Jenny's reviews
Feb 2025
This cooking class surrounded us with aromas of freshly grated nutmeg, cooked fruits, spicy squid, rose water, coriander, cinnamon…. all ingredients combined into some tasty dishes. We closed the night with the most amazing mouth watering dessert, cardamom and saffron poached peach with rosewater ice cream. Tracey’s classes are a great cultural experience.
Oct 2024
The whole creative process of gelli plate printing is stimulating. All instructions were carefully explained and ample materials provided. The venue is attractive, comfortable and not far from a train station. If you’ve been looking for a relaxing art form to pursue at home this could be it.
Oct 2024
Pizza Masterclass and Lunch: Dough Making
This class is the best way to learn traditional Italian pizza with their chef from Rome. There is a lot of technique involved preparing the perfect pizza dough. Later we devoured a tasty pizza with drinks in the Italian restaurant. Take home dough with recipes to replicate today’s pizza. Buon appetito!
Sep 2024
Facilities at Otao kitchen are exceptional. We were guided all the way under the watchful eye of the friendly chef Jen. We made 2 types, the traditional Chinese moon cakes with red bean and lotus seed paste and Prosciutto and date style moon cake. It’s definitely a much nicer and fun experience eating freshly made Otao Moon cakes then those from the tins. A must do class.
Sep 2024
Wire-Wrapped Jewellery Making Class
I enjoyed my creative and relaxing afternoon in Coco’s cozy venue. She is personable and kindly collected and returned me to the local train station. She explained all the materials and each tool required. All the materials were provided to complete your 4 pieces. Also she has tool kits and crystals available to purchase if you wish to make pieces at home. All instructions were clear and easy to follow. I appreciated her support and patience providing assistance and guidance when requested. A unique jewellery making experience providing four unique take home pieces.
May 2024
Entomology Workshop: Spiders and Scorpions
It’s a high quality class. Explanations of each process are straightforward. It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere in each class. Lunch is provided. I had done the butterfly pinning class and I wanted to improve my entomology skills with this further class. This class was excellent as we got to pin four different specimens. The specimens you work with are actually deceased, dried and presented in packaging and require rehydration to work with.So there definitely is no EWW factor about working with living creature, because it’s dried it actually felt like you are working with a toy insect.I feel a lot more skilled and purchased some butterfly specimens and I hope to create some of beautiful objects that were on display. So I strongly recommend these classes and you will walk away with a rewarding and stimulating hobby.
Mar 2024
The art of decorating waxed cloth and colours has been practised for centuries in many parts of the world, so I have always wanted to explore this creative medium. It was such an enjoyable Saturday afternoon completing our own batik painting piece under the guidance of the patient and supportive teacher Grace. Beginner friendly. Eli Street is an amazing venue to visit. Lots of great food vendors. This class turned out a stimulating creative and entertaining outing. I will return for more in future.
Mar 2024
Otao’s organisation of everything from the ingredients, utensils, hygiene, instructions, drinks and cooking facilities is of a high standard. I’m new to Korean food so this course was a good introduction to the distinct flavours found in Korean dishes. I particularly liked the KFC Korean fried chicken and Korean beef hangover stew. Some of us were impressed by the sharpness of the chopping knife, so we were able to purchase them new from Otao. The OTAO chopping knife is a handy souvenir I recommend you take home :-p
Feb 2024
If you like papercrafts you will enjoy this class. We learnt 4 traditional Japanese book binding techniques and took home 4 books we made. The covers can be also be later decorated with a variety of coloured paper. I walked away with some good practical skills I can easily replicate at home with a small amount of tools and paper.
Feb 2024
DIY Organic Skincare Essentials Workshop
Such a healthy concept being able to determine what you put on your skin. The teacher, Lily will guide you through each step to make your own skin products using natural ingredients and avoiding the chemicals that are found in over the counter products. You will walk away with your own face elixir, lip balm, massage oil and body balm. Very useful class.
Feb 2024
Japanese Fermentation Workshop
I came to the course looking for healthier options for an immune system boost. It’s an acquired taste but I do like the flavour of the take home bottled tsukemono pickles and I’m looking forward to the bottled miso once it ferments in 3 months. If you have an interest in fermented foods then this unique class will provide a good introduction. Remember to bring a vegetable knife and chopping board for the Japanese radish, but bottles and ingredients are all provided. Jess has alot of healthy food tips that she will share with you. The E-Book received is a handy reference.
