Cost:$85-$125 ($55 for kids). Pizza Verde,62 Piper Street. Phone 5422 7400 or seepizzaverde.com.
macedonrangesinteriors.com.au
Arthurs Seat
This residential cooking retreat on the Mornington Peninsula is based on the successful cooking schools of Europe,where participants live on-site and interact with each other in a convivial atmosphere. Two and three-day cooking retreats are offered for up to nine students and are usually based on a theme such as the Flavours of South-East Asia,Classic French or Mediterranean Escape. Day classes are also available,where students cook and enjoy lunch.
Cost:$990-$1300. George's Boutique B&B&Culinary Retreat,776 Arthurs Seat Road. Phone 5981 8700 or seegeorgesonarthurs.com.au.
Main Ridge
Well-known foodie Louise Lechte (a former contributor and food stylist for) gives seasonal cooking classes in T'Gallant winery's cucina barrel garden. Initially,the demonstration classes will focus on the"stars of the vegetable kingdom"- asparagus,artichoke and tomato - and then move on to herbs,citrus and potato. Called"tre gusti",or three tastes,each session will demonstrate three dishes accompanied by estate wines,live music and more.
Cost:$75. La Baracca Trattoria,1385 Mornington-Flinders Road,Main Ridge. Phone 0419 898 000,5989 6565 or seetgallant.com.au.
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Red Hill
Work alongside Vines of Red Hill's acclaimed chef,James Redfern,as he prepares lunch dishes using fresh,locally sourced produce. Called Kitchen Open Days,these hands-on cooking classes are held on the third Wednesday of each month for up to 10 students;other days by arrangement for private groups. Menus are created depending on seasonally local fresh produce such as bay fish and local vegetables. Students then sit down and enjoy their labours with wine.
Cost:$55. Vines of Red Hill,150 Red Hill Road. Phone 5989 2977 or seevinesofredhill.com.au.
Warrandyte
Overlooking the Tuscan-looking hills of Warrandyte,Agata Commisso shares her passion for all things Italian - with a little Spanish,Portuguese and Mexican along the way. The seasons dictate the dishes,which use authentically made products such as capocollo - cured pork that is used like prosciutto - as part of an antipasto platter,traditional hand-made Italian sausages using beef and pork,tasty bruschetta,lasagna bolognese,risotto,hand-rolled fresh macaroni and widespread favourite gnocchi. Regular classes are held at Commisso's home and once a month at nearby Italian-inspired Panton Hill Vineyard and Winery.
Cost:$40-$160. Amore Cucina,Warrandyte. Phone 9844 5789 or seeamorecucina.com.
Woodend
Using produce from a thriving potager planted by garden designer Michael McCoy and fruit from her small orchard,Diana Marsland offers hands-on classes on Saturday for up to 16 students. Classes include Middle-Eastern with Greg Malouf,desserts and pastries with Loretta Sartori and modern Australian with Andrew McConnell. Marsland,who ran a successful cooking school in Melbourne for many years,might teach the finer points of risotto. Classes start with morning coffee and include lunch with wine.