STAFF OR HOST TO SERVE EXPENSIVE CANAPE 

Those prawn, scallops and expensive meats shall be served by staff rather than putting them on buffet or table  for guests to serve themselves. You might  save 40 percent of the total cost. The other way is you can ask your caterer to buy less expensive type of seafoods.

USE LARGE AND COLOURFUL SALAD AND VEGETABLE DISHES

This strategy is showing that you care about your guests to offer them plenty of vegetables. It also show your generosity without having to spend a lot of money. You can use exciting ways to place your foods such as a wok, pan, unusual platters.

SKIP THE CHEESE PLATTER

It’s often the les popular item at some party because guests may not want dairy products. Most guests have had cheese platters at office parties and family get-togethers. No one will miss it and you might save some money. You can find some Vietnamese rice paper rolls here. Get a bunch of fillings and get your guests to make the rice paper rolls themselves. 

SKIP THE ROAST ADD THE ASIAN INSPIRED STATION

Those leg of lamb, large pork roast and chicken roast are too heavy and filling not to mention they are expensive item. Choose a soup or two such as mini Thai pumkin soup would go a long way.

SERVE ALL TIME FAVOURITE DIFFERENTLY

Serve all time favourite in different ways such as mini chicken parma, macaroni in nice palte, mini cheese bites in glass or stick, fish and chips in paper corns. Those crowd pleaser items would come cheaply and show how creative you are.

USE CHICKEN OR PASTA INSTEAD OF EXPENSIVE MEAT CUTS

Most people can be okay with chicken if you cook well. Just get a good sauce and present it different way.

MULTI COURSE TASTING MENU

If you plan a tasting menu of 7 or 8 small courses instead of four big ones, you’ll save some money here.

GO BITE SIZE WITH DESSERT ITEMS

Make tiny desserts and serve them in smaller cup or glass. By controlling portions, you’re saving one-third the price of a full dessert buffet.

SKIP THE SPARKLING WINE FOR TOASTS

Skip the champagne for your special toast. Guests can toast you with the drinks they have in hand. Or look into serving easily available cheaper sparkling wines instead.

THE MORNING WEDDING

There is no doubt you will be in for an early start on your day.  It will take a long time for hair and makeup so you should allow 1.5-2 hours for your hair and make up and 1 hour for each bridesmaid. It would be best to start at 7am as it might take 2 hours or more to get hairs and make up.

Then you will put your casual dress or actual dress for the day on. You will need to get to the venue. It might be nice to get some pre wedding photos with family and friends. You can allow 15 mins.

The reception would start between 10-11am. When you finish you might have to take photos with everyone. This may take up to an hour depending how many shots you like to have.

About mid day the reception or meal time starts. You might want to add some speech and toast in this time after 30-40 mins so people can have a bit of foods and hospitality.

The cake cutting would take about 1pm and after that people will have free party time till 2-2.30pm. 

The couple might leave about 3pm and right after the guest will leave.

The caterers and supplies will pack up and go at 4-5pm.

THE AFTERNOON WEDDING

This afternoon wedding is popular these day if couple want to have more time in the morning and more time in the evening with their friends and family. It also means you will party into the night. You will repeat the same timeline above except you will finish later at 10pm. Some venue will send guests home so they can clean before 11pm.

Traditional dipping sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 small red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped - optional
• 1 teaspoons freshly grated ginger - optional
• 1 teaspoons sesame oil - optional
• 3 tablespoons premium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (shaohsing)
• 1 teaspoons brown sugar

Methods

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.

Thai Style Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 teaspoons finely minced garlic (about 8 medium cloves)
• 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh juice from about 4 limes
• 1.5 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander and fine stems
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Methods

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Coconut Curry Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh juice from 1 lime
• 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh peeled ginger

Methods

Bring the coconut milk and curry paste over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened and fragrant for 20 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Add cooked curry mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.

Ponzu-Ginger Dipping Sauce

Methods

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients together.

