Boston - February 11, 2009

Kitchen Confidential

Cooking on a Budget with Chef Around Town

Forget the economy: You’re not giving up truffles or lobster.

But be grateful for economical dining options, especially if it means mastering new skills while you’re at it. Chef Around Town’s Julia Grimaldi can teach you how to cook gourmet meals on a budget.

For an in-home lesson, she’ll pick up the groceries, haul ’em to your place, and show you how to fix a three-course feast. Her menus pair reasonably priced ingredients with a few higher-end items, making them sophisticated yet mercifully wallet friendly. And if there’s a specific dish you need help mastering, say the word (as in, lasagna).

Invite friends to join, then be prepared to cook and dig into dishes like spiced stuffed pork tenderloin, roasted vegetables, and chicken cutlets with rosemary-Dijon-orange sauce.

All for the price of a really good porterhouse.

Chef Around Town (617-294-2410 or chefaroundtown.net).

Photo credit: Nicolas Hyacinthe