Testimonials - Cooking on the Bay

FRENCH CLASS TESTIMONIALS

Karyn Weaver ‘Fantastic experience with a lovely host/teacher. A great ‘French Odyssey’. 7^th February 2026

‘Tonya is a gem! This is a small group class in an intimate setting at Tonya’s lovely home. Tonya is an enthusiastic and passionate cook and teacher and is happy to share her knowledge and experience with attendees. I am a keen home cook and Francophile and I learned a lot. The food was plentiful and delicious. A wonderful way to spend a day!’ Madeleine Boulton, NSW, French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 30 November 2024.

`Thank you, Tonya. Chris and I had a brilliant time and it was such an amazing experience for us both. We have picked up a few tips and will be definitely cooking lots of your recipes in the future. Can’t wait. We have already bought a canelés baking tray, crêpe pan and a sharpening steel.’ Regards Leonie Denby and Chris Dunne. French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 8 February 2025

: Leonie and Chris cooking crepes with Veronica

Jonathan Manickam‘Tonya and Sandra are fantastic hosts, we learned so much and had such a great time. Highly recommend the duck!’

Monday 20th October, 2025 Team Building with Square Peg.

‘Great food coaching and technical tips. Enjoyable company and conversation..’ Douglas Campbell, French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 8 February 2025.

: Egg whites for the souffles

‘Tonya, thank you for the fantastic French Odyssey cooking class on Saturday. Your place is in such a great location and the kitchen was so well equipped, it made everything run so smoothly. I enjoyed learning lots of new techniques and hints for becoming a better cook.

The food you had us prepare was delicious, and you could tell the whole group enjoyed it very much. Being a great fan of cooking French food made it quite special and I feel as though I have learned a lot ! Thank you again for your sharing your expertise, and it’s an experience I would definitely like to repeat sometime in the future. All much appreciated.

Salut Rob Gardner – PS, I was unable to leave a review with the QR code because I don’t have a google account.’ Saturday 7th February, 2026.

‘Fantastic day! So brilliant to learn many new skills, so many different courses. So educational. Will definitely be cooking many of the dishes at home. Thanks for an amazing day’. Highly recommend! Carolyn Carter – French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 25th October, 2025.

Jethro Cohen – ‘Huge amount of fun with the team, with great food. Really appreciated Tonya’s energy. She really got along with our small group. Amazing team bonding.’ October 20th, 2025.

What a delicious, enjoyable day, thank you Tonya. I learned a great deal about those important little things in preparation that make all the difference! Tonya thank you so much for taking time for all my questions. The menu was fabulous and very filling. The duck was moist and delicious and the dessert was to die for, see you again soon. Ilana and Simon Tisher, September 20th, 2025.

‘An absolutely wonderful day, everything was beautiful. Tonya is an excellent teacher, and all the recipes were very clear and accessible. All the dishes were special and felt like being in France. Bon appétit‘. Georgina Padghan, French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 16ht August, 2025.

‘We had the best time learning French cooking with Tonya. A full day of amazing food and great company.’ David Willett, French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 30 November 2024.

‘It was a wonderful day which I enjoyed enormously. Thanks for all the recipes and photos. I’ve left a review on Facebook. Best wishes. Colin Royse.’ Saturday 7^th February 2026.

‘Thoroughly enjoyed our French cooking class with the amazing Tonya, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food all throughout, can’t recommend this class enough! Can’t wait to come back for more.’ Saturday 13th December, 2025. John Renehan French Cooking Class

Kim Duong

Very educational and great company, would recommend to those who want to learn more about French cooking! A FRench Odyssey – Journey though France, Saturday 25th Ocotber, 2025.

Eden Wright

Absolutely fantastic cooking class!!! The food was amazing and Tonya was just wonderful – so educational, very helpful and so much fun!
Would recommend this for anyone who wants to learn some simple skills to improve your cooking skills, but also great for anyone who wants to learn a little more about why things cook the way they do.
Huge fan, will recommend to all my friends! A French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 25th October, 2025.

Tonya hosted an amazing day! Food was great, lots of laughs. The team really enjoyed the experience’. Grace DallabonaTeam Builiding for Square Peg Monday 20th October, 2025.

Fiona Battersby French Cooking Class ‘What a delicious, enjoyable day, thank you Tonya. I learnt much about those important little things in preparation that make all the difference! Tonya thank you so much for taking time for all my questions, The menu was fabulous and very filling. The duck was moist and delicious and the dessert was to die for….See you again soon’. Saturday 20th September, 2025.

James Tynan

‘Amazingly tasty food and a really fun experience’. Monday 20th October 2025. Team Building with Square Peg.

‘Amazing experience. Pastry is always a tricky thing for a home cook but Tonya was a great teacher and gave me a lot of confidence in dealing with it’. Naomi B, Masterclass in French Pastry, Sunday 7 September, 2025.

‘Thank you very much Tonya for a wonderful class in a beautiful venue and for sharing all those photos. Will definitely be making some dishes in the future for family and friends. It was also a pleasure to meet everyone and share so many delicious dishes and conversations. Take care everyone, make the best of every day and hope food, family and friends nourish you for many years to come.’ Jacqui O’Connor, French Odyssey – Journey through France, Saturday 16th August 2025.

COOK REAL FOOD CLASS TESTIMONIALS

‘What a day ! Good crew, passionate teacher, good location, great view and yummy food that we the people actually made happen! It was very enjoyable to sit down at the end of the class and eat the food with a great group. Best day I’ve had in Melbourne and I have been here for 2 years. Thank you Cooking on the Bay.’ Troy Barron, Cook Real Food – Low Carb Healthy Fat. July 27, 2025.

‘Absolutely fabulous day of cooking and conversation’. Alison Medhurst, Nurse Director Monash Pediatrics Satyrday 7 December, 2024. Cook Real Food – Low Carb Healthy Fat.

Tu Tihirahi ‘Tonya creates a warm and inviting environment and generously shares her knowledge and experience. I learnt so much and this is the second class I have booked. I’ll be back for some of the other classes! October 24, 2024. Cook Real Food – Low Carb Healthy Fat.

Labneh dessert with berries

‘A wonderful day of learning, cooking and sharing with Chef Tonya and her assistant Joan. Cooking on the Bay provided the knowledge to eat and cook well, using fine quality ingredients and flavours to eat healthier. This was followed by a wonderful banquet of the meals that we prepared together. I would highly recommend this course, if not for the cooking skills and knowledge, but also for the lovely dining experience together, while overlooking the Bay.’ Jennifer Warwick, April 2024

: Aubergine salad with goats cheese

: Zucchini and tomato tian

: Mediterranean chicken with spinach and basil

‘Thank you Tonya for a very enjoyable day. I loved our time and appreciated all the helpful tips and guidance. This coming weekend I plan on completing the rest of our menu. Thanks to you all for making this one of those good memories! Take care – Ros’ Bester, Bendigo, Victoria. September 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. Anna Xia, 9th July, 2022. Heidelberg, Victoria

: Cooking for the chicken dish

: Poulet de Vallee D’Auge

: Egg mayonaise, cornichons, chives and salmon roe

‘Tonya, Thanks for another fun day in your kitchen yesterday. I really enjoyed myself.’ Julianne Richards, Melbourne, 9th October 2022

: sauceMake hollandaise

Mediteranean Chicken with artichokes

: Cooking for the chicken dish

: Poulet de Vallee D’Auge

: Egg mayonaise, cornichons, chives and salmon roe

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 the preparation of each dish. An informative and sociable Saturday spent with some pleasant attendees and a vibrant chef’ . Jenny Chan, Cook Real Food, Saturday 30th April, 2022.

: The cooks working hard

: Perfect Scotch with kale chips

: ‘Orange dessert salad’

: Hors d’oeuvres ready

Justine Woolley

recommends

Cooking on the Bay Cooking School

Had such an enjoyable day cooking with my sisters. Have cooked some of the low carb recipes we learnt for the family this week and they have loved them! Thanks Tonya for a fun day of cooking and eating!

“Thanks for all the photos and the great day on Saturday. Both Brendan and I had a great time and loved the new recipes.” Simone Lewis, Kew. June 2019

‘Great day at Cooking on the Bay! Excellent all round – teacher, menu, venue and fellow chefs. We had a great time cooking, then eating the wonderful food. So good. Highly recommend. Tonya is an amazing and informative teacher. I had so much fun and ate plenty of delicious foods. Even foods that I normally don’t like tasted delicious. Learnt so many new cooking skills. Will definitely be back !! Julianne Richards, Cook Real Food, July 27, 2025.