DUMPLINGS COOKING CLASS AS MOTHER'S DAY GIFT

Making and eating dumplings is always a winner! You are guaranteed to find fantastic Mother's Day Gift Voucher with Otao Kitchen. Melbourne is home to a diverse range of cultures Vietnamese , Chinese and Japanese... which are showcased through the many dumplings offerings. If you are after a unique experience casual and fun, why not try the dumpling cooking with your mum? Pick up a date for mum or buy her a gift here Otao Kitchen now!

THAI, VIETNAMESE, JAPANESE AND BALI...COOKING CLASSES AS MOTHER'S DAY GIFT

Our cooking classes take place every week Friday Dinner, Saturday Lunch or Dinner. Our menus feather specialities from different regions with herbs and spices, tasting fresh exotic fruits, making salads from vegetables. Mum will pick up something delicious ideas making beautiful lunches and dinner. She can join our Victoria Street Market Tour to learn where to buy Asian ingredients and enjoy chef delicious bites on the day.

CATERING WITH ASIAN FOODS

For a relaxed dinner or lunch, treat mum to home delivery service with our home-made Asian and Italian varieties. Simple and freshly made treats and you can create an easy meal for mum on her special day.Or simply visit our Asian Catering Food Special

If you keep it simple and buy ingredients at farmers' markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. Do as little as possible to the food; consider leaving out an ingredient and relying on instinct. We have a list of shopping streets and farmer markets in Melbourne for you.

Hawthorn - Boroondara Farmers' Market

• When: 3rd and 5th Saturday of the month
• Where: Patterson Reserve, Auburn Road, Hawthorn East (Melway 59 E4)
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Cost: $2
• Contact: 9278 4444

Join a dedicated group of farmers and locals who are passionate about fresh fruits, vegetables, organic produce, meats. Talk directly with the producers and support small Victorian producers. Bring your kids. The market is supported by the city of Boroondara and Melbourne Farmers Market

boroondara.vic.gov.au/our-city/markets-restaurants/farmers-market

Carlton Farmers' Market

• When: 1st Saturday of each month
• Where: Carlton Primary School, cnr Palmerston & Rathdowne Streets
• Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm
• Cost: Gold coin donation supports school projects.
• Parking: Street parking available on Palmerston, Drummond, Rathdowne & Lygon Streets.

Carlton Farmers' Market is a place for locals searching for a way to get closer to the source of their food. Carlton Farmers's Market offer shoppers the unique opportunity to put faces to names of their favourite local producers, and to take home a basket of tasty, ethically grown groceries. More information Carlton Farmers' Market

Collingwood Children's Farm Farmers' Market

• When: 2nd Saturday of each month
• Where: St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
• Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm
• Cost: Gold coin donation supports projects at Collingwood Children's Farm
• Parking: St Heliers Street Carpark, visit the Abbotsford Convent.

Set in the pastoral oasis that is the Collingwood Children's Farm and open the second Saturday of each month, this gourmand's paradise offers a fleeting taste of country life in the heart of Abbotsford. More information Collingwood Children's Farm or Melbourne Farmer Market

Gasworks Farmers' Market

• When: 3rd Saturday of each month
• Where: Gasworks Parkland
• Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm
• Cost: Nil
• Parking: Parking is still free, but limited, visit the City Of Port Phillip website.

If all you sell is raspberries (or olives, or rhubarb, or honey), then you've got to have a pretty strong passion for them. Every third Saturday of the month, enthusiasm for high quality local produce runs like electricity at this Port Melbourne arts space, and your tastebuds will feel it too.

Grab a fresh, crusty baguette from Alison, then stock up on seasonal produce and a treat or two for later (handmade chocolate biscuits, anyone?).

Slow Food Melbourne Farmers' Market

• When: 4th Saturday of each month
• Where:  Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
• Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm
• Cost: Gold coin donation
• Parking: St Heliers St Carpark, visit the Abbotsford Convent.

Beneath the grey spires of the historic Abbotsford Convent is a market that champions an era when you know the farmer who grew your potatoes, and when tomatoes tasted like real tomatoes.