Feb 2024
This was Jenny's second time doing this experience
I found this class very calming sipping blends of organic tea. With its cozy pastel interior, leafy outdoor courtyard you will feel like you are in a serene English Tea Room. Located close to a train station in a leafy street. Friendly Bethan is a well versed tea host having visited many of the tea growing regions around the world. She is keen to share her experiences and tea expertise. Fun part of class was blending your own 2 bottles of take home tea, tasting your blend, perfecting the tea flavour and then naming your creations. I highly recommend the full tea experience class.
Feb 2024
Make Your Own Soy Candles Workshop
Loved this creative and eclectic part of town so the distance was no barrier for me. Tracy’s candle making studio lived up to the creative reputation of the area. Loved the bright colours and designs she uses on her candle tins. The class was presented with easy to follow instructions and had a good social vibe. Beginner friendly. There was a great food platter. Cost included Tracy mailing out our 3 candles. Good value creativity and colour treat.
Feb 2024
The large LuvADuck cooking venue is classy. In 2022, I attended and enjoyed their Christmas dinner class. This Masterclass cooking class was very informative with high quality delivery. Teacher, Wendy provided easy to follow cooking instruction. We were served several delicious duck based dishes including an exquisite chocolate dessert. Bubbles expert Natalie provided a wealth of knowledge on the champagnes that accompanied each dish. The take home recipes were easy to follow. Great value VIP experience!
Feb 2024
The German Advent was a great cultural festive treat pre-Christmas but these type of sweet treats you will enjoy baking and serving all year around. You will leave with a box of German sweets and recipes. My favorite was Uschi's Lebkuchen.
Feb 2024
Plant lovers will adore this terrarium dome class. It was fascinating seeing how the plants, rocks and soil came together inside the dome. All materials were provided. There was choice of a variety of ferns and nerve plants. It was a spacious venue with a friendly dog. Teacher Helena provided easy to follow step by step guidance. I definitely will attempt to make another at home.
Jan 2024
An engaging presentation by Simeone at the NEW Que Club cooking school. The much larger venue is tucked away from the hustle and bustle in a peaceful Brunswick street. I was greeted by friendly staff. The salads and side dishes were packed with a variety of vegetables, fruit and condiments such as banana, fennel, lime, honey mustard, coconut…. These combined with the salmon, king prawns, squid and trout provided a tasty sit down meal full of flavours. A Sunday well spent.
Nov 2023
Very absorbing three hour cooking lesson which will finish off with a sit down meal of the pastas you made in Marina’s kitchen. We learnt how to make tagliatelle and cannelloni pasta for our two dishes. Marina is a pleasant teacher and she will share some cultural insights from her homeland, Italy. Take home recipes were provided. Tram from the city will take you almost to the doorstep. Make sure you go hungry!
Oct 2023
Entomology Workshop for Beginners
A beginner friendly class. This is my second time back as I was keen to learn more. Teacher Jason has a vast knowledge on entomology and he shares invaluable tips. We learnt about all the tools required, and he has a supply of butterflies available to pursue this as a hobby at home. You will learn several techniques for pinning butterflies. All instructions were clearly explained. We took home 4 prepared butterflies which can be encased in a display frame provided. Refreshments and food were provided throughout the day. A Sunday well spent.
Sep 2023
Entomology Class: Butterfly Dome Making
A fun and friendly class. Held in a venue close to train station and tram stop. Savoury and sweet croissants, fresh fruit, tea and coffee were served during the 5 hours. All materials were provided. It was creatively challenging and relaxing arranging the Peruvian butterflies. Our cheerful instructor, Jason offered great support to all attendees and provided easy to follow instruction. He is amazingly skilled in his field and was able to quickly repair any major mistake I made. I highly recommend you join this unique exploration of nature and art, you will be rewarded with this exquisite dome to take home.
Aug 2023
Vivi is a delightful person with good patience. From her design studies in Paris and experience she will carefully guide you through the delicate process of making your jewellery piece step by step. The venue is right near the Docklands tram stop amongst the shopping, which made it a pleasant outing. You will be able to see some of Vivi's own creative jewellery for sale. It was fascinating seeing how this particular jewellery piece came together. I left with this beautiful brooch nicely presented in its own box.I highly recommend this unique jewellery making class. It will inspire your creative urges.