‘Awesome Healthy low carb cooking experience- highly recommended. Tonya is a great chef and her inspired healthy cooking menu was even more delicious to eat. My friend and I enjoyed delicious cuisine. Worth every dollar – we started at 9am and finished at 4pm and the day included 3 courses drinks and a small cooking and dining group of 8′. Liz Abrahams, Melbourne, April, 2024

: Prepping the Tian

: Ready for the table

: Chocolate lace and strawberry trees

`”Great learning, delicious dinner, fun time, delightful host/chef, on the harbor – what’s not to like? Tonya is a real pro – she was welcoming, adjusted quickly to our skill and knowledge level, had a keen sense of when to just give a direction and when to demonstrate, maintained a relaxed learning climate and provided material to take home to make home meals easy. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, in a lovely home, and we have several new techniques to try and dishes to prepare. Plus, she steered us to a remarkable art show in Melbourne which made our visit all the better. We are off to our next Traveling Spoon in Morocco.” – Richard Harriman, California, USA. 27 March 2023

: Cooking for the chicken dish

: Poulet de Vallee D’Auge

: Egg mayonaise, cornichons, chives and salmon roe

‘Tonya, Thanks for another fun day in your kitchen yesterday. I really enjoyed myself.’ Julianne Richards, Melbourne, 9th October 2022

: sauceMake hollandaise

Mediteranean Chicken with artichokes

: The cooks working hard

: Perfect Scotch with kale chips

: ‘Orange dessert salad’

: Hors d’oeuvres ready

Natalie Martin

recommends

Cooking on the Bay Cooking School from the Cooking on the Bay Facebook Review page

We had an amazing day with Tonya, learning about low carb high fat foods and cooking up a storm. Everything was delicious and recipes that would normally intimidate me were made easy to understand. I learnt so much and enjoyed great company as well. Thank you Tonya, we will be back! Natalie Martin, 14th March, 2021.

“I am looking forward to cooking with you again soon. You are so knowledgeable and l love your teaching style.” Letizia Michael, Narre Warren South, July 2019.

‘Thank you again for a wonderful day, Tonya. Loved the photos & tips on sharpening knives etc. Kind regards, Jenn from Elwood by the Bay 👩🏻‍🦰🙏’ Cook Real Food, Saturday 30th April, 2022.

: Labneh dessert with berries

: Jenn about to enjoy lunch

“I am looking forward to cooking with you again soon. You are so knowledgeable and l love your teaching style.” Letizia Michael, Narre Warren South, July 2019.

“Thank you so much for Saturday – I loved every minute of the course. I loved meeting new people and sharing food that we had cooked together. I have had a dream to live in France when I turn 60 and feel that I was meant to be there on Saturday to help fuel my dream!

My two favourite dishes were the octopus – I would never have been brave enough to cook that on my own and the spaghetti squash – I have always been fascinated by it – both were delicious.

The best thing I learnt was to have a go and not be scared of cooking new things. The experience was exceptional and I did not want to leave – maybe a part 1 and 2 so that the same people can meet again? I describe this cooking day as fun, educational, delicious.” Lindsay Horlock, Melbourne. June 2019.

‘Hi Tonya, Thank you for a lovely day of cooking. It was very interesting and great company. Kind regards, Sue Keenan’. 14th March, 2021.
Easy Low Carb Living Group.

”Good Morning Tonya, Thank you so much for an amazing class yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it and also have left you a review on Google 🙂 I will definitely be booking another class again soon! Arnyka Sumiga. July 27th, 2025, Cook Real Food LCHF

‘Great food and great experience!’ Saturday 7th December, 2024. Lewis and Sophie Duncan. Cook Real Food LCHF

Lisa Orwin – Healthy Cooking Class: Cook Real Low Carb Food

‘It was a perfect day. Meeting new people. Teacher was very informative and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend this course’. Sunday 7th April, 2024.

: Zucchini and Tomato tian

: Aubergine salad with goats cheese

‘Was invited by a friend to join this low carb-healthy eating cooking class. Enjoyed it, nice small group, we sat down to eat what we cooked after that. Decorative, healthy tasty food!’

. Pek, Sunday 7th April, 2024.

Lisa Orwin – Healthy Cooking Class: Cook Real Low Carb Food

‘It was a perfect day. Meeting new people. Teacher was very informative and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend this course’. Sunday 7th April, 2024.

: Zucchini and Tomato tian

: Aubergine salad with goats cheese

‘Tonya is a confident and very capable teacher who gave clear instructions and was most encouraging to all members of the class.
The ingredients were carefully prepared and the instructions were clearly stated.
She willingly helped us when we asked but generally gave us freedom to work independently in our pairs.
It was especially enjoyable to sit down and share the beautiful meal which we had prepared. We were able to congratulate each other on our hard work!’
Sue Fitzgerald , 26th March 2023. Sue came with her gorgeous daughter Krista; it was a lovely day.

‘Tonya, Just going through all the notes you sent, so helpful. Will be shopping this week and making a couple of things, starting with some butter and labneh! Sunday, I started re-organising my kitchen to make the cooking process more effective. I also went through all my cupboards sorting out all my appliances, pots, etc. I have also started making a list of some fresh herbs I’ll get for my garden and checking my kitchen implements, so definitely inspired! 😊 Also, I’m thinking the stocks/sauces/soups would be a good one for me, learning to get more flavour into my meals. I see it’s on in a couple of weeks….Deb’ McDonald, Williamstown, Victoria. September 2022.

In response to my newsletter, Winter, June 2021, I received some lovely thank yous….this was especially nice and so I thought it good to share with you. ‘ Thanks for the recipes Tonya – great ideas for those trying to follow a keto diet. Elliot mentioned he really likes your recipes too as they are very informative, easy to follow and well written as they clearly show a logic and demonstrate you’ve tested them. It’s so hard for us to be imaginative enough to think of tasty options without carbs etc…’ Jaclyn W Camberwell, June 2021 and Elliot her chef partner.

Plus about the Spaghetti Squash. ‘Another delicious sounding recipe, I keep forgetting about that vegetable and I really like it so you have reminded me to order it from the green grocer’. Rachelle Simons June 2021. Recipe is here on the website.

Cooked and garnished

Natalie Martin

recommends

Cooking on the Bay Cooking School from the Cooking on the Bay Facebook Review page

“I am looking forward to cooking with you again soon. You are so knowledgeable and l love your teaching style.” Letizia Michael, Narre Warren South, July 2019.

Carolyn Crameri • Reviewed on 29 Jun 2021 for my Cook Real Food with Class Bento

‘What a fantastic day! Spent the morning cooking under the guidance of Tonya, a very lovely and knowledgeable lady. Finished the day dining on the beautiful food we had cooked with a glass of wine sharing stories together. Such a lovely way to spend the day meeting new people and learning new skills. Highly recommend.’ Caroline attended with her friend Heather. Saturday June 26th, 2021

‘thank you for another fantastic day of great hospitality, learning, sumptuous food and magic social interaction…it was great to be a part of it. Days like today only generate further passion to extend my repertoire of dishes. I think I just need to pick my 20 or so go-to dishes and really master them – the slow-cooked ocean trout will certainly be amongst them along with at least half of dozen of your other dishes from previous courses. I thoroughly enjoyed the day today – Cooking – Creating and Celebrating…. Dean Schultz, Melbourne Sunday 11^th March 2018

Ocean trout served in a sorrel sauce, garnished with our egg mayonnaise and finger limes

MASTERCLASS IN PASTRY & BAKING TESTIMONIALS

‘Another amazing day at Cooking by the Bay! Tonya was amazing in teaching and guiding us to make delicious pastry! Tonya shared amazing recipes and guided us to make delicious pastry dishes. Such a great day! Would highly recommend to participate in future classes 😋’

Amanda Gooden
September 7^th, 2025

ITALIANICIOUS CLASS TESTIMONIALS

‘Had a wonderful time. I learned new skills and techniques. Good food (some made by me) and Good company.’ Anthony Ick, Sunday 16th November 2025.

ctober, 2025.

Natasha RS

‘A fabulous afternoon, Cooking Italian cuisine. Fresh Pasta, Focaccia, Limoncello, Panna Cotta. Highly recommend 👩‍🍳

Italianicious – Sunday 12th Octoberctober, 2025.

Jon Phillips – Loved the whole experience. I would recommend to anyone who loves cooking. From Jon and Mia – Sunday 9th February, 2025

Catherine Braddock – Italian Cooking Class: Cooking with Passion I was so excited and a little anxious going into the class but Tonya was so welcoming. She clearly knows a lot about food and her passion and knowledge transcends in all that she says. I’m very grateful to have had the time with Tonya and will take away so much from her class. Also, the other ladies in the group were friendly and easy to get along with. It was a very enjoyable day. Thanks Tonya and Catherine

Focaccia with fennel and feta

Hi Tonya – Thank you so much for a wonderful day yesterday. Food was delicious and I learnt a lot. Lovely to catch up Can’t wait to read your book X Bev Hase, Sandringham, Vic 17th September 2023.

Anne Manzoni • Reviewed on 23 Jul 2023 • Italian Cooking Class: Cooking with Passion

‘Our cooking class was held in a beautiful space, with the best ingredients and equipment. Tonya our chef/instructor explained everything well, and the food we cooked was delicious. Would definitely recommend this course, as it was a very enjoyable day.’

