Prepare to challenge expectations and surprise your guests with a 3-course dining experience like no other. In this exclusive demonstration-style cooking class, Simon Gault will take you through the art of deception in food—where dishes appear to be one thing but reveal unexpected layers of flavour and finesse.

From a Tomato Tartare that mimics the look of a classic beef tartare (but tastes even better) to Simon’s signature self-saucing Akaroa Salmon, disguised as a humble newspaper-wrapped parcel of fish & chips—this menu is designed to fool the eye, delight the palate, and elevate your entertaining game.

This is not just a cooking demonstration; it’s a masterclass in the unexpected—where you’ll learn how to impress your guests with effortless elegance and jaw-dropping dishes.

Sit back, watch, learn, and indulge—as Simon shares his top-tier entertaining secrets, so you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

If you love food that wows the senses and defies expectations, this class is for you!

Event Details

📍 Location: Gault’s Deli, 3 Hannigan Drive, St Johns, Auckland (Easy parking & public transport access)
👨‍🍳 Class Size: Limited to 10 guests for an intimate and engaging experience.
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
💰 Investment: $190 per person

What You’ll Learn

✅ Entertainment Secrets from Simon Gault: Watch as Simon demonstrates how to prepare a seamless 3-course dinner that impresses without stress.
✅ The Art of Deception – Tomato Tartare: Learn how to create a stunning plant-based tartare that looks like a classic beef steak tartare but surprises with fresh, bold flavours. Discover how to balance acidity, seasoning, and texture to make a dish that rivals its meaty counterpart—and might even be better!
✅ Signature Self-Saucing Akaroa Salmon: Discover the magic behind Simon’s “Fish & Chips illusion”—a dish that looks deceptively simple yet delivers a flavour-packed surprise.
✅ Flavour Pairing & Balance: Learn how to build depth and contrast in your dishes for an unforgettable dining experience.
✅ Ingredient Preparation: Gain insights into selecting and preparing top-quality ingredients to enhance your meals.
✅ Effortless Entertaining: Learn how to get everything prepped in advance, so when guests arrive, you can relax and enjoy the evening instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
✅ Banquet-Style Serving: Simon will demonstrate how to present the main course elegantly for group dining.

Expert Insights

🔹 Ingredient Selection: How to pick the freshest, most flavourful ingredients for next-level entertaining.
🔹 Perfect Cooking Temperatures: Mastering the ideal doneness for oven-baked and BBQ dishes.
🔹 Presentation & Surprise Factor: Learn how to create the wow factor at your table with a dish that delivers an unexpected reveal.

Menu

🍅 Starter:
✨ Tomato Tartare – A dish designed to surprise and delight, mimicking the look of a classic beef steak tartare but with an unexpected twist—ripe, finely diced tomatoes take center stage. Infused with delicate herbs and a hint of citrus, this vibrant tartare delivers a depth of flavour that rivals, if not surpasses, its meaty counterpart. Served alongside creamy Buffalo Mozzarella and a crisp, golden Parmigiano Cracker, it’s a revelation for the palate.

🔹 Some guests may brace themselves for raw meat, only to be pleasantly surprised by the bold, fresh flavours of this refined vegetarian take on a classic.

🐟 Main Course:
✨ Simon Gault’s Signature Self-Saucing Akaroa Salmon – A show-stopping centrepiece, featuring premium Akaroa Salmon fillets layered with exquisite flavors, sealed within a newspaper-wrapped parcel for a stunning reveal. Served with tender carrots glazed in a rose balsamic chive butter sauce, a seasonal vegetable, and two surprise accompaniments to round out this elegant dish.

🔹 A dish designed to fool and delight your guests—what appears to be a simple newspaper-wrapped parcel of fish & chips transforms into an explosion of refined flavours, rich textures, and its own luxurious sauce.

🍰 Dessert:
✨ Simon Gault’s Signature Tiramisu – A luscious, velvety-smooth Italian classic, crafted with delicate layers of espresso-soaked sponge, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of the finest cocoa & chocolate, delivering an indulgent yet airy finish to your dining experience.

Why Attend?

⭐ Exclusive Demonstration: Learn directly from Simon Gault in an intimate and engaging setting.
📍 Convenient Location: Easy parking and transport options.
🍽️ Delicious Experience: Enjoy every dish Simon demonstrates, leaving both inspired and satisfied!

Additional Information

• Ticket Policy: Similar to concert tickets, we do not offer refunds. If you can’t make the class, you are welcome to pass your spot on to a friend to attend instead. A full refund will be given if Simon is unable to host.
• BYOB: Bring your favourite drink and enjoy responsibly.

With only 10 spots available, this class will sell out fast. Book now to indulge in a gourmet experience and learn from the best. Get ready to savour every bite!

To register for a class, enter your details below, then click the shopping bag icon at the top of the page to complete your payment and finalise your registration. If you have any questions or need help registering for a class, give us a call on 09 269 6373 between 8AM and 4PM, Monday to Friday. Our friendly team is happy to assist.