Franco File Friday: Jane from La Cuisine Paris

One of the great things about entrepreneurship is being able to start over – to go from a fixed structure to creating your own rules; taking what you learned and the skills you acquired from a traditional role and applying it to new territory.

For years, Jane Bertch worked with French multinationals as a corporate banker both in the States and London, the latter affording her frequent trips to Paris. As her contract in London was nearing its end and an ever-present pull toward Paris brewing, she began brainstorming ways to make the French capital her permanent home. Armed with the savoire faire, drive, the perfect partner in crime (Olivier, her husband), and a handful of talented chefs, she set out to create La Cuisine Paris. Banker to baker – why open a cooking school? First and foremost, to share good cooking with visitors and locals. She explained, “what could be better than standing around in the kitchen chatting and cooking a meal together? Don’t all good parties end up in the kitchen anyway?”.

She’s got a point. Good thing she followed her instincts because La Cuisine has gone from a somewhat hidden home on the left bank to a stately space on the right bank overlooking the Seine and frequent accolades in a variety of major publications, including this The New York Times nod back in September.

Throughout this venture, Jane’s appreciation for Paris has continued to grow and she feels a great sense of obligation to share that with La Cuisine students. Now she shares with all of you!

Describe what you love about France in three words.
Tradition Juxtaposed with ‘Tendance’ (trend)

If you had to do it all again, would you start another business in France?
Yes! I guess I have always been on the lookout for a good challenge, and starting a business in France certainly has been challenging ! My 10+ years of working in banking hardly prepared me for the life of a small business owner. Everyday is different but I love it.

Spots you encourage your clients to visit during their time in France?
We are right on the tip of the Marais so I always encourage clients to wonder through there – so many charming places to see, amazing food to be tried, outstanding produce to be purchased from open air markets (especially Le Marché des Enfants Rouges). Most importantly, I try to encourage them to take the small streets – get lost, find themselves and get lost again!

For a specific store, I always urge them to go to E. Dehillerin, a shop that specializes in high quality kitchen and pastry accessories. It has played an important role in the culinary history of France and it is for that reason we selected them as our supplier. Not to mention, our clients get a special little something if E.Dehillerin knows they have been with us!

Most amusing question about the French you have ever received during a cooking class?
Where and when do the French wear the berets? (the answer is, never!)

Your favorite quintessentially French place for good eats and good wine?
My favorite restaurant, hands down, is Mon Bistrot in Boulogne-Billancourt. Exceptional quality for the price, superb service, charming and an overall, warm and inviting environment keeps me going back! Worth the trip.

*******

Thanks Jane! Now, stop what you’re doing and add La Cuisine Paris cooking classes to your list of things to do on your next trip to Paris. They have English and French classes catered to all interests (and tummies) and will have you walking away with new skills and a goody bag. Follow Jane’s amusing tweets from the kitchen: @LaCuisineParis and be sure to become a fan of their Facebook page where they post obscenely drool-worthy photos of the confections prepared during each class.
Mon Bistrot
33 Rue Marcel Dassault
92100 Boulogne-Billancourt
+33 (0)1.47.61.90.10
Closed Saturday and Sunday