Aug 2023
Chef Daniel Huxtable provided an entertaining class from start to end. He has a wealth of cooking tips and tales he shares from his experiences cooking in Australia and abroad. He combines a diverse range of ingredients to produce some very creative and colourful vegetable dishes. The flagrants from his Kumara and ginger purée combined with his cauliflower steak, shiitake and macadamia crumble made it my favourite dish. You will definitely enjoy Daniel’s class.
Jul 2023
We were a small group of women seated in a circle on the floor. Psychologist, Eloise calmly guided us through each stage of the session creating a non judgemental and safe environment. There were reflective moments where we were each invited to freely express our thoughts. I did leave somewhat centred and relaxed.
Jul 2023
Otao’s kitchen offers exceptionally high standards when it comes to teaching cooking. The venue has to be one of the most spacious. The equipment and kitchen utensils are easy to locate. All the ingredients for each participant are set out before you arrive. Instructions are easy to follow. I had never cooked Mexican before. Beginner friendly. We prepared several dishes giving good insight into the diversity of Mexican cuisine. Wise to come very hungry for this class as there is a lot of Mexican dishes to devour with drinks.
Jul 2023
Taiwanese Banquet Cooking Class
Cristina is an enthusiastic and engaging cooking instructor. Each cooking stage was explained well. I particularly adored the texture of the spring onion pancakes and the dough rolling technique used to create layers. Take home recipes were provided. We closed the class with a filling and appetising meal.
Jun 2023
This was Jenny's second time doing this class
Organic Shape Jewellery Making Class with Stones
Heecho has a vibrant personality and is always helpful and attentive. It’s a ring that will suit any age as you are in control of the arrangement of stones and choice of ring style. It’s a cozy and well lit venue, very central to the city and near public transport. All necessary equipment, tools and materials were provided to make our wax ring mold. It’s a fun and very delicate crafting process to make the wax ring mold. There were many tiny coloured stones to select from. Looking forward to collecting the final poured ring for my pinkie.
Jun 2023
American Smoking BBQ Cooking Class
Class was held at the Que Club which also has a nice restaurant. Our instructor was very resourceful. We were shown techniques for cutting, preparing and cooking a mouthwatering brisket. We cooked several different meat dishes but the brisket was definitely my favorite meat dish, it was cooked to perfection. Salad and dessert were also served. Meat lovers will love all that is offered at the Que Club venue.
Jun 2023
Our organised chef, Almay brought her South African culture and cooking skills together to deliver a delicious winter feast. We started with a sweet hibiscus tea with honey. It was my first time to eat dishes with a South African influence, so I was introduced to some new ingredients and impressed by the unique flavours achieved in each dish. Definitely a class I would recommend.
May 2023
Sri Lankan Cooking Class: The Classics
Beginner friendly. I have eaten but never attempted to cook Sri Lankan food, so Tracy’s class was very educational. I was impressed by the variety of ingredients some new to me. Was a great evening and introductory course in Sri Lankan food.
May 2023
Turkish Cooking Class: Istanbul and Beyond
It was a delightful class full of flavours, culture, atmosphere and good conversation. We were treated to a variety of mouth watering dishes, which gave us some good insight into the foods of Turkey. I will definitely try some of these recipes at home and I recommend this class to anyone who wants to explore some Turkish cooking. Beginner friendly.
May 2023
Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups
A class where you will learn invaluable cooking tips. This class wasn’t just about making sauces, soup and stock, there was a delicious 3 course meal that we sat down to eat Tonya’s dishes are always exquisitely served up like you are dining at a fine restaurant with water sceneries. Good company including some international visitors made the class a very sociable encounter.
May 2023
This was Jenny's second time doing this class
A pleasure to visit Lambrini’s studio again to see some of her resin art. I liked these green resins in the photo below that she made.Last visit, I had a definite scenery in mind I wanted to recreate. Today, I came with a personal experience/story to release on resin. So it was a very cathartic process producing a reflective abstract piece. Definitely recommend this resin class. Very beginner friendly and fun.
May 2023
The instructors passed on some great tips about different types of meat, where to source ingredients, meat preparation/cooking and barbecue equipment. We devoured a range of meat dishes which included barramundi, flank meat and rumpcap. Very filling and informative class. Meat lovers will adore this class!
May 2023
Paint Your Fluid Art Bear Workshop
Fluid painting on a bear was a lot of fun and will bring a smile to anyones face. You are never too old for this one. Was very relaxing and healing mixing colour and creativity together surrounded by a lot of bears. You are free to choose your colours from a large range of paints. Ample time to finish. Good size venue located very close to a public transport stop and the heart of city. Time well spent.
Apr 2023
A pleasant Sunday afternoon cooking at Otao.It’s a spacious, hygienic and well presented venue. Our friendly teacher, Anam structured the class well. Good selection of dishes to gain insight into Vietnamese food and there were some new cooking tips to learn. Delicious feast with drinks.
Apr 2023
Otao’s classes are very well organised from the emails prior to your arrival, to the layout of the venue, right through to departure, where containers are available for any unfinished meals you wish to take home. Saturday evening classes have a friendly atmosphere. A well presented class by Dillon with 3 tasty recipes I will cook at home. I suggest going with a big appetite as there is a generous amount of food and drinks in this class.
Mar 2023
Organic Shape Jewellery Making Class with Stones
Had the pleasure for a second time to visit Heecho’s studio to make some more jewellery. She is always cheerful and helpful to each attendee. She provides a lot of tips about her craft and can readily fix any mistakes you make. The process of making the ring was fun and fascinating.
Feb 2023
Thisis a unique class where you will bring together scents of your choosing to form the scent of your candle. Our French instructor was very informative with her chemistry and perfume background. You will take home a lovely boxed candle.
Feb 2023
We had a tea journey starting from tasting several teas to learning how to brew tea. You will learn some interesting facts about tea from Ruan. Venue is close to tram stop with a lovely chocolate making smell in the background. Took home my organic tea creation with spice and plants. If you love tea, then this class will delight.
Feb 2023
Prepared a tasty fish dish and It was a treat to learn how to make my own ramen noodles. Cooking at Otao is always a great learning experience. A well organised kitchen and friendly team. I recommend this class to learn some Japanese recipes to cook at home.
Feb 2023
Nice venue with lots of vivid colours and the artist’s beautiful resin creations like this surfboard which caught my attention. Instructions were explained well and it was a fun process pouring the coloured resins to create different effects on our piece. Beginner friendly. I recommend this class and I’m looking forward to collecting my piece.
Jan 2023
Venue is located in a snug bar near Hawthorn train station and tram stop if you need to dash to the city. Very welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Came 15 minutes early and was greeted with a choice of cocktail and relaxed on the comfy couches. Lindsay is an excellent art teacher, who gave us easy instruction step by step as we worked on our scenery. All materials were provided and a quality silver frame for our piece. New to water colour preferring to draw but this was beginner friendly and I picked up a lot of invaluable water colour tips so I can practise at home. Highly recommend this visit and I will definitely return.
Jan 2023
Venue is close to tram and train stops. Coming to Amanda’s roomy studio you will see her lovely creative pursuits on display incorporating her water marbling and artistic skills. You will draw a lot of inspiration from Amanda’s marbling designs. Water marbling is fun and you will be amazed at the self expression you can achieve using the different inks, water and a simple tool. I printed marbled paper, marbled cotton fabric then I opted for a silk scarf fabric to print, so I have a wearable memory. A relaxing art class you will enjoy with a pleasant teacher. Recommend you buy a take home silk scarf that will reflect your own printed marble design.
Jan 2023
Clay and Sip Class: Play with Clay
Enjoyable Sunday afternoon making and painting clay leaves with our friendly instructor, Revi. Their Port Melbourne venue always provides stimulating classes that’s why I enjoy returning as each class provides a unique experience This creative and decorative clay craft you can easily replicate at home once you’ve made a few leaves. I found the entire process very relaxing and also very addictive. I could easily have continued a couple more hours so I would highly recommend this class to anyone.
Jan 2023
Working with clay in your hands on Sunday afternoon is very relaxing and therapeutic. Cones studio Is in a ideal location near the train station. Friendly atmosphere and the instructor was very helpful passing on useful tips to improve our technique. First visit at Cones I did the hand clay method, this second visit was the wheel throw method. It takes a bit of practice and patience to master the wheel method but you will be rewarded with 4 pieces. Cones studio offer great value classes.
