McIntosh & Bowman are a great team of 'cheese educators' and appreciators, that aim to boost…read moreAustralia's knowledge and interest in cheese through a variety of ways; appreciation courses, activities, cheese making workshops and local and international cheese tours. Early last year I was lucky enough to do the 'Australian Cheese and Wine Experience' on Fort Denison, in Sydney. Meeting at Circular Quay for the ferry to Fort Denison, we were greeted by Claudia and given a general overview of how things work and what her job involves. Upon arriving, we were greeted with a glass of bubbles and a quick talk by the park rangers about Fort Denison, before sitting down inside at a large table with everyone else in the group. The afternoon consists of trying a variety (we had 10) different australian (and some international) cheeses, from blue, to brie, camembert, cheddar and more. Claudia explains a little about each cheese, it's history and the process of making each cheese. It's very interesting how each cheese is made, and how much the process does actually differ between cheeses. A few glasses of different wine and beer are also supplied, along with some chocolate. You're invited to experiment, while also given a few recommendations on what to try with each cheese. It's quite amazing how the textures and tastes of different cheeses change, after a sip of red, white, dessert wine or even beer. And you definitely can't go wrong with chocolate! It goes great with cheese, and you get to find out just what works best. There's ferries semi-reguarly between Fort Denison and Circular Quay, so there's enough time for a (very quick!) tour of the 'island' too before you head back after you're finished with cheese. Overall I absolutely loved the experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone; cheese lovers, or those that haven't had much experience and would love to try something new and rather different. I've come away with a much greater appreciation of cheese, with hopefully a better knowledge of what goes best with what, and what cheeses I absolutely love and adore.

Fabulous wine and cheese tasting on Ft. Denison in Sydney Harbour…read more Check out the photos of the table setting and the eleven cheeses on the plate. This is exactly what it's like. We went over to Fr. Denison from Circular Quay on a ferry, then stood outside and had sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres as a ranger explained the history of the island. Then down into a small historic room in the fort where Claudia put on her show. What a show it was. She really knows her stuff. Delightful presentation, well paced, well projected. Nice wines to match the cheeses, and the focus was the cheeses. She put in a few European cheeses for comparison, like the real Camembert to compare with the Victorian Camembert. The cheese and wine part took a bit over an hour and was delicious - over and over again as we worked our way through the different style cheeses. It was an absolutely delightful experience. If you're not into cheeses and their differences, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. But if you have any interest in understanding the differences in cheeses and their tastes, this is a great excursion.

If you're looking for a fun experience that isn't the normal "going out for dinner" this is it!…read moreChef Julien is hilarious, Jean Luc and the rest of the team make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. Ideal for all ages (they even have kids classes!) and any experience level. Great for a date night, girls night, mates outting, or family activity. The icing on the cake is they use the highest quality ingredients so you get to prepare (and enjoy) a delicious and nutritious meal. Honestly, so glad this is in our local area!!

Ma Indian cooking classes are enlightening and inspiring! Madhu shares family recipies that she has…read morehandpicked for you to learn that reflect different parts of India. I have had the pleasure of experiencing all five of her current classes and they have all been fun and educational, and the dishes easy to replicate at home. My young children have enjoyed all of the dishes I have made at home and we now have several of them on regular rotation. Now that I feel familiar with the ingredients and the techniques I am much more confident when experimenting with other indian recipes. The dishes are vegetarian (dairy) and vegan (no animal products at all), but she welcomes people from all walks of life.

The BBQ Seafood class at The Sydney Seafood School on Saturday, 11 April 2026, from 11:00 am to…read more2:00 pm was exceptional! The presenters and host were highly skilled and engaging, making the learning experience immersive, interactive and informative. The location is exceptional, and the state-of-the-art cooking school further inspired our love of food, culture and connection with others. Please maintain this gold standard so many can enjoy it.

The excitement learning that not only would we be going to The Sydney Seafood School but that the…read morechef of the evening was none other than the head chef from Cho Cho San had me buzzing into the Pyrmont-based fish markets. It'd always been one of those things I'd meant to do when I lived in Sydney but for whatever reason never got around to. So I'm going to say that it was that buzz that got me through the class. I should clarify that the class itself was pretty great. We got to watch the chefs in action, learning how to fillet squid and the best way to cook fish collars, but with a starting time of 6:30pm you need to know that you won't get to eat til around 9pm after you and your cooking buddies have then recreated the meals demonstrated. Pro Tip: make time to snack or dine before you arrive. If you've eaten prior to coming then you're going to be a-okay. If, like our team, you were unaware of the format and trundled into class on an empty stomach, you may experience feelings of hanger, cold sweats and irritability. Perhaps pack a snack in your pocket?

This is such a great concept - an activity crafts and art space where kids can learn something…read moreother than how to tweet or shoot a space alien. Run by a pair of lovely sisters, this is a great spot for mums and their tweens, especially. The only downside is Ernest Street is hell noisy. I found the coffee a bit pedestrian - poor crema and no secondary notes so the flavour won't linger (a bit like what you might get out of a good vending machine). But that's not why you'll come here, if you have a child you want to show the finer points of macrame or some other dextrous skill.

