Our Story

What started as a passion project in a home kitchen has grown into one of Melbourne's most trusted culinary schools.

From Home Cook to Teaching Kitchen

In 2014, founder Elena Marchetti noticed something troubling: despite having access to countless recipes online, people were cooking less than ever. Convenience foods dominated, and many young adults had never learned basic techniques their grandparents took for granted.

She started small, hosting informal cooking sessions in her apartment for friends who wanted to learn. Word spread quickly. Within months, she was teaching six nights a week to packed groups of eager learners.

That grassroots beginning shaped everything we still believe today: cooking should be taught hands-on, in an encouraging environment, with room for mistakes and questions.

What Drives Us

Our mission goes beyond teaching recipes. We want to fundamentally change how people relate to food.

Passion Over Perfection

We celebrate enthusiasm more than expertise. Every burnt pan and oversalted sauce is a step toward mastery.

Community Connection

Cooking brings people together. Our classes foster friendships and create memories around the shared act of making food.

Practical Knowledge

We teach techniques you'll actually use: batch cooking for busy weeks, adapting recipes to what's in your fridge, making the most of seasonal produce.

Sustainable Approach

We partner with local farms and suppliers, minimise food waste during classes, and teach students to shop mindfully.

Meet Our Instructors

A team united by culinary passion and a genuine love of teaching.

E

Elena Marchetti

Founder & Head Chef

Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, Elena spent a decade in restaurant kitchens before discovering her true calling in education. She leads our advanced technique classes.

D

David Nguyen

Asian Cuisine Specialist

Born in Hanoi and raised in Melbourne, David brings authentic Southeast Asian cooking to our workshops. His dumpling classes regularly sell out weeks in advance.

R

Rachel Okonkwo

Pastry Chef

Former pastry chef at three-hat restaurants, Rachel now shares her expertise in baking, desserts, and the science of dough. Known for her patient, methodical teaching style.

M

Marcus Webb

Meal Prep Coach

A qualified nutritionist and home cook advocate, Marcus developed our meal prep program to help busy professionals eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

2014
Year Founded
4
Expert Instructors
8
Cooking Stations
50+
Class Themes

Our Teaching Kitchen

Located in Melbourne's CBD, our 200-square-metre facility was designed specifically for hands-on culinary education. We invested in professional equipment without sacrificing the home-kitchen feel, so skills translate directly to your space.

  • 8 individual cooking stations with full equipment
  • Demonstration area with angled mirrors
  • Commercial-grade ventilation system
  • Fully accessible design
  • Private event hire available
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Recognition & Partnerships

We're proud to be part of Australia's growing food education movement.

Best Culinary School 2023

Awarded by Melbourne Food & Wine Magazine for excellence in recreational cooking education.

Queen Victoria Market Partner

Official education partner, running monthly market-to-kitchen tours showcasing seasonal produce.

OzHarvest Supporter

All surplus ingredients from our classes are donated to OzHarvest's food rescue program.

Come Cook With Us

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine specific skills, we have a class that's right for you.

View Our Classes