Summer – the ultimate season for seafood – is almost here, and we've been busily working away behind the scenes to put together a fantastic schedule of cooking classes for you.
We've got some Christmas entertaining specials locked in, and (as usual) we've got the lowdown on which Australian species are at their peak in the summer months, so we can show you how to cook up some seasonal recipes that will knock the socks off your family and friends.
If you've got some time off, need to entertain visiting family, have been tasked with planning the work Christmas party, or just want to station yourself somewhere with aircon for a few hours, Sydney Seafood School is the place to be from December to February.
Here are our top class picks for summer...
First Nations Christmas with NICI 
It's time to put on a truly Aussie Christmas spread, using all the classics, as well as a sprinkle of native ingredients!
Our friends at the National Indigenous Culinary Institute are back to run you through the ultimate Christmas entertaining menu (including all the favourites: prawns, Barramundi, and Kingfish), while you learn how to ethically source and cook with saltbush, warrigal greens, Davidson plum, and so much more.
This class is held in collaboration with the talented chef Luke Bourke (from Rockpool Bar & Grill) and the National Indigenous Culinary Institute (NICI) which supports young Aboriginal chefs through their apprenticeships, and helps establish and support their career pathways.
Seafood BBQ and BBQ Master
has been one of our most popular classes for more than10 years, and while our guests book in year-round, there's no better time to jump in than summer. Picture this: the sun is shining, the kids are squealing in the pool, the barbie's fired up, and you're wielding the tongs, ready to stun the fam with the techniques you learnt in the class.
Already consider yourself a bit of a tong master? We've added a step up to the schedule in the form of BBQ Master, where you'll learn to handle a few more unique species (including octopus and a whole fish).
Thai Street Food
Thai cuisine is packed with fresh, zingy flavours that are perfectly suited to hot climates, and we're lucky enough to have a native Thai food expert in the house: our very own Grace Milinthangkul. Book this class if you're keen to learn how to create restaurant-quality Thai meals at home (and how to use a wok like Grace's Grandma).
Italian Seafood Feast
We update the recipes in this class to align with seasonality, meaning there's always something new on the menu. For spring and summer, we've ditched risotto in favour of a light, lemony crab pasta. Combine that with Mediterranean classics like calamari fritti, grilled mussels, and a caprese salad, and you've got the perfect summer dinner menu.
A 'Palentines' Day Mexican Fiesta 
No plans for Valentine's Day? We've got you covered. Our inaugural 'Palentines' Day class on the 14th February welcomes everybody for a night of Mexican flavours and feasting, whether you have a date or not. Come by yourself or come with your pals; either way this class is going to be a tonne of fun.
Seafood Superfoods
It's official: seafood is a superfood. This brand new class embraces the health benefits of many different types of fish and seafood, which is not only an important protein source, but is also packed with micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, iodine and omega-3 fat.
Start the new year off right by learning how to cook three spectacular dishes that are as good for you as they are delicious.
Artisan Series: Tomato Passata with Alex Elliot-Howery from Cornersmith
Passata: the heartbeat of Italian cookery.
As Italians set up shop in Australia post-WWII, plenty clung onto the quirks and customs of the motherland. And so, a tradition sprouted: "passata day", a yearly, often raucous gathering which sees families band together to whip up a year's worth of tomato passata.
We've called in Alex Elliot-Howery from Cornersmith to host our very own passata day, and teach us how to make the glorious, crimson elixir just like nonna would.
Want more? Explore the full schedule here.
Getting Ready for the Holiday Season
Need a Christmas gift for that hard-to-buy-for relative? Our gift certificates make the perfect present. They come in a range of denominations and are valid for three years, so your recipient has the freedom to pick and choose the best class for them.
BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE
Charged with organising the dreaded work Christmas party? Let us handle the planning: you only need to pick a date and a class theme. Then just have fun reconnecting with your colleagues over a fun activity and a glass of wine (or three).
BOOK A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE