Cooking classes have become a new “must do thing” on the sunshine coast, as tourists and locals alike include at least one cooking lesson on their recreational itinerary. The Sacred Chef, of Maleny, thinks that it is part of a new trend away from passive consumerism toward active participation. He states, “why be a consumer when you can be a creator?”
Having watched the phenomenon at first hand, the Sacred Chef readily identifies the surging popularity of cooking classes as part of a greater trend toward creativity and excellence in the home. Why sit in a restaurant and be treated like a spectator when you can learn to master the culinary skills yourself and take centre stage as an artist. The Sacred Chef’s new book House Therapy – Discovering who you really are at home recognises aspects of this world wide phenomena.
Cooking schools here on the sunshine coast are seeing substantial increases in the number of attendees. They are also witnessing a new type of cooking class attendee, one who is better informed and more highly skilled in the kitchen. The number of cooking schools here in Maleny has also increased and the range of cuisines being offered is larger than before. Thai cooking classes are very popular; as are Spanish cooking lessons; Regional Italian cooking classes ; and more inclusive programs offering a mix of cuisines from different ethnicities.
Watching the pride participants take in eating their lunch or dinner, after the cooking class experience, is a real eye opener when comparing it to the passive consumption in restaurants and cafes by the milling crowds. People want to be involved, doing and creating, rather than just filling an empty hole by buying stuff. Learning a useful skill that you can share and take pride in the expression of – is what good cooking is all about!
