Wen-Chen's reviews


Feb 2024



Wendy outdid herself again. We had 5 courses of delectable duck deliciousness. Duck liver parfait, smoked duck and feta quiche, confit duck with ruby grapefruit sauce, duck fat roast potatoes with roast duck and beans, and finally duck fat chocolate tarts. Each dish paired expertly with bubbles by Natalie from the Bubbles Review. It’s the first collaboration between Luv-a-Duck and Natalie’s Bubbles Review and I have to say, it was a great success. Plenty of happy bubbly and well fed guests and riedel glasses to take home as well. You also get a 10% discount off the store to take duck goodies home. A must!

Duck and Bubbles Pairing Experience review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Dec 2023



Christmas was certainly in the air today as we prepared a scrumptious feast for a full class and a couple more guests arriving for lunch. Tuna and crab mayo salad to start, gougères which are delectable choux pastry puffs, roast pork loin with the all important crackling, succulent turkey basted in herb butter and covered in bacon, Dutch carrots, beans and hasselback potatoes, and two desserts to finish, a berry meringue roulade and chocolate berry tower all doused in whipped cream. Mmmm So good. Tonya presented me with a certificate and her signature apron in recognition of all the classes I’ve taken with her. So thoughtful and lovely. Always well fed and watered with gorgeous company.

French Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2023



Today we had Christina’s spring menu which shouldn’t be confused with the winter menu that features the crowd pleaser beef noodle soup. Even though we weren’t fortunate enough to taste her famous beef noodle soup we did try some of her other dishes that were tasty and flavourful particularly since we kneaded the dough with our own hands. Pork belly bao buns, mapo tofu, beancurd veggie salad and custard buns for dessert. Tantalising few hours of preparation certainly gives you a good appetite and we all left with happy full bellies.

Taiwanese Banquet Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2023



Such nice weather for a super nice French desserts extravaganza. We were served a coronation quiche with some greens just so we ate something as a basis for the waves of dessert offerings to come. Apple tart tatin with Crème Anglaise ice cream, profiteroles filled with crème pâtissière and chocolate sauce, passionfruit soufflé, basque cheesecake and speculoos which are French cinnamon short bread biscuits. Many thanks to Tonya and her assistant Sandra for a wonderful day. You’d be surprised at your own baking and cooking ability. A nice drop of rosé or sparkling certainly livened the atmosphere.

Baking and Desserts class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2023



We made some beautiful stocks today from chicken to beef to fish and crab which we used to create the sauces for a hearty three course meal. French onion soup with cheesy sourdough croutons, pork cutlet with mushroom sauce and apple sauce and a poached pear in puff pastry dessert with salted caramel and creme anglaise which you can churn to make ice cream. A real delight to the tastebuds. Bring containers to take your stocks home.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2023



To begin we had a Spanish frittata with potatoes, capsicum, chorizo and pecorino. Next there was the Manchego & Serrano ham choux pastry croquetas. For main we made an impressive seafood and meat paella with a most complementary saffron aioli (or as the Spanish say aliöli). And to finish a tarta de Santiago with orange juice jelly, whipped cream and a scoop of Tonya’s homemade ice cream. Such a nice way to spend Sunday and the paella I think is one of the best dishes I’ve made at Tonya’s classes. The flavours of the ingredients all combined soaked up by the rice was just divine.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2023



Tonya hosted another fabulous culinary odyssey to Morocco this time with tales of her travels and scintillating dishes to whet your tastebuds. Mezze dishes include traditional Moroccan flatbread Barbout dipped in Bessara which is fava bean based and a second dip consisting of roasted beetroot, feta and pomegranate molasses plus honey salted eggplants. Main course was a smashing chicken B’Stilla made from whole chicken cooked in homemade stock with just amazing flavours. To finish we had a chocolate, date and almond torte with homemade bergamot ice cream and slices of cinnamon orange supremes. Tonya is a gracious host who has an eye on all the goings on in the kitchen as each team is tasked with different set of recipes. We all had a great time with a drop of wine and fab meal to enjoy.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2023



There was a full class of 8 students today for Tonya’s Mediterranean feast. Lovely people making lovely morsels of food to share together. From Tonya’s signature focaccia with caramelised onion and olives, to ricotta and feta fritters, to grilled mussels, a baked eggplant cannelloni/ lasagne dish. Dessert was equaling amazing with meringue roulade decorated with grapefruit segments, Turkish delight, pistachios and rose petals and almond shortbread. We were greeted with lemon syrup buttermilk cake and a tea/coffee to start off the day. It’s so pleasant to watch the sun shining over the Marina and the sparkling blue hues of the sea while sipping on a white or red and enjoying the fruits of our labour.