Cooking class review by Anne Manzoni - Melbourne

: Pam and Caz busy cooking arancini and Napoli sauce

: Pistachio biscotti and almond macaroons

: Focaccia with fennel

`Hi Tonya, lovely to see you again. Thank you for the photos. Much appreciated. 🤗 Caz and I had a fantastic time with you yet again.🤗 Food was delicious as always and just such an enjoyable day. We are already planning to do the Spanish class with all the girls. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.’Pam Matheson, Traralgon, Vic. Italianicious – Cooking with Passion, February 25th , 2023

: Pam and Caz busy cooking arancini and Napoli sauce

: Pistachio biscotti and almond macaroons

: Focaccia with fennel

‘The teacher Tonya was great. The location was very nice and relaxing. The food in both quantity and quality was perfect. Learnt so much! Great experience would recommend to anybody. Thanks Tonya and Joan for a great day. Simone February 25th , 2023

: Pam and Caz busy cooking arancini and Napoli sauce

: Great pasta making

: Pannacotta, berry jelly, almond tart and fresh berries in the Taste du Vin

Hi Tonya, It is Svetlana here. Thank you for a lovely event. I truly enjoyed it. Please share photos from the class, Thank you, Svetlana, Melbourne.

Sunday 2nd October 2022

‘Hi Tonya, Had a great day yesterday & thank you so much for your teachings & insights into how I can become a better cook! B.rgds’ . Renzo B, Altona, Vic. Sunday 2nd October, 2022

: Pasta making

: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach

: Roasted tiny tomatoes

: Fennel and feta focaccia

: Tiramisù with Italian meringue

Helen Delimitros – Italian Cooking Class: Cooking with Passion ‘

Had a wonderful Italian cooking class with Tonya. She has transformed her home into a beautiful, intimate cooking space with a sincere attention to detail from the food preparation, sharing hints and tips, recipes and 5 star table setting with amazing marina views! I love to cook and received this experience from a friend for a special birthday. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a personalised, professional cooking experience tailored to small groups.’ Sunday 24th August 2025.

Kathryn Noble – Italian Cooking Class: Cooking with Passion
Sunday 9 February, 2025.
‘Friends along with my husband and I attended the Italian cooking class with Tonya on Sunday. What a fun day lots of learning along with many laughs and amazing food! We had a great class, and all enjoyed the friendly banter! We learnt many tips and tricks in the kitchen which enhanced our food. It was all Italian and we made Focaccia, Salsa, Pesto, spinach and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle puttanesca, panna cotta, limoncello sauce and almond tart! It was a busy but very enjoyable day!! So much delicious food that we will all be recreating.’

: Preparing and cooking puttanesca sauce

: Cooking puttanesca sauce

Julie Broadhead ‘What a fantastic experience!! We learnt to make totally sensational and delicious meals and then enjoyed sharing our menu with a great group of new friends also attending this Italian Cooking Class in the most comfortable environment! Thank you, Tonya for a truly inspiring and wonderful day! October 2024.

: Slow cooking the Napoli sauce

: Dining with fellow cooks

‘Hi Tonya, I thoroughly enjoyed the class and loved the menu. I look forward to recreating the dishes for family. Thank you so much for supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital by donating the class. I was delighted to win and had a lovely day. Thank you also for the photos. I look forward to another class in the future. Kind regards, Raelene Trotter. 23rd July 2022

: Finely chopping for the salsa

: Dining with fellow cooks

‘Hi Tonya, I came to one of your classes a couple of years ago and learnt how to cook pasta. Tonight the filling is mushrooms ricotta and Parmesan. Thank you for being a great teacher!! From David Clinton, received via email on Sunday 3rd October 2021! It is so nice to receive these reports from clients cooking the dishes we made in class, and in this case, years later! How good does this pasta look!

Italianicious Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

‘Hi Tonya…Thanks for all the lovely photos. I very much enjoyed my day cooking on the bay! My family have loved the beef salad and the napoli sauce and my freezer is full of sauce for quick meals when working late…Again, many thanks for a lovely day with practical recipes for family meals and to impress friends without spending days in the kitchen. Kind regards, Kerry’, Melbourne, 19th October 2015.

Italianicious Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

“Michael and I thank you for an enjoyable day cooking with yourself and other lovely people. Thank you for the photos’, a nice memento. Just to let you know, the take away panna cotta set beautifully by the evening. I guess you know that judging by the photo. You were a bit concerned at the time. My husband ate them both, we were just too full!” Lili and Michael Chybowski. Melbourne. April 2019.

‘Tonya, I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely day today. I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking class and all that came with it. You have me very inspired now, and as I write this my daughters are rolling out some pasta dough to have for dinner tonight. Thanks again, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I will definitely see you again at another cooking class. Kind Regards, Jacinta Bradshaw‘, Melbourne, 12th December, 2015

‘Good morning Tonya, Just a note to say thanks for a great day cooking in your kitchen on the 29th. We learnt a great deal and really enjoyed the conversation and banter with our classmates. You mentioned on the day that you sell the pasta making machine directly. Can you please provide me with a price as our sons are looking for a combined Xmas gift for us…Geoff and Robyn Binns’, Melbourne 8th December 2015.

Thanks Tonya, Kerry and I had a great day and I can’t wait to try out all the things we have learned. It was a lot of fun meeting and cooking with everyone else as well! The ravioli is on the menu for tonight’s dinner with the Porterhouse cooked the new way! Maybe the Crostata as well, see how I go! Thanks again – Andrew and Kerry K’…from Brisbane, 14th March 2015.

‘Great time. Had fun cooking and eating lunch.’ Mary-Jane Goddard. Sunday 16th November 2025.

Deidre Smith

‘...fun…delicious. I actually learnt to cook a magnificent dessert…highly recommended thank you Tonya and Jewel for taking me x.‘ Sunday 12th October, 22025.

Catherine Robinson ‘Fun day with delicious food! So much to eat, and very authentic cuisine. The view from the room is spectacular of the bay.’ Sunday 23rd March, 2025. Italianicious – Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

Hi All, Tonya, thanks again for a wonderful class and for all the information you have included in your email today! I always share the experience of your class with my work colleagues and friends as it is certainly a day well invested! It was lovely to meet you all – Lynne & Ian, Adrian & I have already purchased our pasta machines!!! – Happy cooking!!!

Sunday 9 February, 2025 Italianicious Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

‘Tonya, thank you so very much for a fabulous day today. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, expertise, home and your generosity of nature. I had the best day and learnt so much. As you’ll have no doubt picked up, food is a big passion in my life! The donated vouchers have raised much-needed funds for ReadySet (previously known as Wear for Success). Thank you very much. Best wishes and once again thank you, Sally Chambers, Elwood, Saturday 8th May, 20102. Italianicious Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

“Hi Tonya, I did a cooking class with you all the way back in 2016. I have moved around a lot since then and have lost your red pasta sauce recipe (the one with capsicums in it). Is it possible for you to email this recipe as it is one of my absolute favourites! Thank you.” Tash. Natasha Giordmaina 8^th October, 2019

‘Thanks so much for your time and expertise today. Sharon and I had a great time and learned heaps – we both feel very inspired..Kind regards – Jon’. Melbourne 5th July, 2015

Hi Tonya, Thank you for the wonderful day of Italian cooking yesterday. I honestly had the best day and learnt a lot from you, which I will use forever. I hope you will see me again in the future for another one of your classes. I have a very full life, but the one thing I love is cooking or baking to relax, reflect and to treat others. Thank you for the many photos, it’s been great to share them with others. Thanking you, Sam S‘. Ballarat, 3 March, 2015

‘Hello Tonya, just wanted to say thank you and let you know how much I enjoyed my day at ‘Cooking on the Bay’ and now putting into practice my new skills. This being the time of the year for catching up with friends and family I have been busy cooking and impressing them with new recipes. They have been very complimentary of the ricotta and spinach ravioli, home made now, and the Tagliata di Manzo which looks so great when bringing it to the table. Now reading my recipe books for more recipes. The cuttings from the Vietnamese mint have taken very well and the vanilla bean paste has improved the flavour of my shortbread…. Very best wishes, Valerie G.’ 20 November 2014

‘Hi Tonya – Thanks so much for the photos and the great day in your kitchen and at your table. A really fun and memorable experience for my birthday present! I’ll definitely recommend your cooking class to people i speak to, thanks again. Daniel’ Daniel Roocke, St Kilda March 7^th, 2021. Italianicious Cooking with Passion Cooking Class.

‘Hi Tonya, I would really like to thank you for today; Fausto and I had a really great time. Sending you all my very best wishes and thank you again. Kindest regards Caroline.’ Mornington, Victoria, 5th July 2015

Relaxing over lunch on the balcony

From the Italianicious – Cooking with Passion at Kureelpa, On the Ridge Cooking School, Kureelpa, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, held on Saturday 18th June, 2022.