Jan 2023
I had been looking around to do a bonsai plant class for quite some time. This one I found at Botannicah was a quality experience. Beginner friendly. It is conveniently located to public transport and shops. Their spacious venue setting was very calming and a rejuvenating green escape. Surrounded by many beautiful indoor plants we were guided by a very patient teacher, who knew his craft well and passed on some valuable tips on how to create your bonsai and ongoing care tips. I took home these 2 bonsai plants, I made during the class that I can keep either indoors or outdoors. All materials and refreshments were provided. I would highly recommend this unique plant class.
Jan 2023
Native Australian Cooking Class
Facilities at Otao are well set out with overhead video if you want a closer glimpse of the chef’s food preparation and instructions. The native bush food is a unique cultural experience. It’s a enriching experience for locals and visitors who want a taste of ingredients like kangaroo and barramundi combined with some edible native Aussie plants.This was a delicious early Australia Day feast with great flavours and smells.
Jan 2023
Beginners Wheel Throwing Workshop: Mud and Merlot
Our Ceramist Sonia was very supportive to each participant making sure we used proper technique in crafting our clay pieces. She went through a demonstration explaining each stage towards producing a ceramic piece with concise instruction. You will have a lot of fun and a few laughs during this class on the wheel. There were tasty cheese, meat and fruit platters. Chocolates and a range of beverages. Venue is well set out. Time went fast but this class will give beginners good insight into the clay wheel method.
Dec 2022
Venue is a large open space with other classes in progress, many other people and music so there Is a bit of background noise going on which gave it a party feel. The vivid interior was decorated with balloons and lights. We were given basic instruction to put together the ginger bread house but it relies on your own DIY creativity for decorating, which is the fun part. What was needed was more working space as it is a bit of a squeeze with everyone on the one table. The grazing box was good.Wise to take a small, sturdy box to carry your delicate creation home because Ithe trip home was alittle too much for the icing holding my house together. It takes a several hours to completely dry. Luckily, I was given some icing sugar to take home so I was able to put my little house together again. Overall. the ginger bread house is a fun Christmas experience.
Dec 2022
The kintsugi jewelley class uses an array of simple tools, glue and gold mica. The creative process of joining pieces together is delicate. Our friendly teacher, Hitomi was patient and provided us with some interesting conversation. We learnt some about Japanese culture and some new Japanese words like dojo. I recommend this crafty session.
Dec 2022
There is a art to chocolate making and during this session you will learn some tips about the ingredients, preparation, utensils and the chocolate industry. Beginner friendly. Sufficient information and guidance provided to make a variety of chocolates at home yourself. Located within walking distance to bus/train.
Dec 2022
The large Luv A Duck headquarters is close to light rail, buses and parking is at their venue. The group cooking class was inside an attractive and modern setting. There were tips about preparing, cooking and shopping for duck. Easy to follow take home recipe sheets. Lots of colour, flavours and fragrants from diverse ingredients such as cherries, quince, apricots and plums combined into a variety of duck recipes provided the group with a delicious sit down Christmas feast and drinks. Good value!
Dec 2022
It’s always a pleasure having a cooking lesson with Otao school as they deliver everything at a high standard. You will get insights into Spanish food and culture as you prepare a few different Spanish dishes. An instructor from a Spanish background, Dylan, who is pleasant and provides clear instruction. My Saturday night was completed with a filling feast with different wines and good company. I would highly recommend this Spanish experience.
Dec 2022
This spacious venue is conveniently located to trams. Equipment is really set out well. The chef is very organized and readily available to answer questions about dumpling preparation and cooking. You will enjoy the time spent at this dumpling course.
Nov 2022
A cooking experience rich with insights of Greek traditions and culture. Our friendly teacher carefully guided us through each preparation stage whilst engaging our participation. Enthusiastic attendees made this a fun class.
Nov 2022
Liked the interior of this cooking school which is roomy for cooking. The ingredients and utensils were well organised. Great having the overhead screen … you could see the chef’s cooking technique up close and he was readily available to ask a question. Delicious meal.
