Cook Like a Pro at Collingwood Cooking Academy

Contributor Kim Kerr dons an apron, rolls up her sleeves, and learns a few new culinary skills at the Collingwood Cooking Academy

 

Led by Chef Philip Tarlo, the Collingwood Cooking Academy offers a variety of fun hands-on cooking classes for aspiring chefs looking to improve their skills and enlarge their gastronomic repertoire. Located close to Collingwood’s downtown core, the school offers a first-class culinary educational experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

Chef Philip is no stranger to teaching. With over 40 years experience, he has worked in some of Europe’s leading kitchens, including the Savoy Hotel in London. Although trained in classical French and European cuisine, his many years of experience operating restaurants and teaching has made him somewhat of an expert in contemporary international culinary trends.

 

 

The school’s classes are intimate affairs, and whether attending a single- or multi-session experience, the academy pretty much guarantees students plenty of one-on-one help. Enough topics are offered to keep even the most ambitious student busy, ranging from basic ‘101’ courses to specialized cooking classes.

 

Collingwood Cooking Academy Teaches International Cuisines

 

While the basics cover topics such as sauces, soups, fish, and meat, more adventurous types will want to aim a little higher and try their hand at ethnic cuisine.

Chef Philip and his team will teach the fine art of sushi, including how to make traditional and vegetarian rolls and tempura, and Thai cooking is also covered. The latter includes experiments with the flavours and seasonings used in the top Thai restaurants, as well as the exotic – and spicy – history of this style of cooking.

 

 

European cuisine is also covered. One of the most popular food experiences on offer here is a two-part culinary ‘tour’ of the various regions of Italy revealing the secrets of superlative pastas, sauces, and various specialties from the north, south and central regions.

An interesting twist – and one no doubt fuelled by the current interest in reality cooking shows – is provided in the Iron Chef competitive cooking class, which has proved almost as popular as one aimed at chocoholics, which teaches students to make everything from truffles to tortes.

To learn more, visit the Collingwood Cooking Academy website at www.collingwoodcookingacademy.com.

 

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Contributor Kim Kerr is a frequent visitor to Collingwood and The Blue Mountains.