Cooking at Kureelpa is always a little different to being in the Cooking on the Bay Kitchen. There are the same ingredients which make the day special – the lovely people who come to cook, the excellent dishes and the results are always delicious food. at Kureelpa there is the addition of a marvellous back-drop of Sunshine Coast blue sky and sunshine, the lush, green Image Flat valley, the Maroochydore and Mooloolaba skylines, the deep blue Coral Sea with a occasional huge, container ship moored off the coast, waiting to get into the Brisbane dock, and there is the Mt Coolum rock peeping out from behind the mountain. We cooked a great Italian Menu including a focaccia toped with braised fennel, toasted fennel seeds, crumbled feta and drizzled with pomegranate molasses, a true delight for the senses and a delicious flavour combination which we all loved! Basil pesto, tomato and anchovy salsa; luscious mushroom risotto, which was also made into arancini balls; our fresh pasta fettucce puttanesca is always amazing with its anchovy, gremolata topping and the dessert finale was a chocolate pastry crostata with the chocolate frangipane filling and raspberry jam served with lashings of whipped cream so sorry there were so few photos taken as we were busy, cooking, talking and eating!

From Sue Robb, Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast Hinterland. ‘I had a marvellous time thanks’!

From Michael Williams, Sandringham, Victoria. ‘Most enjoyable. Lovely food, wine, and people around the dinner table. Life doesn’t get much better

Italianicious – Cooking with Passion at Kureelpa, On the Ridge Cooking School, Kureelpa, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland.

: Mushroom risotto for the arancini

: Focaccia with fennel and feta

: Chocolate and almond crostata

SPANISH CLASS TESTIMONIALS

‘Fantastic experience – expert tuition, top tips, wonderful food and food chat. Thanks Tonya.’ from Philip McCahy. Saturday 22nd November 2025. Spanish Cuisine – Camino Inspirations.

‘A great meal cooked by the team and coached by Tonya’. John Baker – Saturday 21 March 2025. Spanish Cuisine – Camino Inspirations.

‘Thanks Tonya for such a wonderful day cooking and learning all things regarding Spanish cooking! It was an inviting and relaxed atmosphere where we successfully prepared a 3-course meal and then enjoyed the spoils of our efforts with great company along with a wine or two xxx 🍷 Simone Hartin – Sunday 7 July, 2024 Spanish Cuisine – Camino Inspirations.

‘Thank you Tonya for all the information and wonderful photos! John and I have been inspired and cooked up a paella today. John is the paella master as I prepared all the additions! It went down very nicely with a bottle of wine. I hope everyone has managed to cook up a storm too! We have committed to cooking paella once a month now! Thanks again, Melissa and John Godessi’. March 23rd, 2024

: Lovely to see the sunshine

: Dessert ready for the oven…

: Paella cooking on the balcony!

‘We had such a wonderful time on Saturday. The company was a lot of fun and as always the food was delicious.

Ken & I have been talking about it for the last two days saying what fun it was.’ Dagmar and Ken Pennington, Saturday 26th October 2024.

: Cooking the paella on balcony

: The paella team

: The paella – delicious and flavoursome

‘Thanks for a lovely day/experience yesterday Tonya! Food was amazing and can’t wait to recreate some of the recipes! Well done everyone and lovely to meet you all! Cam’ Gold, September 2022.

‘Thoroughly enjoyed the session everything was organised Tonya demystified a number of dishes and I feel comfortable cooking them myself, particularly the paella. To top if off, we are able to enjoy the dishes in good company and overlooking the ocean.
Thank you.’ Jenny Wregg,16th July 2022

: Preparing the calamari

: Marinated octopus

: Tarta de Santiago de Compostella

From the Special Event, Spanish Cuisine Cooking Class held at On the Ridge Cooking School in Kureelpa, Qld. Saturday 23rd April, 2022. Hey, I had a marvellous time, and I like long-distance driving. I enjoyed all of the food – ate more in one meal than normal 3 – and especially the buttermilk cake, the garlic mayo, and the orange jelly. Your other guests were all really interesting.’ Sue Robb, Mt Tamborine, Qld. Spanish Cuisine 23rd April 2022.

: Orange blossom jelly

: Cooking the croqueta

: The contented cooks

: Lime syrup buttermilk cake

‘Thanks Tonya. It was a very enjoyable day. The family is keen to try the paella so I’ll be giving it a go over the next few days. Cheers – Keith.’Spanish Cooking Class 26th March 2022.

: Tapas Pintxos table

: Cooking comradery

: Tarta de Santiago de Com[postella

“I would like to add my thanks to you for a delicious feast of food and flavours in your delightful house. Great to catch up with everyone and re live some of our Camino experiences too.” Fiona Hasker, Brighton. July 2019.

“So great to catch up again in your delightful apartment overlooking the bay. It was such fun and hopefully your profiteroles will impress all in my family ha ha ! Thank you for the photos, what a happy looking bunch” Karen Scarff, Kooyong. July 2019

‘I wanted to thank you for the fabulous day of cooking and dining yesterday, you have created a warm & engaging setting and the class moved at a greart pace, busy enough but not rushed in any way. I really enjoyed my day away from the everyday. Thank you.’ From Kylie Mack, Melbourne, July 18th 2015

‘Dear Tonya, Thank you so much for such a wonderful day – great company, a delicious meal and incredibly valuable tips for producing such fantastic food! Thank you also for sending so many photos and for all your helpful guidelines, not to mention your flexibility about my footwear! It was a wonderful day and a truly memorable experience. Thank you again! Best wishes, Lynne’ Moggach, NSW. Saturday 22 March 2025

Spanish Cooking Class: Camino Inspirations

‘Birthday Celebration. Camino Frances preparation experience. Exceeded my cooking skills. Perfect location overlooking St Kilda Marina and Port Phillip Bay. Great social interaction with the other guests.’ Peter and Helen van Zeyl. Saturday 22 March 2025

: Peter and John making the Tarta

: Their Tarta de Santiago de Compostella – sensational!

Hi Tonya, thanks for such a wonderful day cooking and learning all things regarding Spanish cooking! It was an inviting and relaxed atmosphere where we successfully prepared a 3-course meal and then enjoyed the spoils of our efforts with great company along with a wine or two xxx 🍷 We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and very much appreciated the shared meal with everybody. Simone Hartin, Hawthorn, Vic, July 7th 2024

: Croqueta and the tortilla

: Preparing the paella

: Making the Tarta de Santiago de Compostella

‘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.” Anna Xia, Sunday 15 October 2023.

: Making the choux croqueta

: Croqueta and the tortilla

: Shallow frying croqueta

‘ it’s a wonderful day…very social and interactive also practical and relaxed. I would love to attend a class on Italian, and French cooking. Thank you so much for your kindness in sharing your knowledge. Coral Marks. Spanish 19th October 2019.

: Coral and daughter Emily

: Our paella mixta

: The cooking group!

“Thanks so much for a wonderful Sunday cooking, sharing, learning and laughing! Delicious food….inspirational stuff! I look forward to the next opportunity.” Sue Rennie, Brighton. July 2019

‘Hi Tonya, I really enjoyed the class. Thanks again for a lovely day…I look forward to seeing you again at some point – middle eastern next I think! Enjoy the limes in the meantime!’ Cheers, Ruth Treleaven, Bentleigh, Victoria. Spanish Cooking Class 26th March 2022.

: Making the croqueta

: Tapas Pintxos table

: Galician-style octopus – Pulpo Gallego

: Serving the Chocolate, almond and date torte

: Cooking the saffron, orange and lemon tagine

“Thank you, Tonya, for an amazing day spent learning about the flavours of Morocco! Starting with the bessara dip, roasted beetroot, feta and pomegranate dip and honey salted aubergines with batbout flatbread, through to the Moroccan lamb with aubergine, dates and prune tagine and orange and lemon saffron chicken tagine, and finishing off with a Moroccan inspired chocolate, date and almond torte with Turkish delight, rose petals and pistachios it truly was a feast for the senses!” Maria Baras. April 2024

“Once again my heart-felt thanks for such a wonderful cooking experience. Simply divine and beyond my expectations. You can consider this email as one of many testimonials, I presume, you have received to evidence your professionalism in cookery.” Paul Silveira, Melbourne March 2019.

Philip Gall – Spanish Cooking Class: Camino Inspirations

‘This was a well organised fun day. I am a relative novice working with a partner who is much more experienced, so I learned a lot from the ‘doing’. This included some basic skills as well as seeing how a relatively complex cooking agenda can be brought together by eight people. Our teacher was obviously knowledgeable and skilled and the support documentation was thorough and helpful.’ Saturday 22 March, 2025.

‘ Hi Tonya, Thank you again for the recent Spanish cooking class. Not much chance to cook on the Camino. BUT, plenty to sample and taste.
We passed the 400 km mark yesterday. Peter Van Zeyl’. March 22, 2025. Peter took this Spanish class in preparation for his 600 km Spanish Camino walk. He is doing very well. The Camino de Santiago de Compostella is such a great adventure and experience in every way. I loved it.

‘Thank you so much for a truly wonderful day of cooking today – it was even better than I imagined, and I am so happy that I gave Lorraine such a great experience for her birthday (which was last September). What a wonderful group of people too!Thanks again for a great day. It was so nice meeting and cooking with you. Kind Regards, Danica 3rd March 2013

‘Thank you so much. I had a fabulous day and really enjoyed the paella’ Kerry Burlio, Brighton, Victoria. Spanish Cooking Class 10th November 2021

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful day. It was inspirational, and just so much fun. Can’t wait to try the recipes. Hope to regroup for another style at some stage.” Susan Renouf, Brighton July 2019.

