SOUTH OF FRANCE

Sun-filled Provençal cooking, shared around the table

Step into the warmth of a Provençal kitchen and discover the bright, generous flavours of southern France.

Guided by your chef, you’ll prepare a colourful three-course feast featuring fresh Mediterranean produce, fragrant herbs, saffron, citrus and a touch of pastis. You’ll sear tuna for a classic Niçoise salad, slow-cook an aromatic chicken casserole and finish with a beautifully caramelised pear tarte Tatin.

Once the cooking is complete, everyone gathers around our long table to enjoy the meal you have created together, accompanied by wine.

Relaxed, vibrant and made for sharing, this is the South of France brought to Manly.

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WHAT YOU'LL COOK

Entrée — Niçoise Salad with Seared Tuna

Sashimi-grade tuna, seared and served with crisp leaves, green beans, olives, egg and a bright Dijon and lemon vinaigrette.

Fresh and colourful, this Provençal classic brings together bold Mediterranean flavours and contrasting textures.

Main — Chicken Casserole au Pastis

Tender chicken slowly cooked with Provençal aromatics and pastis, served with silky ratatouille and fragrant saffron rice.

The dish is warming and generous, with layers of herbs, vegetables and subtle aniseed flavour.

Dessert — Pear Tarte Tatin

Caramelised pear baked beneath golden pastry, then turned out and served with rosemary coulis and caramelised orange.

Rustic, elegant and deeply comforting, it is a beautiful expression of classic French pâtisserie.

Menus may change slightly according to seasonal produce and ingredient availability.

THE EXPERIENCE

From searing tuna to the dramatic tarte Tatin turn, your chef will guide you through every stage.

You’ll learn how to:

Sear tuna while preserving its tender centre
Balance a classic Dijon and lemon vinaigrette
Build depth of flavour with aromatics and pastis
Slow-cook chicken until tender
Prepare a rich, silky ratatouille
Bloom saffron and cook fragrant rice
Caramelise fruit and master tarte Tatin
Coordinate and plate each course with confidence

No previous cooking experience is required. Your chef will demonstrate each technique, and every guest will take an active role throughout the class.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Chef-led, hands-on cooking class
Step-by-step demonstrations and guidance
Seasonal three-course Provençal menu
All ingredients and specialist equipment
Welcome drink on arrival
Wine served with your meal
Non-alcoholic beverage options
Aprons for use during the class
Printed or digital recipes
Shared long-table dining experience
Exclusive use of the venue for private groups
Full event setup and clean-up

FAST FACTS

Duration
Approximately 3 hours

Format
Around 2 hours of hands-on cooking followed by a relaxed shared meal

Location
Roving Larder Cooking School
2 Gunner Road, North Head Sanctuary, Manly NSW

Parking
Free parking is available in the Barracks Precinct car park.

Enter North Head via Bluefish Road and follow signs to the Barracks Precinct.

Public class price
From $199 per person, including welcome drinks and wine

Private groups
Available for corporate teams, birthdays, family celebrations, friendship groups and special occasions.

Minimum group size or minimum spend applies.

Group size
Ideal for intimate groups and larger private events, with capacity depending on the selected event format.

PERFECT FOR

Corporate team events
Client entertaining
Birthdays and milestone celebrations
Friendship groups
Family gatherings
Hens celebrations
Couples
French food lovers
Visitors looking for a memorable Manly experience
Anyone dreaming of the flavours of Provence

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

This menu contains fish, eggs, dairy, gluten

and alcohol used in cooking.

A seafood-free or vegetarian variation may be possible with an alternative entrée or main course arranged in advance.

Gluten-free variations require a suitable alternative to the pastry used for the tarte Tatin. Guests who avoid alcohol completely should advise us before booking so the chicken casserole can be modified.

Please provide complete details of all allergies, intolerances and dietary preferences when booking or enquiring.

Because our kitchen regularly handles seafood, flour, eggs, dairy, nuts and other allergens, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

PUBLIC CLASSES

Join one of our scheduled South of France classes and cook alongside other food lovers in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

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PRIVATE COOK & DINE EXPERIENCES

Make South of France entirely your own.

Private experiences include exclusive use of the Roving Larder venue, chef-led cooking, a three-course shared meal,

welcome drinks and wine.

We can tailor the timing, style and finer details

of the event to suit your group.

This menu is particularly well suited to:

Corporate team building
Client entertaining
Milestone birthdays
Hens celebrations
Family occasions
Reunions
Friendship groups
Private social events

The colourful menu and shared preparation create an atmosphere that is warm, collaborative and naturally social.

PLAN YOUR PRIVATE EVENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need cooking experience?

No. The class suits beginners and confident home cooks, with step-by-step chef guidance throughout.

Is it fully hands-on?

Yes. Every guest takes part, with tasks shared across the group.

Is wine included?

Yes. Public Cook & Dine classes include a welcome drink and wine, with non-alcoholic options available.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Many can be, with advance notice. As fish, eggs, gluten and dairy feature in the menu, some guests may need modified dishes or an alternative menu.

Can I book privately?

Yes. Private sessions are available for corporate groups and celebrations, subject to minimum group or spend requirements.

How long does it run?

Approximately three hours: around two hours of cooking followed by relaxed dining.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and enclosed, flat shoes. Aprons are provided.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Barracks Precinct car park via Bluefish Road.

Can I attend alone?

Absolutely. Public classes are social and welcoming to solo guests.

Can the menu change?

Minor seasonal or supplier-led changes may apply.

WHY GUESTS LOVE IT

South of France is fresh, colourful and full of variety.

The menu combines refined French techniques with the relaxed generosity of Mediterranean cooking.

Guests sear, stir, braise, caramelise and plate, giving everyone an opportunity to participate.

The chicken casserole fills the kitchen with the fragrance of Provence, while the tarte Tatin

creates a memorable finale when it is turned out at the table.

It is more than a French cooking class. It is a sun-filled Provençal feast, made and shared together.

READY TO COOK, DINE AND CONNECT?

Join us in our heritage kitchen at North Head, Manly, and discover the bright flavours and generous spirit of southern France.

BOOK SOUTH OF FRANCE