We are drawing near to the end of another year ; another year that has flown by in a flash. We have had such a great time. This year, we added a huge amount of new and now very popular classes, introduced some very talented and highly skilled teachers to our school, we have been a popular feature with the Press and even featured again as one of the top five cooking schools in Melbourne. I do feel the need to slap myself often – yes! I am pleased to say we accomplished a lot. What an very special year it has been!
It is definitely time to give thanks. I cannot go without mentioning my very lovely family . First & foremost, to Michael. So many of you know this beautiful man in some shape or form now and although he is not often seen during a class, Michael is incredibly involved and supportive of this business. He is my sounding board, my dish drier, chief furniture mover (our furniture gets moved around & shoved in to other rooms many times each week). I love him most of all for his patience, love & for the belief he has in me. Next, to our angels, Grace, Ava and Ettie who light up my everyday & who I love & adore so very much. I do know how lucky I am. Thank you for being the happiest helpers in our kitchen! You raise the bar each and every year! Although I try, my words will never translate how very much I love you.
To the rest of my family – thank you for beautiful childhood memories that inspire many of the recipes in the classes and for being the initial reason why today I adore eating, sharing and the joy of ‘just being’ around a table with others!
To our brilliant and hugely talented chef’s – Michele (especially Michele !!! who has run many classes each month this year with huge popularity. She is one of the most reliable and generous people I have been fortunate to work with and now call a friend). Also to Silvia, Tony, Quyen, Carol, Gina & Paul. It has been a joy & pleasure to work with you & to offer even more variety to our ever expanding business. I cannot thank you each enough.
To Vicki and Karen – These two ladies work behind the scenes and work very hard at that. I am often asked by guests if they can take Vicki home. She does such a super job clearing the dishes and kitchen; Thank you kindly Vick. Karen comes in before some of the classes to make sure everything looks ‘just so’ – from seating to wine glasses; she is a gem! Likewise to a lady I love hugely and who seems to know and make herself available whenever my desperation arises ; Ann-Marie – thank you for filling in when it was needed. You fall in to any role like you were born for it. Lucky, lucky me with all of these special people!
To my friend of many many years, Tamara Erbacher who has captured the very heart of both Relish Mama and my family and home in her stunning photographs. Our website and Blog are all the better for it.
To Davin and Colby from Beachside creative for their support and commitment and utter professionalism. I know how hard you guys work – Thank you.
Lastly to our guests – I thank all who have attended classes this year and over the past four years. I have had the pleasure of cooking and meeting some wonderful people & I feel truly fortunate to have shared a kitchen and a table with you. This is a very personal business & you all seem to get that. Your support is so wonderful and sincerely heartfelt. I have made some wonderful friends in this here kitchen. I hope to share it all and more again with you in 2013! I promise you – we have a very exciting year and line up. Thank you for your feedback, compliments and in many cases, the great recommendations to your friends and family.
It’s just about time to hit the eggnog everyone!
Wishing you & your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
Nellie x