I consider myself a bit of a foodie, so I’m surprised I haven’t heard of artisan bakers before. I also didn’t know that Sydney had any! But apparently we do, and they work at Brasserie Bread.

So what exactly is an artisan baker? As the old saying goes, a baker uses his head and his hands, but an artisan baker uses his head, hands, and heart. It sounds a little bit airy fairy, but the proof’s in the pudding. Or should that be the pastries?

Brasserie Bread offers a huge range of delicious handmade pastries, cakes, and breads all delivered with their organic, slow food philosophy. Confronted with such variety it can be difficult to choose. Let me recommend the organic sourdough, which is made with love over three days!

The staff aren’t shy about sharing their secrets, with regular workshops teaching you how the pros create your favourite baked goods. Over three hours you’ll learn plenty that you can apply at your kitchen at home. They also run free cooking classes for the kids every Saturday.

Of course, if you’re too lazy to learn how to make your own baked goods you can always buy theirs!

Trading hours: Café is open weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. See Brasserie Bread website calendar for artisan workshops
Location: Brasserie Bread
Address: 1737 Botany Road, Banksmeadow
Public transport: Catch the X09 bus to Botany Road
Parking: Limited street parking is available
Cost: Artisan workshops cost $130
Website: http://www.brasseriebread.com.au/

Image source: Bianca de Blok @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Much more than just a place to buy seafood, the Sydney Fish Market is one of the city’s greatest attractions.

The Sydney Fish Market is Australia’s only working fishermen’s market, a colorful and vibrant place which gives visitors and locals the chance to see what goes on before the fish lands on your plate.

It all starts at around 5:30 am each morning, when restauranteurs and seafood enthusiasts arrive to secure the best fish. 1000 crates, equal to around 50 tonnes of seafood, are auctioned off every morning!

If you arrive around lunchtime you won’t be disappointed. The Markets are home to seven seafood retailers and a sushi bar. Buy some fresh seafood to take home, or enjoy fish and chips by the wharf.

The Sydney Fish Market is fantastic to look around at your leisure, but if you want to learn more consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour. These operate every Monday and Thursday. They cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Make sure you wear enclosed shoes to participate. Bookings are recommended by not essential. You can reserve your place by calling (02) 9004 1143.

Many people are intimidated by cooking seafood. If you’re one of them, consider enrolling in the Sydney Seafood School located at the market. It holds a variety of classes which will show you how to make classics like laksa, chilli crab, paella, risotto, and much more. To join a class, call (02) 9004 1122.

Trading hours: Open daily (except Christmas Day). Auction starts from 5:30 am, retail from 7 am to 4 pm
Location: Sydney Fish Market
Address: Blackwattle Bay, Corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Bank Street, Pyrmont
Public transport: Catch the light rail to Fish Market station
Parking: Parking is available on site on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Bank Street
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Image source: Charlie Brewer @ Flickr 

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Now that it looks like it’s clearing though, I’m starting to think of ways to enjoy this sunny weather. One particularly appealing option is an Ultimate Sailing course. It’s going to require three weekends of fine weather, but I’m an optimist.

Sailing’s one of those sports that tends to intimidate people, but is really terribly easy. It doesn’t take long to learn the basics, leaving you plenty of time to just soak in the picturesque harbour.

If you’re interested in taking classes with Ultimate Sailing, you’ll need to wear comfortable clothes and non-marking shoes (think sneakers with white soles). The glare off the water makes a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses essential. As the classes last all day, you’ll also need to pack lunch and some drinks.

Dates: Classes are held over three Saturdays or Sundays
Time: Classes run from 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location: The Boathouse
Address: 23A King George Street, Lavender Bay
Public transport: Catch a train to North Sydney station. Lavender Bay wharf is 10 minutes away. When you leave the station, turn right at the top of the stairs and walk down the footpath to the sign directing you to Lavender Bay Gallery. Follow the sign downhill to the wharf
Parking: Park in nearby Waiwere Street, Arthur Street, or Middlemiss Street for unrestricted parking
Cost: $550, which includes the Practical Competent Crew Certificate. Call (02) 9955 6400 to book a course
Website: http://www.ultimatesailing.com.au/

Image source: MyBarina @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

It seems plenty of Sydneysiders agree with me because Sydney’s Greek cooking school, Greekalicious, has just moved to larger premises to cope with the demand for their classes.

Founder Maria Bernadis is passionate about Greek food, and it shows. She only uses the very best ingredients to create a mix of traditional and modern Greek fare. She’ll give you the story and history behind each dish, and offer plenty of handy tips to educate even the most accomplished chef.

If the idea of cooking makes you nervous, there’s no need to worry. Participation in the classes is optional, so you can choose whether to get your hands dirty or just sit back and take it all in. 

After the class you’ll get to enjoy your hard work with a Greek feast featuring all the dishes created. If you’ve ever eaten a full Greek meal before, you’ll know you won’t walk away hungry!

Greekalicious offers private classes, corporate classes, kids classes, hen’s night experiences and more so there’s bound to be something to suit you. Class sizes are limited so booking is essential.

Dates: Check the Greekalicious website for all the class dates
Times: Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available
Location: The Intuitive Well Centre
Address: 1st floor, 70 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction
Public transport: Catch a train to Bondi Junction. The Wellness Centre is a short walk from the station
Parking: Two hours free parking is available at the nearby Westfield. You can also get cheap all-day parking at the Eastgate Shopping Centre
Cost: Adults are $120 for one class, or $330 for three. Kids classes are $60
Website: http://www.greekalicious.com.au

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Let’s Go Surfing makes it easy with their learn to surf classes at the world-famous Bondi Beach. They cater for all levels of experience, from people who’ve never been in the ocean to water babies looking to catch their first wave. They’ll also teach anyone, from kids to seniors. Group and private sessions are available.

All Let’s Go Surfing instructors are experts with a Bronze Medallion from the Australian Surf Life Saving Association and Level 1 or higher surf coaching accreditation. The instructors will put you in the safest waves and give you all the moral support you need.

It might look tricky, but 70% of students stand up at the end of their first lesson. While you may not be the next Layne Beachley just yet, Let’s Go Surfing guarantees you’ll be surfing by your third lesson.

So don’t just watch everyone else catching waves this summer. Get out and do it yourself!

When: Available all year round.
Location: Bondi Beach
Address: 128 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Public transport: Take a train to Bondi Junction and link to the #380 or #381 bus to Bondi Beach. Get off at North Bondi Surf Club, cross the road, and walk about 50 m to the left end of the beach promenade.
Parking: There is paid parking (metered) in Park Drive, Bondi and paid parking (ticket) in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi.
Cost: Adult classes start from $75, and kids classes start at $40. This includes surfboard and wetsuit hire.
Website: http://www.letsgosurfing.com.au

Image source: Paulo Simao @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Why pay for someone else to mix your drinks when it’s so easy to make your own? At Cruise Restaurant & Bar, you can learn how to create all your favourites with their fun cocktail classes!

Cruise’s chief bartender, Loy Catada, hosts the classes. He’ll show you how to make his favourite drink, the classic martini, and loads more. You’ll also learn a bit about the history, style, and influences of cocktail culture.

The two-hour classes cost $65 per person, which is probably close to what you’d spend on an average night out. This price includes canapés and, of course, cocktails, making it great value. Courses run at 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and bookings are essential.

Cruise Restaurant & Bar
Overseas Passenger Terminal
West Circular Quay

Image source: Christy Thompson @ Stock.xchng 

Post from: The Sydney Traveler