A culinary institution in Sydney, the fish market at Blackwattle Bay had long held the secrets of seafood cooking close to its chest. That was until 20 years ago, when it was decided this knowledge should be shared with the whole city – so the Sydney Seafood School was born.
Until recently the school – which sees renowned chefs and other members of the food industry pass on their skills – had been teaching Sydneysiders and visitors the best ways to cook seafood in a space akin to a TAFE cookery classroom. Celebrating their 20th birthday last November, the Seafood School decided it was time for a facelift.
Employing the services of Dreamtime Australia Design’s Michael McCann, the demonstration room, kitchens and dining area have all been given a dramatic overhaul, including appliances from Fisher & Paykel.
Entering through a corridor with sandblasted sandstone walls you walk on to the demonstration area, set up like a lecture theatre, with large television screens to help catch all the instructions. The walls of the theatre are actually made of hand-cut salmon skin leather tiles.
After watching the demo, you’ll move on to the kitchens where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the fish market auction floor, while the moody tones, lighting, stainless steel benches and chalk-on-blackboard drawings create a sleek professional aesthetic – the perfect place to test out the recipes you’ve just learnt.
One of the best things about the Seafood School format is that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour, and with the updated dining room, it is a joy. A backlit photograph of the view towards ANZAC Bridge tastefully impersonates a harbour vista, while McCann’s fishnet lights (7000 light bulbs suspended in netting) continue the understated fishy motif.
The new Sydney Seafood School has a full list of classes available across a wide range of seafood and styles.
Fisher & Paykel and habitusliving.com are giving you the chance to win one of 2 classes to the Sydney Seafood School. To win, simply click here and send us an email describing your most memorable seafood experience. The two most creative responses will each win a class.
Sydney Seafood School
sydneyfishmarket.com.au