Open the fourth Saturday of each month, seasonal, organic food is king here, and learning about the origins of your produce is half the fun. Pope Joan's Matt Wilkinson can't get enough of the Warialda sausages and Jim's pork pies, and we fell hard for Take Me Home's Gippsland-made gnocchi.

Visit Slow Food Melbourne Farmers' Market website

Gleadell Street Richmond

When: Every Saturday
Where: Gleadell Street Market, Gleadell Street, Richmond
Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm
Cost: Nil
Parking:Parking is still free, but limited,

Every Saturday, Richmond's Gleadell Street is transformed into a bustling fresh food market, overflowing with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, herbs, flowers and other gourmet delights. The original Richmond market opened in 1873 and the tradition of enthusiastic stallholders arriving as early as 2am to set up their stalls continues today.

http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Events/Shopping-and-dining/markets/Gleadell-Street/

We have a focus on organic and local ingredients which are sourced from within Victoria Street and our own backyard where possible for your team building cooking.

Our training kitchen is designed with home cooks in mind, as we feel cooking in a commercial training kitchen is unrealistic! We want the skills and dishes you learn to be fully transferable to your own home. This is not a cooking show on TV – it’s your show and your way, an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Team building cooking and social cooking classes are intimate with a maximum of 8-16 people per class. This allows our chef to spend as much one-on-one time with you as possible. All classes are hands on – Get in and get your hands dirty! Experience the thrill of creating wonderful and tasty dishes that you have made yourself.

Corporate and group class bookings are also available and are perfect for team building, social club activities, new product launches or client and media events. Plus it is a great place for intimate private parties with both indoor and outdoor classes.

So whether you’re a competent cook or a beginner with basic skills, OTAO’s classes are designed with you in mind. Immerse yourself in the flavours and freshness of Vietnamese cuisine. Get creative, have fun and enjoy your experience with OTAO Kitchen

Explore Asia through foods and cooking 

An Asian cooking class is ideal for anyone from avid foodies and cooks, to those that don’t know how to cook at all. Our cooking classes cater to all tastes and skill levels.
Avoid the long queues, save time and make things better by gifting a cooking class experience this Christmas.

For a limited time, gift a cooking class for only $99. You save 27% off the regular price!
Our cooking classes offer amazing food experiences and they really are a gift that keeps on giving. They’ll have a blast and leave with a new set of recipes under their belt and the confidence to recreate them at home. Here’s hoping you get a dinner invite!

Be this year’s Greatest Gift Giver and gift a cooking class to that special someone now.

Asian Cooking Essentials gift pack only $80 per lesson
Consisting of 4 classes including Market Tour and knife skills, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cooking lessons. The ultimate cooking class gift bundle.

Get them talking about you this Christmas instead of a forgotten gift.

Buy your loved ones with Christmas Gifts Under $100

Get a great time in this the season for great venue, good foods, activity and entertaining and of course the infamous Work Christmas Party. If you are in charge of organising your office social calendar, no doubt you want to make sure it’s Christmas cheer and everyone enjoy what you plan for them. And of course you’ll want to avoid Christmas party hell.

Our classes are also a perfect step to take before travelling to Asia.

Instead of travelling (to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, or elsewhere) and then taking a cooking class, why not get in some hours before hand? Then you can build on your experience abroad. And afterwards, if you tried Asian cooking and developed a passion for it, then you can come and work with us to develop your dishes even more, or just get some new and creative ideas!

With our Asian cooking class experience, you’ll also learn how to pair food from different regions, choose tastes and ingredients that complement each other, wines, herbs and spices which balance one another, and even more. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, happy, and with some very special knowledge about Asian cooking.

Once you develop your flair for Asian cooking with us, you’ll have those skills for life. You’ll enjoy better satisfaction in your cooking, more variety in your diet, and a new outlook on Asian culture and Asian food.

Otao Kitchen Cooking School

OTAO Kitchen is a purpose-built Asian | Vietnamese Cooking School located on Victoria Street, Richmond – Melbourne’s own little Saigon. Just minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Victoria Street is a hub of activity, sights and sounds. What better way to immerse yourself in an authentic Asian | Vietnamese culinary experience!

