Chef Jacqui’s French & Indigenous Australian Cooking Experience

A Tasty Adventure with Chef Jacqui’s French & Indigenous Australian Cooking Experience

If you’re craving a hands-on culinary journey that combines French finesse with indigenous Australian flavors, Chef Jacqui’s small-group cooking class on the Mornington Peninsula is a perfect pick. This five-star-rated experience offers more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a true immersion into the art of flavor, technique, and storytelling through food.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized attention provided in a cozy home environment ensures you’ll get plenty of tips and tricks from a classically trained chef. Second, the delicious, multi-course lunch that follows your cooking session means you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor — no leftovers to lug home, just good vibes and great food.

A potential consideration? The price of just over $168 per person might seem steep for some, but it includes a full gourmet meal, light refreshments, and the priceless experience of learning skills you can replicate at home. Perfect for food lovers, aspiring chefs, or anyone eager to explore a different culinary culture without leaving Australia, this experience is a memorable way to spend a day.

Key Points

• Personalized, small-group setting ensures individual attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Includes a full 3-course gourmet lunch with canapés and light refreshments, so come hungry
• Learn practical skills like knife techniques, ingredient storage, and food styling
• Taste and discuss the balance of flavors and textures, making it more than a cooking class — it’s a culinary conversation
• Flexible for dinner or private bookings, catering to special occasions or preferred timings
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 13 reviews, all recommending it

An In-Depth Look at the Culinary Experience

We love how this experience begins with a warm welcome from Sophie and her adorable golden retrievers Humphrey and Sophie, who meet guests at the door amidst enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen. This small detail immediately sets the tone — it’s a homely, welcoming environment where hospitality matters just as much as the food.

When you step into Jacqui’s well-equipped kitchen, you’re greeted with a gorgeous table set for lunch and a spread of fresh ingredients ready for action. The class size is capped at eight, which guarantees personalized attention and plenty of interaction. You’ll be handed an apron and invited to join the cooking process right from the start.

The menu varies depending on the day, but expect to learn how to prepare dishes like scallops, kangaroo steaks with a French twist, and crepes. The emphasis on French cuisine’s balance of flavors provides insight into a cooking style that values technique and finesse. During the preparation, Jacqui shares her trade secrets — everything from knife skills to pan-frying techniques, and how to present food beautifully.

Throughout the day, we loved how the focus isn’t solely on cooking but also on understanding ingredients and their best use. For example, you might learn proper ways to store produce or how to elevate simple ingredients into fine dining dishes. It’s a treasure trove for anyone wanting to lift their home cooking.

Each recipe is enjoyed right after preparation, with time set aside to savor the dishes and discuss the flavor profiles. This makes the experience more of a culinary workshop than just a cooking class. The feedback from past participants, like Dianne who said, “Jacqui was so lovely and welcoming,” underscores how this is as much about the personal connection as the food.

The included lunch is a highlight — a three-course meal featuring canapés and light refreshments. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and armed with new skills and ideas to try at home. For those interested in evening options, dinner classes and private bookings are available, making this experience suitable for special occasions or intimate gatherings.

The Practicalities and Value

The tour lasts about five hours, starting at 11:00 am, which is perfect for a leisurely, food-focused day without feeling rushed. The price of approximately $168.55 per person might seem to add up, but considering the gourmet three-course meal, light refreshments, and the comprehensive skills you acquire, it’s a worthwhile investment for foodies.

Because the class is held in Jacqui’s home, you get an authentic, cozy environment that differs from larger commercial classes. The limited group size ensures you won’t be lost in the crowd. Plus, the opportunity to ask questions freely and take as many photos as you like enhances the learning experience.

The tour’s flexibility with dinner or private bookings allows for customization, ideal for celebrating a special occasion or for those who prefer evening learning. The only potential inconvenience is that transportation isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Authentic, Fun, and Educational

This experience offers genuine value by combining hands-on cooking, local and French flavors, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious foodie, you’ll appreciate the approachable yet professional guidance from Jacqui. The tasting and sharing of food help deepen your understanding of flavor harmony, making this more than just a cooking class.

The reviews highlight the welcoming environment and the delicious food. Dianne’s comment about learning “so much about French cooking from knife skills to general organization” reflects how comprehensive the class is. Others mention how much they enjoyed the meal they cooked, calling it “amazing,” and expressing a desire to repeat the experience.

For travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed, and educational culinary experience in Mornington Peninsula, this class hits all the right notes. It’s a wonderful way to spend part of a day, soaking in local flavors, learning new techniques, and making new friends.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to expand their cooking skills with the guidance of a professional chef. It’s also ideal for those interested in French cuisine and indigenous Australian ingredients, offering a unique cultural blend. If you’re visiting Mornington Peninsula and want a memorable, hands-on activity that includes eating and learning, this class is a fantastic choice.

People who enjoy small, intimate groups will find the personalized attention and relaxed atmosphere particularly appealing. It’s also a great option for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers looking for a fun and engaging culinary experience.

However, if you’re after a quick, low-cost cooking demo or prefer larger group classes, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers relying on public transport should plan accordingly, as transportation isn’t included.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Jacqui’s home in Hastings.

Can I book for dinner instead of lunch?
Yes, dinner bookings are available, and private bookings can be scheduled for any date, offering flexibility.

What’s the group size?
The class caps at a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

How long does the experience last?
It runs approximately 5 hours, starting at 11:00 am, making it a good half-day activity.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible, with tips and tricks shared throughout, though some basic cooking knowledge might help.

Are there vegetarian options?
The menu varies, and while specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned, you might inquire directly with the provider.

What’s included in the price?
You get a full 3-course gourmet lunch, light refreshments, use of all ingredients and equipment, and personalized instruction.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing peace of mind to plan your day.

Final Thoughts

Chef Jacqui’s French & Indigenous Australian Cooking Experience offers a genuine, enriching taste of both cuisines in a warm, personal setting. It’s best suited for those who love to cook, enjoy good conversation, and want to take home new skills and recipes. With a perfect rating and glowing reviews, this class promises a fun, flavorful, and educational day on the Mornington Peninsula.

If you’re after an authentic culinary encounter that balances skill-building with storytelling and delicious food, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s more than just a cooking class — it’s a day of discovery, shared laughter, and, ultimately, a feast for the senses.