Mediterranean Cooking Class: A Touch of Spice review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2023



Jen is Venezuelan and proudly demonstrates how to make her grandma’s recipe for gluten free alfajores with us today. Alfajores are delectable biscuit sweets with many variations native to the 8 countries in South America that calls them their own. Usually shared during celebrations like baptisms and weddings and highly popular with adults and children alike. We left with a great many finished with dulce de leche and rolled in desiccated coconut and also an example of one dipped in chocolate. There’s also ready to bake dough to take home. Such moreish treats, you can’t just stop at one. Perfect with a cuppa tea or coffee.

Best Alfajores Baking Class in Melbourne review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2023



Such a scrumptious display of finger sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie, tarts, cakes and warm scones with jam and cream. A full sized gin and tonic to begin with that you can select from a curated menu and also a paddle of four gins you can mix with tonic water and ice yourself on the table. We were 25 minutes late and there was a full house but nothing was too much trouble. There was a lady who took time out to introduce us to their gins especially the Angry Ant gin that is infused with ant pheromones. Curious to try yourself?

Gin High Tea Tasting Experience review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2023



Chief’s son distillery is run by the Macintosh family who originated from Scotland and drew inspiration from winning a memorable whisky holiday back to their homeland from Pernod Ricard the makers of Chivas Regal. Their love for whisky transcends through generations as the owner’s grandmother used to sit back on the couch surrounded by family and enjoy whisky as a “medicinal remedy” for her cough. Very informational presentation with lots of stories interwoven. Beautiful drops of whisky, you get quite a few tastings and cheeseboard to match. The only let down was that they didn’t realise there was 3 of us coming and we squished in a 2 seater table with a cheeseboard that was a bit insufficient. You leave with a small bottle of whisky that you pour straight from the barrel using a tool called a thief.

Whisky Distillery Tour, Tasting and Cheese review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2023



Very productive and enjoyable class today with master chocolatier Arno Backes. We made chocolate dipped candied orange slices, almond clusters, rocky road and chocolate honeycomb. Starting off with a hot chocolate that was just right and moving on to tempering chocolate and learning about how Arno has been honing his craft for decades. Taking his career from Germany to the streets of Melbourne, Arno has had a storied career from Koko black to appearing on Shark Tank, lots of fabulous tales to share to delight his students. His new location in Box Hill is an upgrade from the old digs in Clifton Hill with commercial grade stainless steel bench tops and enough space to manoeuvre and showcase his art form. Chocolate=Happiness

Chocolate Delectable Delights Making Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2023



Christina is so warm and lovely and generous with her expertise. Born in Argentina and raised in Canada with Taiwanese roots, she shares food from her cultural heritage with us today. We made three different savoury and sweet moon cakes. One with mung bean pork filling, adzuki bean filling and daikon relish. Always ready to help and save your pastry when you are in strife. The trick is not to be too liberal with flour. She runs other Taiwanese cuisine classes too and I’m looking forward to another one of her delicious classes.

Taiwanese Pastry Making Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2023



We had a full class today with two parties of English expats who agreed that the Melbourne winter was not cold at all to my wonder and amazement. Anyways Matilde kindly changed the menu on this occasion because I had already attended another class with the same original menu. We had the hickory smoked salmon crostini, pork tonnado, handmade from scratch spinach and ricotta ravioli and a beautiful vanilla panna cotta with blueberry coulis. Oh my goodness everything hit the spot. I left feeling full and satisfied. Thanks to Matilde and Rosie for another fab way to spend the weekend.

Italian Cooking Masterclass with Wine review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2023



Kelly was so organised in running this class. She welcomed all 8 of us to her lovely home. There’s a beautiful long marble kitchen bench from which we learnt how to make a range of Greek specialty dishes that I don’t know how to pronounce let alone spell. They were all delicious highlights being the vine leaves/ dolmades, beans in tomatoes with feta, pumpkin fritters, beef meatballs and filo pastry custard pockets. We shared the feast with a white wine from Crete, which is where Kelly is from. She is passionate about the benefits of Mediterranean diet and the role food plays in culture and bringing people together. We had a fabulous time. Thank you!

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2023



Mathilde and Rosie were so lovely and hospitable. There were three of us in today’s small and intimate Tuscan cooking class. The menu was very healthy and homely, flavours that you don’t usually get at a restaurant. They were all dishes Mathilde grew up with having grown up in Tuscany and worked in elite dining venues all her life. We were fed and watered well and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thank you!

Tuscan Cooking Masterclass with Lunch and Wine review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2023



Another class with the lovely Tanya focusing on northern Indian cuisine. To say Tanya is passionate about cooking authentic Indian dishes would be an understatement. She has great recommendations to replicate the same flavours from class at home. From genuine paneer to ghee to double cream. Definitely an enjoyable experience, would highly recommend!

