Granville TAFE, Albion Parramatta: Salami course and whisky workshop on the menu

Foodies keen to elevate their antipasto boards with homemade, artisan salami washed down with whisky cocktails are in for a treat.

Whisky cocktail classes will be held at the Albion Hotel, Parramatta, on Saturday November 21.

Foodies keen to elevate their food and beverage skills will be in for a treat with a salami production course at Granville TAFE and a whisky cocktail class at the Albion Hotel in Parramatta this month.

Smallgoods teacher Andrew Morabito leads the class which focuses on carcass selection, refined processes and employing artisan curing techniques.

“You get a lot of guys who are interested in meat production so we teach everyone from industry right through to the novices who want to make salami at home,’’ he said.

“They do get the information and unique insights.’’

Andrew Morabito imparts his knowledge of salami with students.

Mr Morabito grew up learning how to produce salami from pigs on his family’s farm in Bringelly using his Calabrian mother’s techniques and he combines those artisan skills with “state-of-the-art’’ modern facilities such as the stagionello, a drying cabinet imported from Italy.

“They learn all the practical skills and things you can’t learn off a YouTube channel,’’ he said.

“It’s a real tactile experience when they come here by touching and feeling rather than watching and reading.’’

Mr Morabito is also keen to dispel misinformation about salami, which is comprised of meat extracted from the female pig’s shoulder and legs.

“One of the biggest questions I get is about nitrates and people have this misconception about what nitrates are. They don’t realise 90 per cent of nitrates come from fruits and about 10 per cent of the nitrates we eat come from smallgoods.’’

The two-week course starts on November 25 and is $200. Enrol at tafensw.edu.au

MIXOLOGY AT THE ALBION

On Saturday, get equipped to be the Christmas party host with the most at the Albion’s Whisky Bar where a master mixologist demonstrates how to shake up a balanced tipple.

Over two hours, you’ll create and sip three drinks that feature smokey, oaky or citrus notes — a Dewar’s Dramble, Comomile and Honey Swizzle and an Old Soul.

Whisky cocktail classes will be held at the Albion Hotel, Parramatta.

The class runs from 4-6pm and is $40.

The indulgence continues with a Dewar’s and Decadence whisky and chocolate pop-up station in the pub’s pavilion, which will transform into a rustic bar for the month.

The space will be adorned like an old-school whisky bar complete with vintage signage and whisky barrels, Scottish dart boards, and rustic mirrors.

Pop in and sip Dewars’ premium whiskies including Dewar’s 12yo; Aberfeldy 12yo; and Craigellachie 13yo.

There’ll also be a special light, zesty, and fruity Dewar’s Dramble cocktail available.

The Albion’s neighbours, Adora Chocolates, has curated delicious boxes of handmade chocolates that pair perfectly with the whiskies and can be purchased at the bar.

DJs will also perform near the beer garden every Friday and Saturday night.

The chocolate and whiskey bar runs until November 29 for $40.

Visit: albionhotel.com.au