Source: © Pictured at the launch of the new Forestside Cookery School is school owner and Musgrave MarketPlace NI guest chef, Stephen Jeffers along with Richard Mayne, Foodservice Sales Manager for Musgrave MarketPlace NI

There can’t be many better ways to have fun, than learning a new skill, meeting new people and indulging yourself with wonderful food. All these can be yours at the Forestside Cookery School, under the guidance of Chef Stephen Jeffers.

On Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of being invited to the media launch of Stephens’s new school. Located at the Forestside Shopping centre (no parking fees), Stephen and his team have created a relaxing and pristine new space.

Step out of the lift and into a beautiful bleached wood dining room, where drinks are served and people can mingle. Cool blue hues, uber trendy lighting, framed food photography and shelves filled with the loveliest cookware for sale, creates the perfect ambiance for any event.

After bloggers and media mingled, we were lead through to state-of-the-art kitchens, for a demonstration from the man himself. This is the first time I’d met Stephen and his lively banter, and obvious passion for food, was a winner. He is warm, engaging and fun, which means your day will be peppered with hilarity alongside some serious tuition.

I’m sure the format of classes will change (depending on what you sign up for), but on Wednesday, Stephen demonstrated how to cook each dish as we all huddled round for a giggle and a lesson (more laughs than learning last night), then he dispatched us to our work stations, to prep and cook the dish for ourselves. Yip, there are ovens and workstations for everyone (SMEG no less)! Then Stephen wandered around offering words of encouragement (don’t chop off your finger!) and tips and advice. 

Once your creations are complete, the whole class moves to the cook shop/dining area, to indulge in the well-earned banquet. Could anything be more appealing? Over the course of 2 ½ hours we cooked a hot smoked salmon starter, a fillet of beef, and then treated to the yummiest of cheesecakes, prepared by Stephen himself.

Commenting on the launch of his new cookery school Stephen said, “I have always been passionate about teaching the art of cooking to others and helping people to really appreciate and enjoy cooking – having worked as a chef and cookery school principal for many years, I am very proud to now take this milestone step in my career and open the doors to my very own cookery school. Myself and the Forestside Cookery School team hope that we can inspire more people across Belfast to take the time to cook and to embrace preparing dishes from scratch!”

A team of passionate and highly skilled tutors across a range of cooking styles and disciplines will join Jeffers in his new cooking venture to share the skill of cooking with individuals of all levels. In addition, Jeffers’ new school will offer a bespoke event service catering for everything from family celebrations and special occasions to corporate events.

Musgrave MarketPlace NI, Northern Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to retail, foodservice and SME businesses, is supporting Stephen with his new venture and will supply the cookery school with fresh meat and ingredients for many of its cookery classes. As a regular guest chef for Musgrave MarketPlace NI, Stephen will be providing live cooking demos at the Duncrue branch throughout the year, showcasing some of the tasty dishes that students can learn to cook from scratch at Forestside Cookery School.

 

Honestly, this was one of the most fun evenings I’ve had in a long time, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy it.  It’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting stuck in, then enjoying the fruits (meats and vegetables) of your labours. All necessary equipment and ingredients are supplied – except the sensible shoes – so all you have to do is book your class and turn up… preferably hungry!

You can look them up via their website or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and check out the variety of classes and menus they offer. There are also kid’s classes, too – a must for getting them into good habits young… and a way for you to get the occasional Sunday Roast, as their treat!

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