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2023



Tanya is so so lovely and has a very British elocution from her English upbringing. She works full time during the week and explores her passion for good hearty homemade Indian cooking on the weekend with the lucky few of us who were able to get an invite to her kitchen. She has a repertoire of over 200 dishes and shares some of her favourites today. An explosion of spices and flavours from barramundi curry to chicken curry to a pumpkin dish, bottle gourd and green beans, a rice pilaf to go with it all. We had a beautiful snacking board with three mocktails during the class and a beautiful bottle of Penfolds Chardonnay to compliment the meal. Containers and bags all provided.

South Indian Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2023



Matilde and Rosie welcomed us into their home and guided us through a three course menu. Pork Tonnato, Pici Cacio e Pepe which is a hand rolled pasta made from flour, egg and water with cheese and pepper sauce and to finish the classic tiramisu. We were also served toasted bread with squid ink salami and kohlrabi, a hazelnut, Parmesan, rocket and lettuce salad and also an additional dessert rice fritters with persimmon topped with citrus. Washed down with a good drop of red or white wine. Divine. Such a beautiful way to spend Sunday.

Italian Cooking Class: A Cooking Journey Through Italy review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2023



Hee Cho is very personable and friendly. She was a jeweller in the past and possesses great skills in making jewellery. The location was easy to get to, Carlton being very central to everything. I really enjoyed making my bejewelled wax ring which will go through a casting process to turn into a sterling silver ring with colourful gems. You can pick max 6 or 7 gems to go into your ring and the price covers one sterling silver ring, you can pay to make more. Pick up time is in a week and a half.

Organic Shape Jewellery Making Class with Stones review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

May 2023



Matilde and Rosie welcomed us into their home and showed us their thriving veggie garden which I enjoyed a lot especially for an aspiring green thumb like me. There was kale, lovage, radishes, basil, oregano etc etc even a yuzu tree. We made crostinis with roasted capsicums, frittata with sage, shallots and roasted pumpkin, leek and mushroom lasagna with pasta sheets made from scratch! We were also served homemade arancini, dessert and a beautiful seasonal salad with goat cheese, radicchio leaves and witlof which I never tried before. Thoroughly enjoyable with a good drop of red or white wine. We all left with happy full bellies, recipe cards and also very impressed with the class.

Vegetarian Masterclass with Wine review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Apr 2023



We had Pam the owner and Luci the chef teaching the class today. We went through the different types of bbqs and the fuel they use. There was some hands on preparing and cooking. We made scallops with crunchy salad, scotch fillet with greens, jerk chicken in a drum smoker and lastly the chocolate pudding with berry coulis all paired with craft beers and a beer/drink to begin with. We enjoyed the class sure but we thought the food was a little bit lacking quantity wise.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2023



Today we had Pam the owner and Luci running the class. Both very accommodating and knowledgeable on BBQing. We had a prawn on sambal in a lettuce leaf, calamari on fennel, grapefruit, mesclun salad, baby snapper with a fresh crunchy salad and a whole smoked side of brined salmon, some potato salad and French fries as well. I gotta say as much as they were lovely, the food was a little on the stingy side. We almost ran out of prawns, and it was one prawn per person. The calamari we barely had two pieces each, and it’s not a super expensive piece of seafood, they could’ve just given us a bit more. It was like they knew it wasn’t enough so when it came time to sit in the restaurant and share the snapper and salmon, they gave us potato salad and French fries to fill us up.

Seafood BBQ Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2023



Lots to learn from pellet grills to kamado grills to offset smokers to drum smokers to using briquettes fuel. Luci is an expert on all things bbq. We made jalapeño poppers, pulled pork sliders, baby back ribs, gigantic brisket and brownies. There were a group of 5 who didn’t turn up so we had plenty of food to go around and the space felt roomier than yesterday. The information sunk in a lot more as I was more comfortable.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2023



The teacher Luci was very knowledgeable on bbq especially coming from a chef background but the venue was a bit of a squish. The small space could barely fit all of us in and when the bbq was on, it felt like I was being smoked. Irritates the eyes. It was a 38 degree day also which added to the discomfort. Very relieved when they sat us inside the restaurant for lunch. As great as the bbq rump, short ribs, chicken thighs with salsa, avocado and tortillas were, there was barely enough to feed everyone. You get a couple of free beers but I’m not a fan of beer.

Beer and Smoke BBQ Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2023



Chef Jacqui was lovely and inviting. She lives in a beautiful home with a large balcony looking out to the moonah links golf course. From sharpening knifes to peeling the muscle tendon off each scallop (the muscle makes it tighten up and less tasty) to making a persillade sauce in a mortar and pestle to go with the saltbush lamb, gas torching the creme brûlée. It ran for over 5hours and Chef Jacqui was kind enough to spend all that time sharing her tips and tricks of the trade with us.

French Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Dec 2022



Excellent experience. Thanks for Jem’s expertise on floristry. Presentation was very clear and well organised. My family appreciated this opportunity. Thank you so much!

