For locals who love to entertain in the holiday season, Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club will host an intimate cooking class with esteemed chef Nicola Coccia on Friday, December 4.
Chef Nicola’s Dinner Party Masterclass will feature tips and tricks on how to host a three-course dinner party from start to finish.
Hosted by Pachamama Catering, the event starts at 10am and aims to offer attendees a series of recipes they can take home to practise over the holiday season.
Coccai grew up in Italy and his passion for food saw him honing his fine dining skills in some of Europe’s top restaurants before moving to Australia in 2010.
He and his family now call the Central Coast home, having opened Osteria il Coccia, a small restaurant in Ettalong.
Coccai said he is looking forward to Friday’s class but is currently tossing up between serving kingfish or snapper for the main course.
“My first class was tough – you’re the centre of everything and people are asking questions,” he said.
“But my second time was easier.
“It’s really hard for me to tell people what to cook … I try to teach people to use their fantasy and be free.
“Obviously if we make bread, you need to follow the recipe but what I try to teach is to be creative.
“It’s a beautiful space to teach at.”
The renowned chef said simplicity is key with his best dish being surprisingly plain pasta, with olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Owner of Pachamama Catering, Ali Bishop, said Chef Nicola loves sharing his passion with others, bringing years of experience in fine dining restaurants across Australia all the way to Killcare.
“Just to have a chef with that kind of experience on the Coast is amazing … I feel so privileged he has chosen to do classes with us,” Bishop said.
“I think people appreciate how approachable, relaxed and kind he is.
“He makes it seem totally doable – it takes away the mystique.
“Watching him in the kitchen feels like I’m watching an artist doing a painting – he is a true artist.
“You should just see this man peel an onion!”
The local businesswoman pivoted her business this year to provide more home delivered meals and set up hosting cooking masterclasses at the Killcare club.
Locals wishing to attend the four-hour event can book tickets at pachacatering.com.au.
Maisy Rae