Great concept indeed! Sydney's north shore has a new coffee & craft location with a cool deco and a…read moregreat vibe that doesn't feel hype wanna-be like some other places. Try the inviting couch or the big shared table for a nice brekkie with family/friends. Menu is reasonably priced with regular changes depending on what's fresh as everything is pretty much home-made on the premises. Kids gotta try the milk & cookie combo for a nice morning or afternoon treat :) Ernest St can get a bit noisy but inside seating is always available & quiet while cars are parked outside and provide shelter on week-ends. The owners sisters are always smiley and happy to help along with their kitchen staff & very talented kids. PS: Dogs welcome outside with a water bowl ready to quench their thirst. There is also a big park just at the front for a walk before/after your brekkie/lunch.

One of Sydney's newest art spaces. Sew Make Create has been around for almost a couple of months…read morenow. The owner, top Sydney designer Melissa Tan-Lu and Sew Make Create's resident dog Pepper are just adorable. The whole shop is quite funky :) I was fortunate to have been invited (through another blog) to experience their beginners crochet course with Bronwen. I arrived on a Wednesday night at 7pm a little tired yet eager as anything to learn, and learn heaps. My manual dexterity skills deflated me for a while, yet I was amazed with the crochet stitch and getting into a granny square so soon with confidence. The class sizes are rather small which is great. Lindt chocolate balls were provided with water as stunning refreshments, as well as biscuits and tea. This course is also available on selected weekends. Sew Make Create also run a variety of other craft courses. After the beginners crochet course, if you wish to take things further, then the crochet clinic is for you. Instead of yarn, turn that yarn into 'plarn' with a plastic bag crochet course. Sew Make Create is a dynamic arts space that also rents out sewing machines, and hence provides ample working space to design some pretty clothes. Sew Make Create also sell sewing machines and craft supplies. Sew Make Create (from the request of many parents) have put together a fantastic course schedule for the kids school holidays coming up, as at the time of writing this. Beginners crochet is also covered, and kids can also learn cupcake decorating and also learn how to make these adorable felt brooches. Located in Chippendale right near the Broadway Shopping Centre. If you're curious (in more detail) as to how my beginners crochet experience went recently, then follow this link: http://www.weekendnotes.com/crochet-for-beginners-sew-make-create/ For more information on the various courses put on especially for kids these school holidays, then follow this link: http://www.weekendnotes.com/crafty-school-holiday-activities-sew-make-create/ With many initiatives to ensuring that Sydney is an arts and crafts focused city, when is now a better time to learn a new craft? Go on, unleash the craft master within!

Thanks YELP for listing the AFTRS Open Day as an event for Saturday 5 September…read more I have done courses in film, photography and film editing before and was curious to see what this place offered. Wow and more wow! State of the art equipment and very impressive school environment and course outline. I was welcomed and asked what courses I might be interested in doing. Specialist Info Booths were stationed in the main foyer under their various disciplines. AFTERS offers Undergraduate Introductory courses, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Radio courses. My main interests were visiting all the fun "Open Studios"! My first visit to a VFX Green Screen ever. I stood on the line and through the magic of TV and green screen the scene behind me changed! Next over to a real TV studio so you could try to present the evening news and become a news reader. You positioned yourself behind the news desk while a very helpful lady advised you what to do. Reading the auto cue machine looks easy to do, but in reality it is not - especially if you have forgotten your glasses! Above the studio is the 'real deal' control room. Lots of monitors and the biggest sound, film, camera mixers I had ever seen. Nice to be able to come here and learn how to operate it for real! Lastly, I had a look at a few of the sets - an old 1950's office and I don't know what the other set really was? Technicians were giving talks and showing how the boom and track cameras operated and also how to create different moods with the set lighting. I left with a great Open Day bag full of goodies and lots of course information on short courses and their upcoming Summer school.

If your inner Scorsese is calling or perhaps you're more of a Tarantino, why not flex your creative…read morecinematic muscle and signup to do a short course (known as the Open Program) at the internationally acclaimed Australian Film Television and Radio School. This well know academy is home to some of Australias top Oscar winners and with excellent facilities and teaching staff there's plenty of options for creative such as yourself. Short courses vary but warning they can be quite pricey. A 3 day course can easily cost you $690.00 - but it does include real sexy fancy use of equipment so it may be worth the price. AFTRS is a stunning school and having graduated from one of their full time post graduate courses I can tell you it's a pretty special place. If you're not quite ready to throw yourself in the deep-end the AFTRS open courses are a good place for you to dip your toe in.

THE TEACHERS HAVE NO ACTING EXPERIENCE…read more THIS SCHOOL IS A SCAM I talked to a teacher after class to discover he had never worked professionally as an actor. Not even paid theatre work. Which was surprising because he was almost forty. Same story with another teacher, Matt Costin, no theater, nothing. If the head teacher who has experience was taking most of the classes i wouldnt care. But when the majority of my classes are being pawned off to inexperienced aspiring actors who haven't even gotten representation yet or paid to be in front of a camera - i feel like im being ripped off. This is totally unacceptable when they told me upfront the teachers all had professional acting experience. Not what i signed up for at all and thankfully not representative of other acting schools in Sydney. Would not recommend for people who are after a serious acting school that maintains high standards and professionalism.

Have been studying for over a year now and I can't recommend this school any higher…read more Essential for anyone interested in acting, film and theatre.