Floristry Workshop: Fancy Fishbowl review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



Tracey was lovely and inviting as always and spring vegetables never tasted so good. We had goat cheese ricotta pomegranate with asparagus and broad beans, leek potato and thyme pasties with a real fresh take on tabouleh with avocado and radishes and to finish off a rhubarb creme brûlée. A very hands on class and everyone was involved in the food prep and cooking, especially the part where we used the flame to brûlée the sugar on the dessert. Great fun.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



There was just the two of us today and Semra was so welcoming and patient with us. It’s a painstaking process tracing the pattern then using the Gutta paint to outline the pencil tracing and finally adding colour. Very therapeutic and recommend it for those who like arts and crafts. A very enjoyable afternoon. The final stage is steaming to prevent discolouration in the wash which can be done at home or you can pick it up from Semra in two weeks time. Thank you!

Beginners Silk Painting Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



We had Luke David as our teacher and he went through a lot of detail from composition to lighting to editing photos all on our phones. We met at the Ormond statue on RMIT campus and then went to the state library followed by the RMIT design school, we took many photos which he critiqued and edited to perfection. Finally he discussed about taking portraits. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, learnt lots.

Photography class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



I arrived about 15 minutes early and was told to come back later which wasn’t a great start to the class. When I did come back later, I really did enjoy the ring making process. The teachers were great and knew exactly what they were doing. From bending, soldering, filing to polishing, it’s really hands on and you end up with pieces you can be proud of wearing.

Jewellery Making class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



Today we made a bouquet with alstroemerias, ornamental lilies, stock, irises, roses and used viburnum as foliage. Jem was her wonderful merry self guiding us every step of the way making sure each of our bouquets turned out beautiful. Tea and bubbles provided with optional cheese platter or cake stand. Definitely coming back for more classes. Thank you!

Seasonal Flower Bouquet Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2022



Gem is so lovely and welcoming. It’s always a delight coming to her classes especially so because today is peony appreciation class. There wasn’t a huge selection of peonies because of the unprecedented weather we’ve had however it doesn’t take away from the beautiful coral and pink peonies we did have. Tea and bubbles provided.

Peony Flower Arranging Class for Beginners review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Jem’s classes are so much fun and such good value for money. We were served tea, bubbles and cheeseboard or cake stand (optional extra). I had such a great time creating a floral piece of art that not only looks great but also gives me a great sense of pride that I could create something so beautiful following Jem’s expert guidance. Her passion for floristry really shines through and impresses upon each of us how easy it is to make a flower arrangement harmonise following just some basic principles. I will be back for more ^_^

Floristry Workshop: Tall Seasonal Blooms in a Vase review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Daniel Wilson hailing from Huxtable and Huxtaburger fame treated us to some of his favourite Asian inspired dishes. From squid, green mango, chilli, herb and peanut salad to soy cured salmon, snow pea, sesame and & soba noodles to pork larb in lettuce cups and coconut chicken salad. Every dish was a hit and was greatly enjoyed by a captivated audience. It was a truly wonderful and tasty experience watching the MasterChef at work. Looking forward to coming back to Brunswick kitchen for more classes.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Michelle is passionate about herbs and their medicinal properties to cure all the day to day ailments that haunt us. She’s a great presenter and maintains a herb garden where she harvests the fresh herbs to show us during the live-streaming class. I really enjoyed the class and will be blending the herbs to enjoy as a tea/herbal remedy long into the future.

Make Wellness Tea 101 review by Anna Xia

Oct 2022



Jem was very welcoming and generous with her expertise. Always ready to help to make make our posies looking the best they can be. We also had a glass of bubbles which was a bonus.

Floristry class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Tracey showed us how to make mackerel rice paper rolls with a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce, deep fried prawn and sweet potato cakes, whole mackerel wrapped in banana leaf and a squid and pomelo salad. I had a great time. Dat was always ready to pour a glass of water and wine and was also very skilled with segmenting a pomelo. Very tasty meal.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Kaya welcomed us into her home. She’s very knowledgeable and generous with her expertise. Tea and biscuits were provided. We left with many prints of the picture we brought with us and an insight into Drypoint etching.

Introductory Drypoint Etching with Colour Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



I had a wonderful time learning to make a meringue cake, salted caramel lamingtons and a strawberry and blueberry berry tart with Lisa and Tracey. It’s so lovely watching Lisa’s mastery in the kitchen and making creations that are not only great to look at but also delicious to eat. They shared lots of handy tips for cooking and baking at home. Looking forward to the next class @ Brunswick kitchen. Thank you!

Dessert Baking Class: Classic Desserts Reimagined review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Oct 2022



Lily is fabulously talented and lovely to have as a teacher as we leisurely learned about essential oils that went into an emulsified day cream, moisturising macaron shaped bar, massage candle and a beautiful organic vegan lipstick. So much fun as always. Thank you!

