Masterclass to serve up a top Tassie welcome

A MASTERCLASS series at TasTAFE is offering short courses ranging from making coffee to arranging a dinner party.

TasTafe Masterclass Launch at Drysdale House. Christina May from Lindisfarne gets some pointers from Will Priestley of Pilgrim Coffee

A MASTERCLASS series at TasTAFE is offering short courses ranging from making coffee to arranging a dinner party.

Among them is the three-hour Bean to Machine, in which well-known Hobart cafe owner and barista Will Priestley will explain where coffee comes from, what factors affect its flavour and how best to enjoy it.

The program was launched yesterday in Devonport with chocolatier Igor Van Gerwen, of Anvers Chocolate, who will present the Just Chocolate masterclass.

Other courses include perfect pasta and sensational sausages.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the classes would be taught by industry professionals in small groups.

“The classes will be about learning new skills, and will open the door to further training and possibly new careers in hospitality,” Mr Rockliff said.

He said the aim of the program was to increase visitor numbers to 1.5 million a year by 2020, meaning hospitality was a growth industry.

“Next year, there are plans to extend the Masterclass program to courses in such areas as creative industries, horticulture and building and construction.

The Bean to Machine class will be held on August 4 from 6-9pm and costs $100.

For more information, see www.masterclass.tastafe.tas.edu.au