Ever wanted to know the secrets of great chefs? Get in the know and cook, eat, laugh and learn at the Spicers Cooking School at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

The purpose-built facility holds classes led by Cameron Matthews & team, renowned head chef of The Long Apron restaurant at nearby Spicers Clovelly Estate; and Daniel Jarrett & team, head chef of The Tamarind restaurant at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

Located in Maleny in the tranquil Sunshine Coast hinterland, the school features state of the art cooking stations, air-conditioned comfort and spectacular views perched amongst the beautiful green grounds overlooking the rainforest. 

Here, you can learn the secrets of French and Italian cooking under the guidance of Matthews, and discover the intricacies of Thai cuisine with the talented Jarrett.

Each class delivers a highly informative, hands-on cooking session with intimate class sizes limited to 12 people for maximum learning opportunities.

All participants will create four to five dishes and receive the chefs' secret recipes, notes and a signature branded Apron. You'll also devour your own creations at the end of the class - with a nice glass of wine in hand, for $165* per person.

Matthews' Italian Bellissimo classes can include dishes such as trofie ala Genovese - hand-rolled pasta with pesto, kipfler potatoes and beans; potato gnocchi in a simple, fresh tomato sauce; Tuscan bread and tomato salad; and panna cotta using local, seasonal fruit. 

In French Classic classes, learn how to make dishes such as Pissaladière - a French pizza with tomato, olives and anchovies; and free range chicken and asparagus terrine.

"In these classes participants won't just learn how to make fantastic dishes, they'll learn hints and tricks to make their everyday food and cookery better," Matthews said.

"Most people appreciate learning the small things such as how to use garlic properly, what type of olive oil or salt to use where, and why a certain product is better than another." 

Taste of Thailand classes feature dishes such as chicken and coconut soup; eggplant and bean curd relish; pork salad; prawn green curry; and stir fry of the day.

"In these classes you'll learn how to cook intricate Thai cuisine in a simple, approachable way, enabling you to recreate delicious Thai dishes at home to impress family and friends," Jarrett said.

Alternating classes are held each Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Accommodation inclusive packages for both Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spicers Clovelly Estate are also available.

Transfers are available to guests staying at Spicers Clovelly Estate who are participating in the Long Apron Cooking classes.

Cooking classes are also available as gift certificates - the perfect gift for a food-loving relative, friend, colleague or client.

To book The Long Apron Cooking School classes call 1300 252 380 or email clovelly@spicersgroup.com.au

To book The Tamarind Cooking School classes call 1300 311 429 or email tamarind@spicersgroup.com.au

Spicers Tamarind Retreat is located at 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny, Queensland.

*Pre-booking is essential and class numbers are subject to availability. Choice of date determines cuisine available. Spicers reserves the right to postpone or cancel classes. Classes do not cater exclusively for dietary, allergies or vegetarians, but will be accommodated where possible. Covered shoes are required to be worn during the class.

High res images are available for download from the Spicers Retreats media centre: www.spicersretreats.com/media   

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brenton Gibbs
Tel 0419 828 440
brenton@crookgroup.com.au