Natural Skincare Pampering Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2022



We had Renee guiding us through the dome moss terrarium class today. She’s very friendly and supportive and helped us each step of the way through our finished product. I love how my terrarium looks and it will take pride of place in my room next to the window. I’ve killed my previous terrarium by putting it outside in direct sunlight but not this time. I know better this time round, will take greater care of it.

Tipsy Terrarium Workshop: Deluxe Enclosed Moss Terrarium review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2022



Ryan and Sarah were lovely providing us with a variety of teas to pair with many kinds of delectable single origin bean to bar chocolates and brownies. We tasted Solomon Islands, Ecuador and East Timor chocolate bars. Brownies made with chocolate from Peru, Solomon Islands and Trinidad. Their teas are amazing, I can not recommend highly enough. The rich aromas of jasmine, lemon myrtle, lemon grass, pineapple, the list goes on. The very best of organic tea.

Food and Drink Tasting experience review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2022



To say Sandra is passionate about Sake is an understatement. She’s a certified Sake educator and has her own shop selling Sake both online and in her Perth store. It was lovely spending this evening in her company and having her explain the origins of Sake and taste all the varieties of Junmai, ginjo and daiginjo. Also don’t miss out on the sparkling Sake, what a joy that is. Thank you!

Sake Tasting at Home review by Anna Xia

Sep 2022



Lily is so warm and inviting and you get to make such fun recipes of nourishing organic skincare products. It’s just such a pleasure to spend your time on the weekend with good company and doing something so wholesome. Lily as always is full of knowledge and has great stories to share. I’m looking forward to the next class! Thank you!

DIY Organic Skincare Essentials Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2022



Chocolate truffles might be too intimidating to try at home but anything is possible when you’re under the guidance of master chocolatier Arno. A Parisian hot chocolate to start. We then tried and tasted a variety of chocolate couvertures and made champagne and caramel fillings and piped it into our truffle shells. It was great fun getting our hands dirty and hearing Arno’s fond memories of his experiences as a master chocolatier. Would recommend to everyone, who doesn’t love chocolate after all.

Chocolate Truffle Making Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Sep 2022



Wendy and Mark put on another marvellous cooking fiesta with duck recipes to rival the best restaurants in town. I had a ball, there was so much to eat, as Wendy says, they keep us well watered and well fed here. It’s always been a joy coming to Luv-a-duck. Thank you so much!

Finger Food Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2022



Uppma is enthusiastic and informative on all things Chai. She went into detail with each spice ingredient including some I’ve never heard of before. There were some book recommendations and lovely memories from her travels to discover Chai. Would recommend, thank you!

Learn the Art of Chai at Home review by Anna Xia

Aug 2022



Elizabeth is a skilled teacher and explained each step in great detail so we can replicate the mastery of a painter like Van Gogh. The place was within a gallery space that was booked out for a kids party so was a little confusing to find. I’m happy with what I created. Thanks!

Painting class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2022



Put the order through and received a tracking number no more than 15 minutes later. Extraordinarily quick dispatch and the package arrived in good condition. Includes information, placemats and notepaper for 4 people. Happy customer. Thank you!

Food and Drink Tasting kit review by Anna Xia

Aug 2022



Another fun class by Lily who is the quintessential organic beauty expert. We made a solid shampoo, an Argan oil serum and a cream hair conditioner. It was wonderful to create these natural organic Haircare products under Lily’s expert guidance. There was some elbow grease required for the conditioner as the jojoba oil had to emulsify with water but overall it was a pleasant experience. Will be coming back for more classes.

Skincare and Haircare class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Aug 2022



The chocolate was duly delivered in great condition and with lots of information including the link to the online class which I will watch soon. In the meanwhile I’ll definitely enjoy the many varieties of chocolate. Love it. Thanks

Baking and Desserts class review by Anna Xia

Aug 2022



I got the full set of gins but not the information pamphlets which is a shame. Thanks anyways. Will appreciate the gins one sip at a time.

DIY Gin Tasting Kit for Four review by Anna Xia

Jul 2022



6 courses of delectable duck dishes matched with beautiful drops of wine from Prosecco to Shiraz. Wendy is just the perfect host and head chef, making sure we all enjoyed cooking and dining on our hard work. It was a feast for the senses and I can’t wait to come back for more. Thank you!

Duck Cooking Class with Brown Brothers Wine Pairing review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



Fast dispatch and delivery. Beautifully presented with four booklets and placemats to set the scene for a magical wine and chocolate tasting experience. I will savour every drop. Thank you!

