The chef, who runs a restaurant in Giffnock, was at Barrhead High for a special session in the school kitchen as part of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure and East Renfrewshire Council’s education department’s spring holiday programme of activities.
The former head chef at the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant in Glasgow’s West End – and now running his own eaterie in the city’s southside, Ian Brown Food and Drink – showed the youngsters how to cook smoked haddie ceviche with quail eggs, stovies and a dessert of chocolate fondant.
And, of course, they then got to taste the results of the kitchen king’s expertise.
The cookery masterclass was just one of a wide variety of arts and crafts, sports and leisure activities organised for youngsters during the current school holidays throughout East Renfrewshire at sports centres, swimming pools, libraries, schools and Eastwood Park Theatre.
Anthony McReavy, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “We have a huge amount of different activities to keep youngsters – from toddlers to 16 year-olds – occupied, active and healthy during the school holidays, so there’s something for everyone.
“Along with the cookery masterclass, some of the highlights of the programme include Road to Rio multisports and athletic camps, ‘bookbug’ sessions, acting workshops and animation and sculpture classes.
“But, most importantly, we’re making it fun for young people so they’re more likely to take part in one or more of the activities on offer.”
Nicky Joiner, catering co-ordinator for East Renfrewshire Council, said: “We’ve worked in partnership with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure to develop an innovative school holiday programme that allows pupils to access nutritious meals during school holidays for in excess of ten years.
“The cooking classes offer a safe and nurturing environment to engage children in nutrition and gives them the skills to prepare heathy, tasty food and enjoy many physical activities offered.
“The youngsters who attend really enjoy themselves and it also provides them with the opportunity to make new friends.”