‘Thank you so much. I had a fabulous day and really enjoyed the paella’ Kerry Burlio, Brighton, Victoria. Spanish Cooking Class 10th November 2021

MEDITERRANEAN TESTIMONIALS

Justin Wong ‘Great experience! Tonya is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour. A relaxing and sociable session’. Justin Wong, Box Hill, Victoria. Sunday 6th April, 2025.

Claire Vallis: We had a lovely experience learning how to cook Mediterranean food. Thank you.’ August 23rd , 2025.

‘Thank you so much Tonya – I really learnt a lot on Saturday, I was pretty tired when i got home! I have already sent your details to a few people who were interested in the school. Thanks again for an informative fun day.’ Helen Gordon, Mornington, Victoria. Saturday 15th February, 2025

: Lucy cooking

: Lucy and her sister Nancy

Lucy Boulos – Mediterranean – Saturday 6^th July, 2024 – ‘Such a fantastic experience, we can’t wait to share the dishes we cooked with our family and friends’.

Mediterranean Cooking Class: a Touch of Spice Thank-you so much Tonya, the photos are fabulous, what a great group and so much fun had by all.

You run such a quality, fun and informative class, both Alistair and I had a really great day and enjoyed our walk after lunch along the beautiful St Kilda beach…Thank-you again for being so welcoming, and I promise to write a wonderful review so that other people can enjoy your hospitality and skills. The food was next level delicious !! Kind regards, Rachael Cheesman. Bendigo, Vic. Sunday 8th October, 2023

Mediterranean Cooking Class: a Touch of Spice ***** – 5 stars from Gjermund

‘Brilliant location, great teacher and amazing food! Hope to come back for another class at a later point’. Gjermund Garaba; Norway, currently Elwood, Vic Mediterranean – Touch of Spice cooking class Saturday 2 September, 2023.

: Daryl and team

: Aubergines with tahini dressing, nuts and pomegranate seeds

‘Tonya, Thank you for the cooking experience in your lovely home. The day was a joy – the warmth of your welcome , the other participants and the food preparation and consumption were things to savour and remember fondly. Joan was a delight. Keep well, Daryl’ Wayland, Burwood, Vic. 28 May, 2023.

: Preparing the lamb

: Lamb, stuffed and rolled in a delicious lamb jus

: Cooking the fennel

Hi Tonya, Thank you again for a fabulous day! Gino and I really enjoyed learning new techniques and recipes. I promise never to waste any food. We really enjoyed the company of the other amazing ladies. When I return from overseas, I will book your low-carb cooking day. Regards, Colleen Henequin, Vic. Touch of Spice Cooking Class, 29th April 2023.

: It was a busy kitchen

: Cooking in pairs

: Ebony’s chocolate almond and date torte

‘Hi Tonya, I wanted to thank you for a wonderful day today. You create such a lovely space to discuss and enjoy the simple pleasure of food and good people.

Regards Leigh’, Victoria. Mediterranean – Touch of Spice Cooking Class, 11th February 2023.

: Cooking in pairs

: It was a busy kitchen

: Ebony’s chocolate almond and date torte

‘A great day, thank you to all!’ from Ebony Hack, St Kilda, Vic. Mediterranean – Touch of Spice, Saturday 11th February, 2023.

It was a wonderful class last Sunday 8th October, 2023. The group really worked well and the food they cooked was fabulous; plus there were good reviews such as those I have added here…

‘I recently did a one day cooking school, Mediterranean Cooking with a touch of Morocco. I did this with my 89 year old aunt, who is a brilliant cook, and my cousin Julie. There were other students.
We all had an absolutely perfect day, from the welcome coffee (superb!) with a slice of almond ricotta cake, to our final coffee of the day. The food that we cooked, and ate, was unbelievably good, and the ambiance felt like we were in a 5 star restaurant. Tonya has the knack of making even the most complex cooking procedure look easy. I have cooked the entire menu twice now for different groups of friends, to rave reviews. Although I live in Brisbane, I hope to do a new class every time I visit Melbourne. Oh, and the wine was perfectly matched.’ From Sue Robb, Queensland, February 26, 2015

‘Hi Tonya, Both Rory and I enjoyed the day very much – lovely group, great food, great company. And lots of handy tips & tricks I will definitely be using. I also now know what a canneleur is! 😊Best regards, Sylvia Dickson’ Saturday 15th November, 2025.

Anthony Boccia Mediterranean Cooking Class: A Touch of Spice

‘Great class in an easy, laid-back atmosphere. It was great to learn some skills. Recipes were well organised and delicious.’ Saturday 23rd August, 2025.

Janet Xu

‘I had an incredible experience at Cooking on the Bay. The food and cuisine were absolutely excellent—fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavour. Every dish was a delight and really showcased the quality of ingredients and the passion behind the cooking.
Tonya is simply amazing, warm, knowledgeable, and such a great teacher. She makes the whole experience engaging and enjoyable, sharing her expertise in a way that’s both inspiring and easy to follow. You can really feel her love for food and her attention to detail in everything she does.’ Saturday 23rd August, 2025.

Ken Pennington, ‘ Another fabulous cooking class with wonderful ambience, great food, great company, and the best teacher. Totally loved it. Thank you so much Tonya.’ Saturday 19th July 2025.

Rudy Rodriguez Lara, ‘Tonya is a really professional and fun chef. She always is willing to help you when you need it during the class. And of course the food is amazing.’ Saturday 19 July 2025.

Denise Levy – ‘The dishes that were made were all very delicious.
Tonya’s teaching style was easy to follow, but the kitchen space was a bit small for all the preparations happening at once.
All in all a very enjoyable day. Sitting down to eat our food, at Tonya’s beautiful table was a delightful finish.’ Mediterranean Cooking Class: A Touch of Spice April 6, 2025 .

Lisa Paydon ‘Great day out! Highly recommend.’ Sunday 6th April, 2025
Michael Paydon ‘Great experience. Enjoy !☺️’. Sunday 6th April, 2025. Melbourne.

: The happy cooks just before lunch!

: Cooking Chicken cutlets

Carol Nunez

Such an amazing experience, I highly recommend these classes to anyone. Whether you’re a novice or expert in the kitchen there is something to learn for everyone 🥰’ Carol Nunez, Melbourne, Saturday, 15th February, 2025.

‘Such a beautiful day with Tonya. So many incredible recipes and top tips for cooking and how to use every ingredient to make it shine. Also some great advice about saving and using unused ingredients. Lots of fascinating stories about Tonya’s travel and experience. At the end we had an incredible meal at a beautiful table with a view to behold and great company and wine. Highly recommend 🧑‍🍳Fiona Faulks – Melbourne, Saturday, 6 July 2024.

Hi Tonya, Just wanted to thank you for a lovely day on Sunday, for sending through all of this information as well as the wonderful pictures you took. I would be interested in the class on healthy eating/ low carbs so I’ll look up your schedule and see when you’re running that class again. Take care, Syndon. Melbourne, Sunday 8th October, 2023

‘Thoroughly enjoyable day. Tonya is a wiz! Did a lot of cooking and a lot of eating!’ From Luke

‘Staci and I enjoyed our class very much on Sunday, thank you again for your time and effort. Look forward to see you in another class soon. Regards, Lindy and Staci Maziotis’, 3rd March 2013.

’thanks Tonya for welcoming us into you home and sharing your knowledge and experience with us I personally gained a lot from the day and a special thanks to the BEST kitchen hand ever.’ From David of Traralgon

‘Such a fab class and delicious food! Thank you Tonya!!’ from Beth Clacher, Saturday 15th November 2025.

Belinda Morgan

‘Had an amazing experience learning the art of Mediterranean cooking with Tonya who opened her kitchen and dining room for us to enjoy. Highly recommend.’ Saturday 23rd August, 2025

Johan W

‘Beautiful and delicious dishes. Thank you’. Saturday 19 July, 2025

Sue Wilton Mediterranean Cooking Class: A Touch of Spice
Mediterranean – Touch of Spice Cooking Class, Saturday 15th February, 2025.
‘Cooking on the Bay is literally cooking with amazing views over Port Phillip Bay.
I was very impressed with the format of the day beginning with a thorough insight into the food we were endeavouring to cook that day. A small class of six bonded well and with the wonderful Joan as Tonya’s assistant we navigated our way through the menu. Today theme was Mediterranean – Touch of Spice which was inspiring and delicious and as we prepared the food that we would later enjoy together, Tonya was a wealth of knowledge and gave many tips throughout the day. The dining experience was a delight and with a glass of wine and new friends made, I would highly recommend this cooking experience.

‘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.’ Anna Xia, Sunday 8th October, 2023.