Artisan Chocolate and Wine Tasting Kit review by Anna Xia

Jul 2022



Arno is a very experienced master chocolatier and the venue is very Melbourne-esque situated in a laneway with milk crates for seats. We had a hot chocolate to begin with and many morsels of delicious varieties of high quality chocolate. We then tempered some chocolate to pour into our chocolate bar moulds decorating with ganache(which he showed us how to make) candied orange, mandarin, sultanas, hazelnuts among other things. Time well spent.

Baking and Desserts class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



Tracey’s expertise on southeast Asian cooking and friendly and kind ways make this class an enjoyable affair. We had a very hands on class making rice paper rolls, prawn and herb salad, beetroot curry with saffron rice and fish amok. Even more delicious having been created through our own hands. Will be back for more.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



Chef Lisa and Tracey are such gracious and kind people. We had a mini cheese platter to nibble on during class accompanied by some wine. We made buttercream frosting for chocolate cupcakes and meringue topping for white choc cupcakes. There was the inimitable made-from-scratch caramel matched with ice cream, mud cake, raspberry & biscuit crumble. Lemon curd, marshmallow, wagon wheels, the list goes on, lots of delicious snacks for the sweet tooth and lots to take home too.

Delicious Desserts Baking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



We had 5 courses plus a morning tea roast duck, each course was matched to beautiful drops of brown brothers wine. Wendy was brilliant as always ensuring every class is a success and everyone enjoyed themselves. Each dish of duck was exquisite on the tastebuds, there was also a raspberry soufflé for dessert. Wonderful value for money, fabulously indulgent.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



This is my third class with Emma and the third class of Van Gogh. It was a full class with many people sharing the classroom space including a very quiet 6 week old baby. People brought wine nibbles and snacks and everyone enjoyed themselves. Like Emma says, just be nice to yourself, believe in yourself, inflate that ego and you’re sure to create something you can be proud of.

Paint and Sip Class: Van Gogh's Red Poppies review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



Tonya was very hospitable and inviting. A cozy 3 participants today cooking at her home by the bay. We had some cheese, walnuts and grapes to begin with. Then we made egg and chive mayonnaise with caviar, seed crackers and roasted beetroot, cinnamon and pomegranate dip. The main was a French chicken dish made with onions, leeks, mushrooms and apples. Served with garlic and parsley butter and vegetables on the side. For dessert we had chocolate bark with an orange salad. All enjoyed with a glass of vino and views of the Marina and sea. Happy times.

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jul 2022



Wendy was brilliant as always. She keeps an eye on all the different recipes distributed amongst us and all the dishes turned out delicious. Mark was wonderful as well making sure we had clean chopping boards and equipment to cook with. The best part is sipping wine and enjoying the feast together at the end. Amazing!

Christmas in July Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2022



Marina is so lovely and welcoming. We are invited to her home to prepare the most incredible pasta from tagliatelle to ravioli to tortellini. From spinach and ricotta to roast mushrooms and ricotta to pork beef mortadella prosciutto Parmesan fillings. The pasta is then cooked in simple but delicious sauces, think brown butter and sage, cream and Parmesan, pork and peas. Afterwards, we sit together for lunch and feast on our hard work. Fabulous way to spend the weekend. In addition, I had to reschedule last minute one time and Marina couldn’t have been more understanding. Thank you!

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2022



Divyani was our teacher and is also the founder of Dash finishing school. She was so lovely and helpful to each and every one of us in her class. From donut buns to French braids to fishtails to curling and straightening your hair, she covered it all. Differences between hairspray and hair lacquer, volumising spray, dry shampoo, recommendations for products. A great way to spend the weekend.

Hairstyling Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2022



Shaz was very personable and knowledgeable and let us try all the expensive make up products she brought with her. She correctly matched the colour of foundation for our complexions and had a lot of recommendations on which products work. We learnt how to do smoky eyes and glamour eyes which was not suitable for smaller eyes we learnt. I had a good time.

Makeup Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2022



Lola is so enthusiastic and charming. I love coming to her classes because you know you’re going to be fed well and promised a fun time cooking and enjoying her quirks and stories. We always go to the South Melbourne market first to collect all the ingredients. Then we made mini chorizo sandwiches, beef ribs, chimichurri, chocolate torte and sangria. Would come back again. Thank you!

Cooking class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Jun 2022



Another great class by Lily who is the foremost source on beauty and skincare products. We made three perfumes, a balm, a roll on and a spray, selecting a variety of different essential oils to go into each one. So much fun trying different fragrances and playing with pipettes and scales. Looking forward to the next class!

Perfume Making class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

May 2022



So many choices so little time. From oxides and clays as colourants to essential oils and vegetable/nut oils to exfoliants, Lily was very knowledgeable and thorough with the notes provided and instructions given. Will be coming back for more classes. Thank you!

Melt and Pour Soap Making Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

May 2022



Another fabulous class with Luv-a-duck, I had a ball. Wendy and Mark are wonderful. You make a feast with your very own hands and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience both the cooking and eating. Thank you!

