CUSINERO UNO
When a cooking class begins with a PowerPoint presentation, you know this is no ordinary tryst in the kitchen. Last month, a colleague and I made our way to Cuisinero Uno, the Spanish and Mediterranean tapas bar resting in the heart of Business Bay at the Steinberger Hotel, to try out their new Cooking Masterclass.
Hosted by the venue’s young and dynamic proprietor John Buenaventura, the two-hour session gave a quick insight into Cuisinero Uno’s work process, as we were taught, over the course of two hours, the ins and outs of a restaurant kitchen and learnt how to make a perfect paella, the popular Valencian rice dish bursting with rich flavours. For those who are interested in learning to make something that is not the paella, Cuisinero Uno also offers lessons in making steaks and butternut pumpkin ravioli.
After the presentation, we’re taken through the kitchen as the head chef gives us a brief tour of what the inside of a real restaurant kitchen looks like.
Because we took our class on a
Saturday morning, we were spared the bustle of rush time, making this quite the relaxed outing.
But that doesn’t last for too long as we’re handed our aprons and are set to work over the hot stoves.
What I loved about the class is that we were expected to do all the work, as Buenaventura and his sous chefs observed and gave directions. I picked up valuable tips on how to correctly chop vegetables, keeping my work station clean and how to minimise waste while cooking.
And when the dish is finally done, you feel like you’ve earned it. For those who are wondering, yes you get to sample/devour your own creations. As part of the package, students are also served soft beverages through the class.