insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 89

FOOD+DRINK COOKERY STUDIO KENT Many consider Faversham to be one of one of the main foodie centres in the county, and so it is great to discover that the area has recently acquired an exciting new attraction in the form of a cookery school. With a background in food and nutrition and extensive experience in education, Diane Perry is outstandingly qualified as the chef patron of the town's latest establishment, Cookery Studio Kent. “I am passionate about food and cooking,” she explains, “...I'm greatly looking forward to sharing this passion both with those who would like to acquire cookery skills, and those who would like to develop the skills that they already have.” Diane believes that everyone is capable of cooking delicious and nutritious food for themselves, and that it's important to understand some of the science involved (nothing too serious!), in order to know why some processes work and others do not. Situated in a stunning location in the heart of the Garden of England, Cookery Studio Kent places strong emphasis on the use of local and seasonal produce. The studio offers a wide range of day courses. These include those based on specific skills or products such as bread making or patisserie; themed such as Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai; seasonal courses; and others targeted at specific 89 audiences like 'Men in the Kitchen'. She also recognises the importance for young people leaving home for the first time to be armed with a range of basic cookery skills, which they can apply to create tasty and nutritious dishes within their limited budgets. For this, a four-day course is offered. All of the Cookery Studio's courses start with a warm welcome, which includes coffee and nibbles. The learning is very hands on; participants share lunch (much of which they have cooked themselves), and still have impressive dishes to take home and enjoy with family and friends. A recent student commented: “…we covered so much. It was a day that really extended my knowledge and confidence. I am already planning another visit." www.cookerystudiokent.co.uk [email protected]