Asian Inspired Duck Cooking Class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

May 2022



Marina is a lovely person welcoming us to her home and making pasta, ravioli, tortellini. She is a great teacher and the table settings were beautiful

Pasta Making Class: All About Ravioli review by Anna  - Melbourne

Apr 2022



Please note the add-ons are incorporated into the 6 weeks of powerpoints and worksheets. There's no more sessions after the initial 6 even though you purchased the add-ons. A whole lot of rescheduling. Death by powerpoint. Very underwhelming material. There's worksheets for each week and lots of healthy meal recipes if you're into that sort of thing. She did give me this extra eat your greens class delivered through an app but it wasn't groundbreaking or anything.

The Art of Aging for Women review by Anna Xia

Apr 2022



Little Lon is a charming cottage distillery, the only one in the CBD. The class goes through a variety of curious characters from its rich and colourful past that each gin is named after. So fun and enjoyable. Snacking board provided with lots of gin and tonics. You’re sure to have a good time.

Premium Gin Masterclass and Tasting review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Apr 2022



Lily is French and knows all the ins and outs of natural skincare ingredients from essential oils to clays. We made a skin mask and got to take home 3 full size skincare products from her organic skincare range.

DIY Vegan Beauty Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Apr 2022



I’d have to agree the room might be a tight squeeze but you can overlook all that because Gabi and Pearly are just so gracious and generous apart from being very knowledgeable on the topic. Super fun time and so so much chocolate to take home.

Chocolate Making Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Apr 2022



Yen, one of the founders of Metascent, guided us through the class today. I created a citrusy herbal scent that was very calming and soothing. There was enough solid perfume to fill an extra lip balm container. They know just what to add to balance and enhance the fragrance you’ve made. Very enjoyable.

Solid Perfume Making Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



The class is from 8:45am in the morning to 3ish in the afternoon just in case you were wondering. We made pasta and focaccia from scratch. Porcini mushroom risotto with the leftovers made into arancini, there was a roasted capsicum salsa to go with the focaccia, we had stuffed figs as an entree as well. Finishing off with affogato with homemade vanilla ice cream and panacotta. Tonya and Joan were lovely and joyful. There were 5 participants in total and we all had a lovely time.

Italian Cooking Class: Cooking with Passion review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



I chose the same fragrances I used for the morning candle making class because I love it so much. After trying some of the more citrusy scents like orange top and pamplamer which is derived from a sweet pomelo blend I learned, I might attempt a citrus tone for the solid perfume class next weekend. But then again I don’t want to end up smelling like a kitchen antibacterial spray? Bring on the romance, imagination and creativity of the next perfume class!

Perfume Making class review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



Souade was very knowledgeable and knew just what to add to your scent to elevate it to another level. It was an adventure for the senses trying out all the different fragrances, absolute bliss and joy for the nostrils, mind and soul dare I say. You come away with your signature scented candle. Smells like heaven. Just so wonderful.

Candle Making Workshop review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



Victoria was very nice over zoom and answered all my questions. However the class first had to be rescheduled because the package didn’t arrive, no thanks to Australia post, and then due to technical difficulties the 10am class was shifted to 12pm which was inconvenient because I had a painting class to get to afterwards.

Jewellery Making class review by Anna Xia

Mar 2022



Jem is so lovely and nice and generous, such a wonderful host. We all had a glass of bubbly because it was someone’s birthday and on top of that, we were each given three stems of Gloriosa Lilies. These were something special alright. I had seen them before at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and they had captivated my attention then. Fabulously indulgent.

Floristry Workshop: Fancy Fishbowl review by Anna Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



There was a last minute reschedule but I love plants and it didn’t take away from the joy of making my kokedama babies. Drinks and cheeseboard provided. Excellent technique and instructions were given. I really love the two plants I’m taking home.

Kokedama class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



Liz was excellent at explaining the details of gin making and walked through the process with a bunch of minds as inquisitive as ours. Cheeseboard provided and many tastings of gin and vodka varieties. Fascinating stuff and highly recommended.

Food and Drink Tasting class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



Penny the organiser and Olga the sommelier were so friendly and lovely. Wines plentiful, cheese not so much which was the only let down. Each board was shared between two people. Very interesting and informative without being dull. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience - Sunday Session review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



It was a very easy going and informative class. Apart from possessing great knowledge on tea, Ryan makes everyone feel welcome and at ease. We tasted a range of teas and then made our own tea blends. Great variety of tea ingredients to choose from and some quirky tea trivia to keep you thinking.

Tea Blending Class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Mar 2022



If you ever have a hankering for duck then you’ve gotta come to a luv-a-duck cooking class. Wendy is just brilliant and the recipes easy to follow and easy to replicate at home too. You end up with a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Incredible value!