‘Hello Tonya, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for your festive season email and updates for cooking classes in 2016! I’m definitely going to do a couple more classes! You’re amazing what you offer and it’s motivating for someone like myself to be enthused by your inspiration. The Mediterranean cooking class I attended back in February was a highlight of my culinary year and I absolutely loved it. ….’ From Belinda Morrison, Traralgon, Victoria, December 21st, 2015

“Yesterday the 3 men in my life attended your class. Thank you for getting the younger two to try foods they would not normally eat.☺.I am now lòoking forward to some Middle Eastern fare. They all enjoyed themselves.’ From Katie Cross, Rowville, Victoria, 29th July, 2015

‘Again I just wanted to sincerely thank you for an amazing day…I hope to do another course in the very near future. Kind Regards Joyce’ 3rd March 2013.

‘Oh thank you so much Tonya! I had such a delightful time Saturday and eager to sink my teeth into all of the dishes! Its great to have some dips and marinades up my sleeve. Glad I know how to make them now.’ Cheers, Kirsty, 3rd March 2013.

‘Thoroughly enjoyable day. Tonya is a wiz! Did a lot of cooking and a lot of eating!’ From Luke

: Calamari and prosciutto skewers

: Deb cooking with Claudia

: Provencal spicy mussels

Deb de Luca recommends Cooking on the Bay Cooking School: “Had the most enjoyable and educational day last Saturday, learning all about, cooking, and eating Mediterranean food with Tonya at Cooking on the Bay. A fun, informative class in a fabulous location looking out over St Kilda marina. Highly recommend it. 👩🏼‍🍳🍷🥘” Mediterranean Touch of Spice Cooking Class, Saturday 12th February, 2022.

‘Thank you so much for all this information Tonya, our lovely lesson just keeps on giving. We all had such a wonderful day and I know I will be making some of the dishes very soon. Take care and hopefully, we can do it again. Cheers, Frances Rogers.’ Mediterranean Private Cooking Class, 15th May, 2021.

’Just a quick line to thank you again for an amazing day….You personally are a delight…! But what you facilitate by opening your home is foodie nirvana..! I expected to have a great day…. And I did but I had something more. I had a great experience. You can’t pay for that. That is a gift that a special kind of generosity provides..! It is your warmth that facilitates this…! We’ll done and thank you.’ Cheers Jase. From Jason, March 2014…

MOROCCAN CLASS TESTIMONIALS

Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina at Kureelpa on January 7th , 2026….our Moroccan Feast was enjoyed on the balcony.

‘Thank you, Tonya, once again, for a great cooking class. I had such an enjoyable time. You impart so much knowledge in such an accessible and easy manner. Your a gracious host and the dishes always taste soooo good. I enjoyed cooking with you Paul and our dishes were truly a joint effort. Thank you for your company during the day. I’ve been busy today cooking the lamb tagine, a couple of the dips and the couscous, trying to put to practice some of the tips you shared Tonya. I look forward to hopefully joining you again for another class. Happy cooking everyone.’ Lynelle Guerin, Brisbane. Wednesday 7th January 2026.

‘Tonya is a wonderful host and inspiring chef. She had some of the preparation done ahead so we could concentrate on the cooking. What a feast we prepared! We were given clear detailed instructions and explanations to understand what we were doing. She encouraged us to use our skills during the class. Sharing lunch and conversation was special’. Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours from Colette Goydych with Rocque and son Will – November 2025.

Billy Hare Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours

Thank you Tonya for a terrific day learning new techniques and Moroccan recipes capped off with an enjoyable lunch and well earned glasses of wine. I like your style! Bill Hare, 19th October, 2025.

Rae Guerin and Lynelle Guerin `We have just enjoyed a great day at Cooking On The Bay doing Tonya’s Moroccan cooking class. The group made (with lots of help from Tonya) flat bread, bean dip, honey salted aubergines, Berbera omelette, B’stikla-Moroccan spiced chicken pie, Cranberry jelly and a Chocolate, date & almond torte.
We then got to sit down at a beautifully set table, overlooking Port Phillip Bay, to enjoy the meal together, with wine provided.
Tonya gives lots of tips and info throughout the day and you are also given a folder with all the recipes and lots of additional information.
I had previously done other classes with Tonya when she was in Queensland and was so pleased to be able to do the class today. It had been too long between classes.’ Saturday 5th April, 2025. Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina.

: Peeling tomatoes for the Berber omelette

: Searching the spice cabinet

Hi Tonya, Thank you for a wonderful day… I did come home with some gems and a little more confidence. Baby steps! Thank you. Elaine

Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina. Sunday 23rd February, 2025

: Elaine and Richard

: Elaine creating her dessert

Mahlon Rhoades

Sunday 23rd February, 2025
‘I can’t wait to replicate the menu at home for friends. Lovely intimate small group experience’.

: Berbera omelette

: Set up and ready

Stewart Hine and Vicky Hine
Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours –  ‘A very worthwhile and entertaining day from every perspective. Tonya is a very knowledgeable and talented chef as well as being an excellent communicator.’

Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina. Sunday 30th June, 2024.

: Berbera omelette

: Moroccan mint tea

‘Great photos of a wonderful experience cooking flavoursome delicious Moroccan food with fellow food lovers 🤩🥳💓. Rhonda V’.
Rhonda Valkenburg, Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina. Saturday 6th April, 2024.

Hi everyone, I was dying to try out my new tagine and some of our new recipes so it was off to Luv a Duck and then a cook-up of the duck recipe and aubergine dip. My husband really enjoyed both and gave the meal 11 out of 10! Photos below. Kind regards, Rosemary Krongold, July 2nd 2023. Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina.

: Clare and Rosemary

: The Moroccan mint tea ceremony

‘Hi Tonya & all, It was so wonderful meeting you all, I had a fabulous time! Thank you also for sharing the beautiful pictures! Tonya, I look forward to doing another one of your classes soon 🙂 Take care everyone and look forward to catching up online! Kind regards, Clare‘. Clare Kavanagh, July 2nd, 2023. Victoria, Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina.

: Rosemary’s aubergines

: Rosemary’s new tagine

: Rosemary’schermoula duck

: Clare and Rosemary

: The Moroccan mint tea ceremony

`Tonya, I had a wonderful time, and have made Moscato Jellies for my dad’s dessert on Sunday night. I look forward to making a beautiful tagine! Take care and hope to see you soon, Karen’. March 25th , 2023, Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina. Victoria

: Dining table waiting for the feast to begin

: Karen about to cook the Batbout

: Lunch is served

‘… thank you to Sue Robb for organising such a wonderful day 🙏 We were very fortunate to have such an experienced and inspiring teacher as Tonya to guide us on our Moroccan culinary journey. We were also fortunate to have a great group of people to cook with and the setting was absolutely stunning! I was very impressed with how well the group worked together to create so many delicious dishes in such a short space of time! The group was also very encouraging of each other’s culinary efforts. Food really does bring people together. I can’t wait to cook some of the dishes for my friends.’ Nicole Reid, Brisbane, 7th January 2026. At Kureelpa, Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

‘Fabulous fun, recipes were comprehensive and Tonya had lots of helpful tips. We cooked a lot of dishes which we then got to sit and enjoy. The space including the kitchen and meals area were both very functional and inviting. I was so lucky to have done this class with a wonderful group of people. I never felt uncomfortable not knowing anyone else beforehand. Thank you for a great day. Margaret Kerr – Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours – on Sunday 23rd November 2025.

‘Great cooking class – small, convivial, excellently organised and delivered. Wonderful teacher. Enjoyed my introduction to Moroccan food and cooking; and took away with me some definitely manageable recipes for home. Thank you Tonya.’ Jillian Dwyer, Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours, 2^nd August 2025.

Saturday 5th April 2025.

: Chopping and preparing

: B’Stilla – chicken pie!

Melinda Taranto – Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours

Sunday 23rd February, 2025
A class packed with delicious recipes that you get to be hands-on to create & then feast on in the end!

Thanks again for a wonderful day yesterday. It was very special for us to spend precious time with Renee and Lavinia and we all had a wonderful time. The leftovers went town well for dinner too! Look forward to seeing your photos, Regards,’ Gillian Harrex. Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina – Private Class, Tuesday 17 December, 2024

Anna Xia

Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours

‘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 a different set of recipes. We all had a great time with a drop of wine and fab meal to enjoy.’ Anna Xia, Saturday 14 October 2023.

: B’Stilla – chicken pie!

: Creating the feast

: Chermoula butterflied sardines

‘Tonya, thanks for all the great tips and recipes. I enjoyed it so much I hope to book another class soon. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge. I know I would never have tried out these recipes if I’d just found them in a recipe book. I was so enthused about trying the recipes at home that yesterday I got my can of beans from the back of the pantry and made the bean dip which disappeared by the end of the day. It was so delicious and had a few family members visit during the day who all loved it. Today I made the chocolate torte and shared it with neighbours, my husband and a daughter who lives near. It was really quite simple and so very good!! Also did the oranges!! So refreshing !! Today I also bought the ingredients to make the chicken pie so that’s tomorrow night’s dinner. With thanks again for all your information and such a lovely Sunday lunch. Kind regards Jenny Winckle.’ Sunday 18th April 2021. Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina cooking class.

: B’Stilla – chicken pie!

