If my high school home economics teacher was anything like Riki Kaspi from The Cooking Professor, I might actually have enjoyed cooking instead of being so terrified I only remember how to burn pikelets!
Riki migrated to Australia from Israel, bringing recipes handed down from her Turkish mother, and a combination of cuisines collected from extensive travels throughout Europe and the Middle East. She hand crafts her own range of 100% natural, preservative free, chermoula spice pastes to enhance the Moroccan flavor of her dishes and which are available to purchase.
After running a café for many years Riki decided she wanted to share her food experiences and The Cooking Professor Cooking School was born. Operating for over five years in various locations, it has finally found a permanent home on the corner of Scarborough Beach Road and Main Street.
The existing warehouse has been remodeled into a ‘rustically cool, New York Warehouse Style’ space. The purpose built commercial kitchen is designed to maximise demonstration capabilities to allow anything from small gatherings to corporate events and can easily accommodate up to 65 guests. At the launch of the new premises we were treated to oysters, dips and shooters and these spinach and feta burkas in flaky pastry, made by Riki’s chefs, which were very light and cheesy.
The Cooking Professor offers an array of services all in one convenient location, not available in any other venue in Perth including: Jazz band for hire – Riki’s husband Heni is an accomplished jazz saxophonist and will be joined by the rest of his band on an upcoming ‘Jazz and Bistro’ night when Riki will cook a three course meal while guests relax and enjoy the vibes.
Hands on dedicated cooking classes – a chef will demonstrate five or six dishes, pausing and explaining throughout as guests mimic the procedure. Once the meals are released from the oven, everyone sits together and shares their different dishes with a BYO drink. Future classes include learning to make pasta dough, Indian street food, a wok workshop, 30 minute meals, baking for beginners, plus many more.
Masterclass events – you can learn how to make three cocktails at the Cocktail Gastronomy class or attend a wine and gourmet cheese night.
Kitchen and venue hire – There are two commercial grade, immaculately clean kitchens available to hire by food service professionals or people who wish to start their own small businesses. Users are required to bring their own pots and utensils.
Riki and Heni’s son Elli, cooked up Riki’s famous Moroccan Chicken Tajine with couscous. Using home-made spices, and adding wet herbs and prunes, it was delicious. You can find Elli’s Shakshuka food stall (authentic Moroccan) at festivals and markets across Perth.
To finish off we were served a decadent dessert with a creamy base and chocolate topping which left a slight bitter aftertaste.
The love and warmth radiating from Riki and her family is palpable. Elli says his mother is, “the most courageous and delicious chef I know” who puts, “love and care into every meal”. Don’t just take his word for it, book into a class and experience it for yourself!
There are cooking classes for everyone, each day of the week. Try:
Baking on Wednesday 24th Feb at 6pm. This is for confident bakers who want to learn to make Bubka, cinnamon rolls and lemon meringue tart. Cost is $115 per person.
Seafood Without Fear on Saturday 27th Feb at 10 am. This class will show you how to fillet fish, prepare squid and shuck oysters in order to create chilli salt squid and mussels with white wine sauce. Cost is $130 per person.
French Bistro on 3rd March at 6pm. Enjoy cooking Coq au Vin, Ratatouille and French Onion Soup all for $115 per person.
Ancient Iranian Cuisine on 6th March at 6pm. Prepare exotic dishes such as herb and feta omelet or eggplant and yoghurt dip with rice,as well as salads, pastries and drinks. Cost is $115 per person.
Book early online as I’m told these Perth cooking classes get booked out quickly. Bon appetit!
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of The Cooking Professor. See disclosure policy or more details.