are an experienced cook or are seriously lacking in the culinary skills department, there is a brand new school on the block that will allow you to learn just about anything from basic kitchen skills to the challenges of mastering the Beef Wellington, and everything in between.

Gourmet Solutions opened its doors this fall and is the brainchild of chef Joe Gibbons and culinary enthusiast, Josée Roy-Froncioni.

Chef Gibbons is widely-known to the public, particularly for his restaurant critiques and his successful cooking show, “Cooking with Friends,” which aired on local television for over three years.

Chef Roy-Froncioni has served as the Bailli Délégué (president) of the Bermuda Balliage of La Cha|0xee|ne des R|0xf4|tisseurs, a prestigious international food and wine society, and also serves on the Conseil Magistral of the association in Paris.

The pair have worked together closely in the La Cha|0xee|ne des R|0xf4|tisseurs, as well as with the Bermuda Culinary Team - Chef Gibbons has coached the Junior team and Chef Roy-Froncioni has managed both teams.

According to their website, “Gourmet Solutions Ltd., is a culinary school aimed at teaching a broad range of non-degree programs of professional culinary techniques in a fun and casual environment.”

So far, according to Chef Gibbons, their selection of evening classes on ethnic cuisines have proven to be the most popular and classes have seen a good mix of singles, couples and friends looking to have a good time learning and enjoying food.

Classes are held at the Bermuda College and consist of a lecture, hands-on food preparation and tasting. Each class lasts about three hours and costs $95 per class.

Not wanting to exclude young people, the pair also offer a Kids in the Kitchen class for children aged eight to 13, and Teens in the Kitchen, for youths between the ages of 13 and 18.

These classes are usually taught on Saturday afternoons and cost $45 per person per session.

In addition to their scheduled classes, Gourmet Solutions also offers demonstrations, personalised culinary events, corporate team building and children’s hands-on cooking parties.

They are by no means a catering company; each event involves practical cooking skills.

For example, a group of couples wanting a cocktail party can meet together for a class, cook their food under Chef Gibbons or Chef Roy-Froncioni’s supervision, and then meet together to enjoy.

Foods are then served buffet-style with the appropriate wine selection or, if desired, with cocktails by a qualified mixologist.

At children’s parties, the children work together rolling out their own dough, making their own pizzas, and then decorating cupcakes. Variations are always accepted.

The classes and special events are certainly a great way to celebrate the holiday season and make a great gift for spouses, partners and friends.

Gift certificates are available and interchangeable between different classes.

For more information or to register for classes, visit the Gourmet Solutions website at www.gourmetsolutions.bm