Chef Ha Nguyen

Your host who will ensure you receive a personalised experience. Ha was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam and has over 14 years experience in kitchens. Having worked in Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia, Ha is trained in both Eastern and Western style cuisines. His knowledge and passion translate into a thoughtful, real and enjoyable cooking experience designed just for you.

Sign up for a Cooking Class at Otao Kitchen Asian Cooking in Richmond, Melbourne today!

When is Father's Day?

Father’s Day is on Sunday 3 September and if you’re struggling for inspiration on what to buy Dad, a cooking class is a great idea. Let's step away from the gifting of gadgets.  Take a second to appreciate what our father's taught us in the kitchen.

We cooked and really enjoyed Mother's Day. It was so much fun to see how our family kitchen was shaped by a parent. This time around, be inspired with some things our dads taught us about cooking.  Surprise your dad with this weekend with the gift of cooking.

Check out cooking class on the side bar

Here is is how Robyn Eckhardt of the New York Times see herse and music. Great to see Steve who is veteran American who live in Hanoi since late 1990s.

http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/havana-hanoi

And Michael Totten to compare the city with Havana, Cuba.

Hanoi is amazing Vietnamese city with beautiful lakes, tree line boulevards, street foods, ancient temple, pagodas and old gates.  Growing up in 1980s and 1990s, you might experience Hanoi as a sleepy town,  now it's an wakening with business and tourism.

The city was named as Dragon city or Thang Long before 1800s and renamed to Hanoi when French colonised Vietnam. Today, millions of ambitious citizens are determined to catch up with better and modern education, business and technology. Flowing motorbikes and people on the street, they created markets of chaos.  Food Hawkers in conical hats sell their fruits, vegetables and flowers on the bikes.

Local Hanoians sit down on the footpath for noodle breakfast or sip coffee or enjoy the street foods of Hanoi. At dust and dawn,  people takes tai chi sessions around the lake or in Lenin Park. Bright and young citizens celebrate their new additions of modern and Western restaurants and bars.

Here is their details:

Fundraising Event in Melbourne - Taste the Stories will take place at the "Moonee Valley Legend” on the 17th of June 2015.

Taste the Stories promises to bring the flavour of Vietnam, from the finger food menu to traditional dance as entertainment. Jimmy Pham, Koto Founder, AM together with current KOTO alumni will share their stories.

There are items for both silent and live auction to win:

1. A ticket for two people to enjoy a Vietnam Adventure Tour for 8 days valued $10,000 sponsored by Gourmet Safari.

2. Two Vietnamese cooking lessons with OTAO Kitchen valued at $135/each.

3. One voucher for 8 people to enjoy a 5-course sit down dinner in house sponsored by Tastes of Vietnam - a KOTO Alumni small private caterer.

4. A dinner voucher at a fine dining Vietnamese Restaurant valued at $200 sponsored by Dandelion Restaurant.

5. Two vouchers to shop online at Rice Kitchen - an Asian grocery in Melbourne valued at $150 each.

Please visit www.koto.com.au

 Koto Vietnam - people have known of Koto Vietnam with Hospitality and Cooking School  since the early 2000s. We would visit their restaurant and support the kids with activities at KOTO Vietnam through United Nations International School of Hanoi. And now I can see KOTO is doing well and expanding to a business model of social enterprise and Hospitality and Cooking School in Vietnam. 

Most Vietnamese and Hanoi people growing up in the 1980s and 1990s may remember how hard it was to get good food, let alone dreaming of having a job. The country has moved on from hungers but it can still be difficult for the poor to move above the poverty line.

Jimmy Pham is a Vietnamese Australian who opened a Hospitality and Cooking School Centre in Hanoi, giving disadvantaged kids an opportunity to learn and to get a job in the food industry. Vietnam is on the move with growing tourism and hospitality and the Cooking School in Vietnam has added much to this industry.

KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” with the message knowledge is there to be shared. Now Jimmy and other members have built a great social enterprise. They have hospitality and cooking schools and restaurants in Hanoi and Saigon. At anytime hey have over 400 students working and learning from Hanoi and Saigon restaurants, an online bakery, a cooking class and a catering service.

