Master chef moves online

COOKING classes aren’t new for Barry Iddles, owner of Queenscliff’s 360Q restaurant and Sorrento Catering Company, but delivering them online via Zoom certainly is.
The popular chef said in order to keep the “cash register ticking over”, he took to the online platform, offering culinary enthusiasts the chance to whip up delicious dishes inside their home.
“Last week, I ran a cooking class which was picked up by an international platform. The theme was three ingredients, it was really smart and sharp food. This week, we’ll ‘raid the pantry’,” he said.
“I had about 20 people, it was fantastic. I tell everyone to mute their microphone, and if they want to talk, they take it off and ask any questions. It’s working really well.”
Mr Iddles said the coronavirus pandemic has him revisiting his past, having previously taught cooking classes in Bendigo.
“I’ve been doing cooking classes for a long time. The feedback I got was always incredible and at the end of a five-week course, we’d host a big dinner party at someone’s house.
“We’d all prepare a dish and it was an amazing way to make lifelong friends. This pandemic has allowed me to get to know my customers more, I’m chatting to them when they come get a coffee or pick up meals. It’s been totally different the past couple of months.”
Mr Iddles said the positive reaction will see 360Q continue to offer the cooking classes upstairs, once restrictions lift.
“We have people joining in the cooking class from as far as Sydney. There’s people from Portsea, Sorrento, Brighton, Echuca and Geelong.
“It’s $40 if you want us to drop off the ingredients to your door, or $20 if you just join in the classes. We’ve made dishes like gnocchi, prawns in a pappadum crust with a delicious korma mayonnaise and desserts like coconut ice cream and sorbet.”
Mr Iddles said he’s received emails from participants praising the delicious food, and simplicity required to produce the dishes.
“We’ve got a great Instagram and Facebook following; the traction we’re getting off people viewing our short clips and videos online is incredible. I’m simplifying delicious food, using just a few ingredients.”
If you would like to register for online classes head to 360q.com.au or email [email protected], or phone 5257 4200.