: Cooking the Berber omelette

‘Dear Tonya, Just wanted to say thank you for the great day today, I loved all the recipes and will certainly be making them. I have forwarded a couple of photos to Macarena who gave me the birthday present way back in 2014. You do such a great job, such a happy and friendly atmosphere, and a great group of people with whom you share your home and knowledge…Thanks for sending all the photos they will be great to refer back and see what the recipes looked like, it was such a great day, really enjoyed it. Many thanks – Mary Harry’, Canterbury, Vic. Sunday 20th February 2022.

: Orange juice jelly and almond centred meringues with pistachio dust

: Birthday girls cutting the B’Stilla pie

: Cooking the batbout, a team effort!

‘Dear Tonya,
I just wanted to thank you for taking us on a truly amazing culinary journey on Wednesday! Right from the start you were a gracious host who made our group feel welcome in your home. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful setting to our cooking adventure than the countryside surrounding your home. The view from your back deck is breathtaking and one that you would never grow tired of especially when watching the eagles as they glide on the updrafts through the valley.
Your experience and skill as a chef were on display throughout the day and we were left in no doubt as to your culinary expertise each time you demonstrated a specific skill for the group. Most importantly, it was your guidance and encouragement that gave each member of our group the confidence to cook some very challenging dishes. Each person’s contribution to the group was acknowledged and they were made to feel as though they were a valuable member of the team. Your mentorship also ensured that each person challenged themselves and acquired a new skillset to use in their cooking at home.
It was a very friendly group of people to cook with and I was very impressed with how well everyone worked together in the kitchen (no easy feat in a busy kitchen) to produce some truly delicious dishes and arguably some of the best food I have tasted in a very long time! This was in no small measure due to your mentoring and support.
Thank you once again for your generous hospitality. It was a privilege to learn under such a talented chef and I look forward to participating in another one of your courses. Best wishes, Nicole Reid.’ Brisbane, Qld. January 7th, 2026. At Kureelpa, Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina.

‘Hello Tonya – Thank you for all the photos and additional information you have emailed. I really enjoyed being back at Kureelpa yesterday for the Moroccan cooking class. It was lovely to meet the U3A group, to cook with them and to later sit down, relax and enjoy the amazing food together. There certainly was a lot of chatter and laughs which was very special. Thankyou for all the time and effort you put into creating such a special event.’ Rae Guerin, from Bli Bli Qld. January 1^st, 2026. At Kureelpa, Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina.

Hi Tonya, Absolutely loved the day! Feeling inspired and planning a Moroccan dinner party soon.

Brandon just forwarded me the email and photos, thanks so much. Donna Chester.’ Moroccan Spices and Flavours of the Medina, August 2^nd, 2025

: Cooking the saffron, orange and lemon tagine

: Serving the Chocolate, almond and date torte

: Lamb, aubergine and olive tagine

Maria Baras Moroccan Cooking Class: Dishes, Spices and Flavours
‘Thank you Tonya for an amazing day spent learning about the flavours of Morocco! Starting off with the bessara dip, roasted beetroot, feta and pomegranate dip and honey salted aubergines with batbout flatbread, through to the Moroccan lamb with aubergine, dates and prune tagine and orange and lemon saffron chicken tagine, and finishing off with a Moroccan inspired chocolate, date and almond torte with Turkish delight, rose petals and pistachiosit truly was a feast for the senses!’ Saturday 6th M\April, 2024

“Just the best day. Great food and such fun. Spending the day with a fabulous teacher and a fabulous view. Thanks Tonya.” Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina cooking class Friday 4^th October, 2091, Tracey Skinner

‘…Tonya, what a great day I had – loved everything about it. I learned a lot and will certainly be using what I learned, I met some interesting and very entertaining people and loved the energy generated by the group. None of this would happen without you at the front – congratulations on your leadership, gently done. Thank you again, I hope to be back. Maggie’. St Kilda. Sunday 18th April 2021. Moroccan Exotic Spices and Flavours of the Medina cooking class.

: Cooking on the class

: Chocolate, date and almond torte

Hi Tonya, Thanks so much for the cooking class on Sunday. I really enjoyed it & picked up lots of tips. Also thanks for the photos, I will share them with Kate. Your apartment is the ideal location for cooking classes. I have a friend who is keen to do a class, maybe French cuisine – so I will be back! Thanks again, Di Noble, Freshwater Creek, Victoria, July 17th, 2022.

: The delicious B’Stilla

: Cooking marakesh meatballs and Berber omelette

‘Tonya – lovely to meet you and thanks for an enjoyable feast! Elissa & Gordon’, Victoria, July 17th, 2022.

: Dining table waiting for the feast to begin

: Poaching the chicken for the B’Stilla

‘Tonya, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time with you and all other attendees. You were so helpful, patient and calm and a delight to be with. I was amazed that we got everything done in the time. I also agree that our chats around the dinner table were such a pleasure. My husband who had gifted your course to me was thrilled that I had enjoyed it so much and is happy for me to do more courses when perhaps back from our travels. It is really hard to choose a favourite as both main courses were absolutely delicious as was the cake and I particularly liked the aubergine starter which was unusual but really yummy! But truly I enjoyed everything!! Thank you also for the additional information you sent today which I know I will find useful. look forward to meeting you again in the not-too-distant future. Kind regards, Rosemary Krongold.’ Victoria. July 2^nd 2023.

: Rosemary and Carlo

TASTE OF MELBOURNE CLASS TESTIMONIALS

‘Hi Tonya, Thank you again for another excellent day with amazing food. Really enjoyed it. Already planning to use your recipes Sunday week for my luncheon.‘ Carol Ayre, A Taste of Melbourne, 16/04/15

‘Thank you so much for a truly wonderful day of cooking today – it was even better than I imagined, and I am so happy that I gave Lorraine such a great experience for her birthday (which was last September). What a wonderful group of people too! It was so nice meeting and cooking with you. Kind Regards, Danica’ 17/02/2013

‘Thanks so much for sending through the recipes! I thoroughly enjoyed the class last Saturday – it was brilliant – I’ve been recommending it!! Your home is beautiful and I was very impressed with how the day was run – such a relaxed atmosphere. Thank you so much! Kind regards, Lisa’. 21/02/2013.

‘Many thanks for a wonderful day’s cooking on Saturday Tonya, I had a great time and learnt a lot in the process. All the food was delicious but my favourites were the salmon and the freekah salad.
Thanks again for a very enjoyable experience. Kind regards, Melissa Hughes.’ 19/02/2013

FRENCH DESSERT CLASS TESTIMONIALS

Sandra Bray

‘Well chosen variety of items to make using different techniques. Wonderful host (and helper) in a beautiful setting with the perfect number of fellow bakers. A very lovely day.’ Sunday 8^th February, 2026

‘Great session, learnt a lot and had a good time!’ Emmett Brew, French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class onSunday 14th December 2025.

‘Very good class learnt a lot couldn’t recommend it more.’ Liam Frost French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class

Sunday 14th December 2025.

Julie Falcone French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class;

‘What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. We made a number of scrumptious desserts and got to take some home. Tonya is a kind and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience. The location was divine and the class size was perfect for one to one learning in a fun and friendly environment. Thank you, I will be back again.’

French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 21st September 2025.

Cameron MacDonald, ‘A lovely time spent learning to cook French deserts.
Tonya is a well versed chef with up to date skills which she is ready to pass on to her students.’
Highly recommended

French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 20th July 2025.

‘What a great experience- Tonya is so professional, the kitchen and dining room are well set out, everything was prepared down to the finest details (think measured ingredients and equipment for each dish!). Tonya’s experience and skill shone throughout the day, and all the dishes on the menu made it to our luncheon table. We had a lovely group of students, and we had so much fun together; all of us learnt new techniques and ideas to improve and enhance our own cooking. The program was well structured, and the kitchen supported by assistant Janette who looked after us so well. Highly recommend this most enjoyable day out.’ Gerry Phillips, Hamptom, Vic.

French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 20th July 2025.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed my cooking class with Tonya! She is very knowledgeable and gave us all very clear instructions. We broke into 4 groups of 2 to make 2 desserts each but also got to see our peers working on their respective desserts so we were able to gain a lot of insight into all the dishes. The finished results were awesome and I gained some confidence to make my own at home and even get creative and put my on twist on things. Amy Das, French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 1st December, 2024

‘Great fun. Informative, delicious, great company and excellent tuition. Tonya and Sandra made us feel welcomed.’ Pam Giumarra – French Bistro Desserts Saturday 13th July, 2024.

‘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.’ Anna Xia, Victoria. Sunday 29 October, 2023.

: Passionfruit soufflés

: Anna is becoming a great cook

: Tart Tatin straight from the oven

: Basque cheesecake – wow!

Fiona Bennett – Google review – ‘Such a nice day, I’m so full I’m going to burst!’ Sunday 23rd June 2024

: the Creme Caramel – they loved

: Fiona making the roulade with daughter Sarah

‘Hi Tonya…I also made chocolate soufflés last night for my family. It was a slightly different recipe, cooked for 25 minutes, but same principles. They were amazing and so simple! Another cooking “mt Everest” conquered. I have promised them a creme caramel next time – just didn’t have time for that yesterday. Thanks again, Karen’ Cheltenham, Victoria, July 11th 2021.