The results are amazing with KOTO Vietnam  also introducing thousands of Australians to the food taste of Vietnam over the years. Many of KOTO's graduates choose to work at the KOTO Vietnam social enterprises.

ULTIMATE NORTHERN VIETNAM FOOD TOUR 9D8N

Discover charm people, vibrant streets and incredible flavours, Vietnam is an attractive food destination to travel to. Join us on a Northern Vietnam Food Tour in Vietnam. This private-guided tour will see you enjoying some of the finest Vietnamese foods and drinks, experience exciting cooking classes and exploring local markets. With ample time to explore attractions and relax in your luxury 5-star hotel accommodation, this is truly an unforgettable Vietnam food tour experience.

Click here http://www.otaokitchen.com.au/ultimate-northern-vietnam-food-tour

An indulgent paddock to plate cooking experience

This winter, OTAO Kitchen has transformed the entire 4-star Twelve Apostles eco lodge into a relaxing and friendly cooking retreat escape just for you. Everything you could imagine for the perfect cooking experience and getaway is right here. Fresh local produce and ingredients, commercial kitchen, beautiful dining room overlooking native forest plus stunning cabin accommodation.

Don't hide away this winter, escape with us to the Great Ocean Road. Our cooking class and retreat package is all inclusive at a very reasonable rate. Your package includes two cooking classes (dinner and brunch), two days one night accommodation in exclusive eco lodge cabins, all meals, snacks and drinks, wine and cheese tasting, tranquil surroundings, wireless internet and so much more. Friendly local visitors such as wallabies and kookaburras will enhance this experience. It’s the best winter escape value on the planet!

We have fantastic French-inspired Vietnamese Cooking with a class scheduled specially for Mother's Day (Sunday 3 May 2015). Bring Mum along and enjoy the day together.

Or why not give Mum the ultimate cooking gift with a VIP Cooking Experience.

For that something extra special, a Great Ocean Road Cooking and Lodge Retreat will see Mum enjoying a 4-star eco lodge stay, complete with two cooking classes. You're sure to be the favourite with this one!

Of course, every day should be Mother's Day and you could surprise her with any one of a wonderful range of cooking classes. Mum will have heaps of fun learning to cook some new recipes and you're belly is sure to reap the benefits of it too.

Visit www.otaokitchen.com.au for more information and to book or call Chef Ha on 0408 217 899

Ceviche Recipe

Serve 4 Cook 20 mins Level easy

INGREDIENTS

1. Cut your fish fillets into 1cm cubes. Put these into a bowl with your chopped capsicums and spring onions, then cover and place in the fridge until you need them.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the lemon juice, coconut milk, salt and chilli. Wash and dry herbs.
3. You can assemble the ceviche just before your guests are ready to eat. It’s important that you don’t leave the fish marinating in lemon juice too long as the acids in the juices will cook the fish and fish will be dry! 
4. Pour the lemon dressing over the fish mixture and immediately mix it up and serve in 3 minutes.
5. Divide the ceviche between your 4 plates, gently spoon over a little of the dressing and discard the rest. 
6. Sprinkle with herbs and extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper.

Melbourne Seasonal Fruits

Apples

Bananas

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Melons

Oranges (Valencia)

Pears

Persimmons

Pomegranate

Strawberries

Tomatillos

Melbourne Seasonal Vegetables and Herbs

• Asian Green
• Basil
• Bay leaf
• Beans
• Beetroot
• Bronze fennel
• Brussels Sprouts 
• Cabbage
• Capsicum
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chilies
• Chives
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Dill
• Eggplant
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Marjoram
• Mint
• Onions
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Rhubarb
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Shallots
• Silver beet
• Spinach
• Spring Onion
• Squash 
• Sweet Potatoes
• Thyme
• Tomatoes
• Watercress
• Zucchini

Melbourne Seasonal Nuts

• Almond
• Chest Nut
• Hazelnut
• Pistachio