Pig. Smoke. Fire

Overview

Know someone meat obsessed, or just want to learn more tools of the butchery trade yourself? Why not learn from the best — like celeb chef Michael Van de Elzen, in this specialty class out of his recently-opened Good From Scratch cookery school.

In this one day event on Tuesday, February 15, butcher Francesco Visco and Van De Elzen himself will teach attendees the techniques and skills needed to break down a beast into a restaurant quality cut, while imparting some of their top butchery tips.

This is not for the faint hearted or the vegans among us. Kicking off at 9am, Visco and Van De Elen will run attendees through the production of different meat cuts including butterflied cuts, racks, ribs, belly and snags. Then Van de Elzen will show how to make wet marinades, dry rubs and salsas — basically all you need to turn that meat into a delectable feast.

You'll be able to try your hand at both hot and cold smoking, as well as cooking over an open flame. The class finishes with a plating demonstration, so you can flex your Masterchef skills during your next dinner party.

Of course, you'll want to try the fruits of all that labour, so finish things off with a late lunch of various cuts of meat, sauces, yoghurt flatbreads and greens straight from the school's garden. You'll be able to savour your hard work with a glass of local wine or craft beer — what could be a better feeling than that?