Hello N.,
Thank you for your review and also for your critique. We're sorry that you're disappointed somewhat. Most of the comments have been positive so far, but it is helpful for us to hear other opinions and we will rethink our concept.
We tried to create a hands-on class and most of the time the participants will repeat what the chef does and prepare their own plates, or just follow our instructions. This is educational and interactive and not just a demonstration. It is true is that we wash all ingredients previously, portion some of them for each participant and also boil and peal some of the ingredients (e.g. potatoes), simple tasks that take a certain time. We think that participants can do this at home without further instructions. These preparations allow us to explain, prepare, and eat 4 dishes in 3 hours which many participants find an ideal time frame.
Apart from that almost everything else will be done during the class, some of the chopping by the chef, but most of the tasks by the participants themselves. We're sorry that you did not have the impression to prepare the dishes yourself. We try to involve everybody in the class and the last thing we want is the class to be a demonstration where the chef does everything.
Furthermore, not all of our participants are tourists, but - as in your class - we also attract people living in Peru and people on business trips who often share their experiences here.
With respect to the ingredients it's true that the Peruvian cuisine uses more ingredients than other cuisines. In our standard classes we tried to choose dishes that are typical and popular and that do not require too many difficult to find ingredients. We also give tips where to find these ingredients or how some of them can be substituted. It's the unique combination of ingredients that makes the Peruvian cuisine so special.
I'm sure with the knowledge and practice from the class you'll be able to recreate these dishes. Please try it out! If you have questions feel free to email or call us.