(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Blake Lively takes cookery classes wherever she goes.

The actress is best known for her portrayal of Serena Van Der Woodsen in US teen drama Gossip Girl. She has spoken of her love of food in the past, and has now revealed its a hobby she cant do without even when travelling.

I take a cooking class everywhere I travel. I find its the best way to get to know a culture, she told Allure magazine. Its what people bring to the family every day, what they break bread over - its a very intimate thing.

Blake added she hopes to own eateries when she is older, including a bakery and a restaurant specialising in Southern American cuisine.

The 23-year-old is currently promoting her new movie The Town, which is about four bank robbers who are being chased by police. Blake plays Krista Coughlin, and is still amazed to have won the role.

This part was originally supposed to be for a 37-year-old woman - shes a mother - but when I read the script, I knew I had to have the part, she explained. It was selfish of me. I worried I would ruin it for other people. But I had to try it. (C) Cover Media