By Abbey Cannan
Tequila at 10am was how chef Peter Kuruvita kicked off his Mexican Basics cooking class in Noosa on Saturday, although there was nothing basic about it.
The award-winning chef and restaurateur recently launched Noosa’s only state-of-the-art cooking school, ALBA Chef’s Kitchen, set inside his ALBA By Kuruvita restaurant at Parkridge Resort.
Offering a variety of cooking classes covering a range of cuisines and skills, you can choose from either an interactive hands-on session or a more relaxing demonstration and discussion class.
I went with the demonstration class, where Mr Kuruvita did all the hard work while his neighbour, The Tequila Dealer, handed us tequila tastings fresh from his flight back home to Mexico.
Our small group enjoyed fun tales of Mr Kuruvita’s time spent filming his TV program Mexican Fiesta, discovering that the locals couldn’t comprehend vegans and why you shouldn’t ask for nachos.
We also learnt some more practical skills, like how to make the perfect tortilla, Carne Chilli Verde, Pico de Gallo, pickled onions and the perfect guacamole.
The $125 class ran for three hours in a fun, social atmosphere, finishing with a shared meal, wine, new friends, and a lot of tequila.
You can also host your own fiesta for your friends and family, taking home a copy of all the recipes.
If Mexican food isn’t your preferred dish, you can choose from an array of classes featuring guest chefs, such as Sri Lankan curry feasts, Indian Vegan, Steamed Bun banquets, easy Asian, Fine Dining menus, and Party Starters.
The cooking school itself is stunningly designed and beautiful to work in, featuring quality Stoddart Australia equipment, SMEG appliances, and wired full screen video screen so you don’t miss a single chef’s trick.
Private, customised classes are also available by request, perfect for corporate groups, girls’ weekends, birthday parties and groups of friends.
Check out the the full three-month class schedule at albanoosa.com.au/chefs-kitchen