Nov 2022
Food and Drink Tasting experience
Monique has a wealth of interesting information to pass on about Melbourne and the dumplings you eat on this stroll around the city streets. We stopped at 4 places to sit and eat different dumplings. It will be a nice encounter for you.
Nov 2022
Paint and Sip Class in the Dark©
A creative class with vibrant splashes of neon paint, glitzy lights and music. Time went by too quickly, it was a lot of FUN!
Nov 2022
A trip to a lively market to buy fresh ingredients and cooking in a sociable atmosphere. Useful cooking tips. Loved the sangria and paella.
Nov 2022
Kintsugi is a delicate and traditional Japanese art form to repair broken pottery. History and instructions of this process was well presented by Jun. Took home this beautifully repaired piece.
Nov 2022
Paint and Sip Class: Degas' Ballerina
Beginner friendly. This venue has lots atmosphere to stimulate your creativity. We had a friendly teacher who passed on some great tips. Worth a visit!
Nov 2022
Ottolenghi-Inspired Fish Cooking Class
Chef Tracey is an enthusiastic teacher with vast food knowledge and overseas experience that will keep you entertained. We ate a several gourmet fish dishes with wine. Very delicious evening.
Nov 2022
Teachers guided us through each step in making our own gnocchi. Then gnocchi and wine for lunch. A gift bag of products to take home. Enjoyable 2 hours
Oct 2022
Great venue. Comfortable sofa sitting area and very spacious working area. Daisy & staff are very helpful and friendly. A cheese platter, tarts and choices of refreshments make it 3 hours well spent.
Oct 2022
This was Jenny's second time doing this class
Preserved and Dried Flower Glass Dome Workshop
The glass covered floral dome is a fun craft class with tea to sip, a glass of bubbles and music to set the atmosphere.The instructions are clearly explained and it’s ample time to finish your floral piece to take home. You will be surrounded by stunning floral displays like this:-
Oct 2022
Art Glass Class for Beginners: Coasters
This beginner friendly class is a gem and you will leave with some fine pieces that reflect your own creativity. Jenie is a great instructor and passes on some valuable knowledge and tips about glass art. In the studio, you will see some of Jenie’s colourful glass creations that you wished you could take home. All conveniently located close to public transport
Sep 2022
I arrived a bit late as the number of the place was to the right above a door with several buzzers which I pushed. Finally, discovered it was at the back of the cafe shop next door. A stimulating environment …lots of colour, culture, music and tasty food to eat. Finished In the cafe section with a Turkish coffee. Unique experience.
Sep 2022
Fun clay session to get your hands busy and mind creative. Was able to make 2 pieces to be coloured and fired in the kiln to be picked up later.
Sep 2022
This was Jenny's second time doing this class
Sip and Create Terrarium / Kokedama Making Workshop
Another quality floral class held at Bloomin Marvelous. I made this scenic terrarium, which is a wonderful indoor display at home.
Aug 2022
Preserved and Dried Flower Glass Dome Workshop
A great Sunday artistic escape and it was very rewarding to walk away with this everlasting dome display. Jemina is lively and you will have a few laughs at her classes.
Jul 2022
Floristry Workshop: Spiral Stemmed Posy
Made this colourful posy in a setting surrounded by Jemina’s stunning floral creations sipping on beverages. Easy instructions by a very supportive florist. Highly recommend this class.
May 2022
A fun and beginner friendly course. Barbara carefully explained all the steps. I left with a fine memory, this bowl I decorated using alcohol inks. Take home printed instructions and tips, it has inspired a new hobby.
May 2022
Healthy Cooking Class: Cook Real Low Carb Food
A cooking course with peaceful water views to gaze at as you dine on exquisitely presented healthy food. Clear verbal and printed instructions helped guide us through preparation of each dish. An informative and sociable Saturday spent with some pleasant attendees and a vibrant chef.
Mar 2022
Highly recommend this unique jewellery making session with Hee. She is very pleasant and attentive guiding you through each process of making each ring. I finished with 4 beautiful rings each with a different pattern of my choosing. Excellent value.
Feb 2022
At a cozy city venue with lots of creative stimulation and character with a pleasant and patient teacher, LIL. Was fascinated by the assembly of the Kokodama. I took it apart and reconstructed it when I got home. Skills definitely improve with practise.