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



Fresh damper with a cream/goat cheese and native pesto dip, kingfish marinated in native herbs and spices and tender kangaroo loin with assorted veggies, very appetising and delicious. You’re in for a treat!

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



Such a vibrant array of flavours, travelling may be hard to do at the moment but you can definitely send your tastebuds on a journey. We made a beautiful fragrant paste and also a peanut sauce that created dishes like rendang beef, satay chicken skewers, banana leaf rockling and a traditional salad dish which were all very tasty. First time using the hibachi grill also. Highly recommend, Dylan was brilliant as always.

Indonesian Balinese Cooking Class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



A visit to South Melbourne market where Lola knows everyone and everyone knows Lola followed by pisco sour, kingfish ceviche and some dishes I can’t pronounce nor remember. Stimulating for the tastebuds and good times to be had.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



From the pastel gelato colours of the flowers to the bubbly Moët and the assortment of cheesecake, brownie, lemon tart and sandwiches, it was so deliciously fun. Jemina is a great teacher and I had a great time. Good value too!

Floristry class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



There were about 30 of us in the class sitting outside in the breezy afternoon shade. Ali the teacher was very attentive and helpful and moved me into a shadier area when the sun passed me by overhead. Easy instructions to follow and an all around great time.

Paint and Sip Class in the Park review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Feb 2022



Wendy was brilliant, it’s a wonder how she can multitask and keep tabs on everyone as we all had different recipes to follow. We worked in pairs and made an amazingly tasty duck feast which we shared together with a glass of wine. I’m coming back to do their other classes.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



A visit to South Melbourne market followed by sangria and paella. After many a sangria, everything seemed better. The class really benefits from its close proximity to South Melbourne market, fresh seafood, saffron, veggies and fruits. It was a merry affair. Lola is very energetic and charismatic.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



After getting all the ingredients from South Melbourne market, We made margaritas and sangria to start. The alcohol was strong and really kicked into gear the cooking class. We made guacamole, salsa, tortillas and we enjoyed tacos. Everyone had a good time. Lola was lively and passionate.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



Really soothing and enjoyable experience. Truly magical the way Van Gogh’s masterpiece can come alive under my own brushstrokes. Many thanks to the teacher. Will book more classes.

Painting class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



From coffees to gelato, banh mi’s to green ant chocolate, it was a real treat to go on this tour with Melinda as our guide. Lots of stories and history along the way, highly recommended, thoroughly enjoyable.

Foodie Discovery Walking Tour review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



Monique was lovely and I had a fabulous time. There was a cozy 8 of us in the group and we tried four different dumplings from four different restaurants. There was history about Melbourne’s beginnings and lots of info on dumplings and the parts of China each variety was from. Thoroughly recommend.

Dumpling Discovery Walking Tour review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



Hee Cho was a great host and we had a lovely time designing and creating our own rings. Would definitely recommend.

Gold or Silver Art Ring Workshop review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



It was a good class but I just found that the food wasn’t as tasty as the Mexican or Thai cooking class.

Japanese Cooking Class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Jan 2022



This is my second Otao kitchen cooking class. I was amazed that something I cooked with my own hands could taste this good. We made corn fritters, green papaya salad and either red duck curry or green chicken curry, the flavours and taste were a great surprise, exceeding my expectations. The Brut sparkling was great and teachers very knowledgeable and friendly. Booked more classes.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Dec 2021



I arrived early and was told to take a walk around the neighbourhood and come back which I wasn’t particularly partial to. But the class was excellent, we made tortillas from scratch, amazing chopping cooking flipping tortillas, really tasty food and there was plenty to take home too. They had containers and bags ready for us. Overall positive experience.

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Dec 2021



Great atmosphere, lovely teachers Wendy and Nicki, we made so many dishes and everyone enjoyed the preparing cooking and eating. Fabulous time.

Christmas Cooking Class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Dec 2021



Bubbly enthusiastic and cheerful teacher, had a fantastic time. Wine, drinks and snacking board provided.

Tipsy Terrarium Workshop: Make and Sip review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2021



Real jolly atmosphere and all hands on deck to make a wonderful Christmasy French meal. Really enjoyed it

Cooking class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2021



Great class, friendly and enthusiastic teacher. Guided us through the painting step by step so that something as intimidating as Van Gogh’s starry night seemed doable. Surprised myself with how well it turned out. One word of warning my Saturday night class was full of couples, so probably best to bring someone with you.

Painting class review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne

Nov 2021



The materials were beautifully presented, the teacher was patient, helpful and pointed out handy tips to make our mosaic lamps turn out the best they can possibly be. I thoroughly enjoyed making my lamp and it sits proudly beside my bed. Tea and biscuits provided. Please note your hands will become sticky.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop review by Wen-Chen Xia - Melbourne
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