The class is run by Chef Dan and Tracy (one of the co-owners). They have a great rapport and their fun banter throughout the night gives me an idea of what it would be like to work in a professional kitchen.
Alio has a dedicated area in the downstairs of their restaurant just for the cooking classes. It's a great space - a large workbench + stovetop with enough room for us all to comformably sit around and watch the saucepan action. At the back of the room there are communal tables where we get to enjoy the spoils of Dan and Tracy's hard work.
I LOVE demonstration style workshops so this style of learning suited me down to a tee. Dan and Stacy were making us a full-on Italian Feast and I probably won't attempt to make everything from the class at home, but I was REALLY surprised at how EASY the Focaccia Bread was to make. I had no idea making bread could be so simple...and it was incredibly delicious. The warmed olives were another simple dish - something I love eating and that would be super easy to whip up at home. And the Witlof Salad with Persian Feta + Pears...hello my new favourite salad!
And the stuff I wouldn't make at home because I value my mental health too much?
Risotto. I've tried to make stove-top risotto before and these guys made it look easy, but it just never ends well for me. I cheat and add ALL the stock then bake it in the oven until it is Risotto-like. The homemade pasta was DELICIOUS, but seemed like a lot of work...maybe one day. Maybe.
The simple tomato sauce that accompanied the pasta was amazing, really easy so I'll be giving this (or something like it) a whirl at home. And the Tiramasu...it was beyond delicious. It's converted me to really enjoying this as a dessert...which is major as I've never enjoyed it in the past. Will I make it home? Nope - I'm giong to come back to Alio and eat here.
Alio is at 5 Baptist Street, Redfern. Phone them on 8394 9368.
