We recently had the honour of collaborating with the incredible Brendan Pang, former MasterChef contestant and all-around culinary legend, to host an exclusive cooking class that brought the vibrant flavours of Taiwanese street food to life. This one-of-a-kind event celebrated the launch of Brendan’s latest book and sold out in just hours, leaving 32 lucky guests with an experience they’ll never forget.

What Was on the Menu?

The class was a feast for the senses, with Brendan leading the way in creating:

• Succulent Pork Bao Buns – Fluffy, pillowy buns filled with tender pork that melted in your mouth.
• Handmade Taiwanese Noodles with Braised Beef Soup – Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
• Smacked Cucumber with Chilli Sesame Oil Dressing – A fun, fresh side with a spicy kick.

Every dish showcased Brendan’s expertise and passion, and with hands-on guidance from both Brendan and our VIVE team, guests mastered new skills while indulging their taste buds.

A Sold-Out Celebration of Food and Fun

This wasn’t just a cooking class—it was an intimate culinary journey. Brendan’s charm and expertise, combined with the VIVE team’s dedication to creating memorable experiences, made this class truly magical. Together, we celebrated not just Taiwanese street food, but our shared love for cooking and the joy of gathering around delicious dishes.

The atmosphere was electric, the laughter was infectious, and the food? Absolutely unforgettable. Guests walked away with more than just recipes—they took home lifelong memories.

Rave Reviews from Our Guests

Attendees couldn’t stop talking about the night:
“This was one of the best cooking classes I’ve ever attended. Brendan and the VIVE team made it so much fun, and the food was beyond delicious!”

Our hearts are full hearing how much everyone loved the experience. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—bringing people together through food.

Stay Tuned for More

Missed out on this event? Don’t worry—we’re always cooking up something special at VIVE. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our next unique culinary experience.

Whether you’re looking for the best cooking class in Sydney, an Asian cooking class, or simply a unique culinary experience, VIVE Cooking School has something for every food lover. Let’s create delicious memories together.

In these challenging times, investing in relationships and education is more important than ever. At VIVE Cooking School, we’re proud to partner with brands that value this approach—like SMEG, who recently used our unique kitchen venue for a hands-on retailer training session with Harvey Norman.

Why Education Matters

In today’s competitive retail environment, product knowledge is everything. SMEG understands that equipping their retail partners with the right information leads to better customer service and, ultimately, happier end consumers. Hosting their training at our venue gave Harvey Norman’s team the opportunity to experience SMEG appliances firsthand, empowering them with real insight they can pass on to customers.

The Power of Collaboration

At VIVE, we are privileged to collaborate with the dedicated SMEG team, including David Brenton, MDA Retail Field Sales Manager, Samantha Gaetani, MDA Account Manager, Reza Tashk, Account Manager, Rodney Manauzzi, National Training Manager and Product Manager, and Matt Kneipp, Chef Economist. Together, they design meaningful training sessions that make full use of our venue’s hands-on learning environment, helping retailers gain an in-depth understanding of SMEG’s innovative appliances.

Real Tools for Real Results

There’s no substitute for hands-on experience, and our venue is designed to make learning both practical and engaging. SMEG’s training at VIVE didn’t just involve presentations—it gave retailers the chance to test SMEG’s appliances in a real-world kitchen setting. This interactive approach helps retailers gain confidence in the products, which translates to better customer service.

VIVE’s Unique Venue: The Perfect Space for Collaboration

Our kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it’s a flexible, professional space perfect for corporate training and team-building activities. Whether it’s product training or a team-building cooking class, our venue hire offers an immersive experience that helps participants connect with the task at hand. SMEG’s decision to host their training at VIVE speaks to the quality and versatility of our venue.

Strengthening Relationships Through Education

It’s not just about the products—it’s about the relationships. SMEG’s partnership with VIVE and Harvey Norman highlights the importance of investing in meaningful connections. By dedicating time and resources to these training sessions, SMEG is demonstrating its commitment to building stronger, more informed retail teams. At VIVE, we’re thrilled to play a role in this collaborative journey.

In a time when customer expectations are higher than ever, it’s refreshing to see brands like SMEG prioritising education. By choosing VIVE Cooking School’s unique venue for their training sessions, they’re ensuring that every customer gets the best possible experience.

So here’s to partnerships that elevate us all—and to the power of education and collaboration in creating better customer experiences, whether through SMEG’s state-of-the-art appliances or in our kitchen.

If you’re looking for a venue to conduct training or a product launch, and you need a state-of-the-art kitchen fitted with world-class SMEG appliances, we’d be delighted to hear about your project. Connect with us!

Tony founder of Dunnings CE sought a way to blend collaboration with creativity for his Team. His goal? To find a team-building activity that would not only break away from the day-to-day but also bring the team closer, spark creativity, and allow them to enjoy a delicious meal as a reward for their efforts. They needed something engaging, hands-on, and, most importantly, fun!

Tony and his team chose VIVE’s popular Japanese Cooking menu: Karaage Chicken, Pork & Veg Gyoza, and a Yuzu Japanese Cheesecake. This menu allowed them to dive into the world of Japanese culinary traditions while working together in a fun, interactive setting.

Lyndsay, the office manager, shared her excitement: “We all had a fantastic time and enjoyed the afternoon very much.” The balance between hands-on cooking, collaboration, and time to bond was exactly what they were looking for. VIVE’s chef, Mikiko, fondly led the group, sharing her own personal stories about making Gyoza with her family. This personal touch added a unique layer of authenticity to this unique team activity.

The team jumped in, eager to learn the art of gyoza making. While a few flips didn’t go as planned (a fun part of the process!), the joy and laughter were undeniable. The meal ended on a sweet note, with everyone indulging in the Japanese Yuzu cheesecake. VIVE also catered successfully to all dietary requirements, including halal, vegetarian, and dairy-free options, making sure everyone felt included.

Throughout the session, team members communicated effectively and shared responsibilities as they tackled their cooking tasks. The kitchen became a space of real-time problem-solving, requiring them to think on their feet, cooperate, and, of course, enjoy the fruits of their labor together—it was a memorable corporate team event.
After the event, Tony expressed his gratitude: “It was such a well-run event. Chef Mikiko made it fun and authentic, and we all felt so engaged!” Not only did the event leave the team feeling recharged, but it also deepened their working relationships and inspired a newfound sense of creativity. Some team members even expressed an interest in bringing what they learned back home to cook for their families.

Dunnings CE team left VIVE Cooking School with more than just full stomachs. The experience strengthened team dynamics, encouraged creative thinking, and fostered collaboration in a fun, relaxed environment. VIVE’s cooking classes are more than just fun—they’re transformative.

Looking to elevate your next team-building event? Join us at VIVE Cooking School for an unforgettable experience. Explore our Team Building offerings here and get in touch with our professional team to plan your Team Culinary Event today.