By Terase Davidson
One of the many many things I love about food is that there is always something new to learn, and food tastes better shared around a table with new and old friends. Oh wait, that’s two things, oh well!
I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to join the first cooking class at One Green Acre on the weekend, hosted by chef owner-operator, Sasha Meier.
Upon arriving we were greeted with warm smiles and a large table adorned with beautiful fresh produce and some rather sexy-looking imported goodies from Spain. Hola!
You can instantly tell that Sasha has a vast knowledge of different cuisines from across the globe and is passionate about eating seasonal produce. He loves to share his skills with folks, teaching simple techniques that deliver proper authentic flavours.
The class kicked off with Sasha showing us how to make (and taste) an authentic sangria – which sure did make those rain clouds disappear. After our sangria, we then got stuck into some serious sampling of different olive oils, marinated olives and mackerel. Oh yes, and cooking.
Sasha demonstrated how to bring all these tasty ingredients together into a wide selection of tapas, including my favourite; freshly grilled locally made Salumi Chorizo, chargrilled on One Green Acre’s custom-made Argentinian grill (note to self, I need to get one of these made for home).
The entire class was heaps of fun and ran at a relaxed but informative pace, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and nibble on tapas, throughout. The star attraction of the day was undoubtedly the flavour-popping paella. And we were encouraged to pile ours high with stunning locally-sourced seafood. YAY! And we learnt how to make the all-important classic Spanish ‘sofrito,’ and of course how to achieve the perfect ‘socarrat’. Because, let’s face it, it ain’t no paella without a socarrat!
Once our paella had cooked and was resting, we got all creative and finished our tapas boards before sitting down to lunch together with some yummy Spanish Malbec and a cheeky Rose on offer.
I know I’ve said it a thousand times before, but I simply love how food brings people together, and what better way to catch up with old friends and meet new friends, than by joining one of Sasha’s hands-on, super fun and tasty cooking classes. Head to One Green Acre’s Instagram: @onegreenacre_ to book a seat at the next cooking-class table. Bring your appetite, and leave the car at home!
One Green Acre is located at the Bangalow Bowlo and offers a seasonal-produce driven menu.
One Green Acre. The Bangalow Bowlo, 21 Byron Bay Road, Bangalow | 02 6687 2741
Open: Monday to Sunday – Lunch and Dinner
Follow the fab food and local vibes on
Facebook @onegreenacre_
Words and images by Terase Davidson: Terase is the founder of Taste Byron Bay. www.tastebyronbay.com or follow the fun on INSTAGRAM @tastebyronbay
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