: Passionfruit soufflés

: Almond macarons

: Crème caramel

Jade W

‘Spent a fabulous day making French bistro desserts with Tonya at Cooking by the Bay. We were provided with detailed, easy to follow recipes to make delicious desserts. We were able to sample them after a lovely light lunch, and had plenty left over to take home. Would highly recommend this experience!’ Sunday 21st September 2025.

Sarah Britz for Barb Dysart, NZ

French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 20th July, 2025.

‘ Tonya structured the course very well to enable everyone to have a go at different parts of the dessert prep. It was relaxed and informative. Great day finished by a lovely lunch. Kia Ora Tonya, Thank you for your lovely email Tonya. I really enjoyed my day and it was lovely working with you and Jeanette. It will be a special memory from my time in Melbourne. Kind regards, Barb.

“Tonya, thanks so much for a wonderful day yesterday. A beautifully planned session as usual. It was lovely working with Helen and Sophie as they were both so nice. The cake was magnificent and Angela is about to devour a slice when she picks Ashley up. Could I please have the recipe for the Chocolate cake which Ashley and I have just polished off this afternoon……delicious! Many thanks.” Sue Black, Brighton. April 2019.

‘Lovely meeting you Tonya and thank you for all the additional notes and tips. Lovely meeting you too Lai Peng, Sharon, Karen, Nik & Deborah, I had a very enjoyable morning of cooking, chatting and laughing. My family thoroughly enjoyed the leftovers I brought home. I have attached a few photos I took on the day. Juliana, 10th July 2021.

‘Hi Tonya, Thanks for the photos, was such a fun day, enjoyed it very much. Much appreciated too the gluten-free and being able to eat almost everything. The seed crackers I enjoy eating so great to have the recipe. Look forward to checking out what you are making and the hints you give, hope to get to another of your classes one day. You have a lovely gift to share with others, Thank you and happy cooking to you too.’ Sharon Teresa, Bellarine Peninsular, Victoria, July 11th 2021.

: Hazelnut dacquoise with berries

: Crème caramel

: Making sugar syrup

Dear Tonya, Thank you so much for a wonderful day in your home learning to improve my cooking skills. It was a wonderful experience and you obviously put enormous thought and effort into your sessions. You make the potentially difficult look easy. After all, you have the ‘know-how’, and I have come away from today’s class with renewed enthusiasm and confidence to ‘have a go’ at cooking tasks I have previously avoided due to lack of confidence. Perhaps I now know how to at least try my hand with the recipes (and puff pastry!!) we tried today? Thank you! Best wishes, Michael’. Michael Holmes, Burwood, Vic. French Desserts, Saturday 13th May, 2023

‘Hi Tonya, Thank you so much for the lovely experience of cooking those delicious French desserts. I’m looking forward to making them for the family! Kindest regards and thank you again, Nasima Heron.’ French Bistrot Classics – Desserts. March, 2022.

: Langues du chat

: Orange Trio

: Strawberry meringue roulade

‘Hi, Tonya – Thank you again for the wonderful morning and afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed myself…Everything was just beautiful.’ Barb L, East Bentleigh, French Bistro Classics – Desserts. April 2022.

: Special Nut Tarte aux Mendiants

: Brandy syrup poached pear clafoutis – the highlight for some

: Barb making the tarte

French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class Sunday 17th August, 2025.

250817 Katie Rees – French Bistro Desserts Cooking Class
‘Amazing class in an amazing location! Our teacher Tonya was super organised and so knowledgeable. We learnt some fantastic French dessert techniques and used these to make delicious desserts. We had a small but super friendly, engaged and encouraging group. I will definitely be signing up for more classes!’

‘A lovely Sunday spent cooking many delicious desserts with Tonya. Learned a lot, had a few laughs and shared a lovely lunch with the attendees. Great booklet provided with detailed recipes and tips to recreate them at home. Highly recommend.’ Diana Mott, French Bistro Desserts Saturday 21st September, 2025.

‘A fabulous class. Tonya is a wealth of wisdom. The cooking, class members, teaching, desserts, and lunch were all fabulous. Do yourself a favour an attend a class.’ Kerry Kemmell French Bistro Desserts Saturday 13th July, 2024.

: Hazelnut dacquoise with berries

: Crème caramel

: Making sugar syrup

MASTERY IN THE KITCHEN TESTIMONIALS

‘Dear Tonya, Thank you so very much for the wonderful day we spent with you yesterday. I felt I learnt so much from you and I loved picking your brain. You have been so generous with your time and knowledge. Eliza and I appreciated it so much. Above all, it was a great day spent learning new skills and having fun and making friends over our shared love of food. My very best wishes to you and Joan, from Linda.’ Masterclass Saturday 31st May 2025.

: Linda and Eliza

: Mother and daughter again

Zoe Walters – Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups
Sunday 2 March 2025.
‘Great friendly info for home cooks that is well prepared and planned out. Loved this class. Remember to bring containers for take-home stocks and sauces.

: Crepe making for dessert with creme Anglaise

: Salad vinaigrette prep

‘Dear Tonya, herewith a testimony to your skills….My wife has always been disappointed with restaurants serving up duck a l’orange. But at Tonya’s cooking school ( on a day for teaching how to make a variety of stocks), lunch featured after the lesson. That is when Rachelle finally realized her dream of eating duck a l’orange cooked to perfection. At Tonya’s.’ George Levy, Masterclass Stocks, sauce and Soups. Sunday 215th February, 202

: Duck breast with orange sauce

: Reduced stocks, beef, chicken and crab

: Blue swimmer crab for the crab stock

‘It was comfortable and informative. Tonya was great. The food was delicious with leftovers taken home.’ Diane Vickery • July 2022. Cooking Fundamentals: Stocks, Sauces, Soups

: Practicing knife skills

: Lots of chopping for the stocks

: Crab stock in the chinois, straining

‘Hi Tonya, Thank you very much for such a fantastic cooking class yesterday. My beef stock is now in the oven and smells delicious. The class was fun, informative and really worthwhile. I am hoping I will be a much better cook now. Thanks for welcoming us into your home and teaching us so well. Kind regards, Jacinda’. Sunday 3rd April, 2016

Mike Brownlow Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups

‘A delighful and talented host. Tonya runs a fast paced class followed by a lovely lunch of the items made during the sessions. The mussel soup in saffron broth is ‘ to die for’.’ Sunday 3rd August 2025.

Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups review by Mike Brownlow - Melbourne

Nicola Stein – Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups

‘Loved this hands on, small class. Gave us a chance to try and learn new skills and tips. Excellent!’ Saturday 26th April, 2025

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. Jenny Chan 20^th May 2023

Anna Xia – Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups – `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.’ Anna Xia, Saturday 28th October, 2023.

: Stocks made were beef, fish, crab and chicken

: God quality ingredients

: Bay leaves fresh from the balcony garden

‘This was a lot of fun. Beautiful views across the bay and Brighton Yacht club. Commercial chef with lots of experience in french technique who is approachable to teach and pass on that experience. This takes you back to the basics – the core ingredient to any dish – its stock , that becomes a sauce a soup or a desert- we learnt fish, brown chicken, beef and pear stocks then explored their use in a dinner party menu- well resourced, clear instructions in a booklet for home plus left overs ! Super approachable, friendly people – easy way to learn, hands on learnt alot – thx for a great day.’ Peter Dawson, Sunday 2^nd August, Stocks, Sauces and SoupsMasterclass.

Christopher Walter • Reviewed on 22 Jul 2023 • Cooking Fundamentals Class: Stocks, Sauces, Soups

‘Tonya provided an excellent experience, she was very friendly and generous with her time, and a font of useful cooking knowledge. The cooking location is wonderful and the class was fantastic value for money. I learnt so much about cooking stocks and soups, and can now keep learning at home with the very helpful guide book provided. Can recommend this course to anybody looking to level up in their cooking abilities.

‘

: Practicing knife skills

: Lots of chopping for the stocks

: Crab stock in the chinois, straining

‘The four-course meal we cooked was delicious; I had never made anything like these dishes before. The roasted tomato soup was my favourite as it was full of flavour and nourishment. The best thing I learnt in the class was that a good stock takes time to make. If you don’t spend the time on making a good stock, then your soups and sauces will be missing their foundation…a wonderful experience. Tonya is just so lovely and welcoming. The kitchen was easy to work in and the time just flew. To share the meal we had prepared over a glass of wine was a perfect way to finish an amazing day’. Sue Hamblin, Port Melbourne, 20^th October 2019

FRENCH CLASS TESTIMONIALS

COOK REAL FOOD CLASS TESTIMONIALS

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MEDITERRANEAN TESTIMONIALS

MOROCCAN CLASS TESTIMONIALS

TASTE OF MELBOURNE CLASS TESTIMONIALS

FRENCH DESSERT CLASS TESTIMONIALS

MASTERY IN THE KITCHEN TESTIMONIALS

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