Cooking Classes for Fish

I moved west (North & Harlem) and I'd like to take cooking classes for fish. (my Fish all tastes like liver--and I don't like liver; now, if they tasted like pate...) Any recommendations? I come from New Jersey--so I really like fresh ocean seafood--but a good Lake trout or salmon would do.

I just don't know how to put a fish meal together. Ok, ok I don't think tuna fish sandwichs count. JO JO

The Tribune just published a very comprehensive list of cooking schools and classes.

Trib Cooking Schools, Free Reg Required

I would also recommend just picking up a simple easy to follow cookbook.

James Peterson has an outstanding book on fish and shellfish aptly entitled "Fish and Shellfish."

I don't understand why fish would be interested in such a class, since they are all into that "raw food" thing, but this does sound interesting. Please report back.

A general suggestion about cooking classes: If you're going to pay money, take a class that offers you a chance to to do hands-on cooking or to eat a meal (as many of the chefs' classes do) or both. If you're only going to get a demonstration, go to one of the free demonstrations put on by food or cookware stores.

The guy at David's Bistro in Des Plaines happens to be doing tilapia next week:

http://www.davidsbistro.com/classes/about.html

I haven't been to one of his actual classes, but I've seen him give a demonstration. He's quite charming and seems like a good teacher who has a lot of general tips to share. I gather that the classes are hands-on, and you get a full meal with wine. I've been meaning to do one, but I'm not doing this one because I don't like tilapia.

Have you checked out the Calphalon Culinary Institute? They teach a Fish 101 class and while I haven't taken that class I've enjoyed the classes I have taken there.

Fish 101 link

Calphalon Culinary Institute
312.529.1000

It can be extremely hard to get into the classes b/c they are fairly small. Call very early.