Masterclasses offer in-depth explorations of food topics, presented by experts and accompanied by demonstrations and tastings.

Join us for a delicious dive into the world of Portuguese conservas, one of Portugal’s most charming culinary traditions. These beautiful little tins packed with fish or seafood are so much more than pantry staples; they’re a flavourful slice of Portuguese culture, preserved in olive oil and beautiful packaging. Chef and travel writer Carole Nelson Brown and Tristan Vaughn from Good Cheese will be your guides through an informative and mouthwatering tour exploring the history and heritage of Portuguese canning — a story full of tradition, artistry, and salty ingenuity. You’ll learn first-hand what makes Portuguese tinned fish so special (spoiler: it involves hand-packing, olive oil, and a bit of national pride). They will be leading you on a guided tasting of premium tinned fish—think sardines, mackerel, maybe even a little squid or octopus. Sample, snack, and learn how to build the perfect tin-to-table bite. There will be product available for purchase, and as a bonus all participants get a 10% discount code for their next purchase at Good Cheese. Come for the fish, stay for the flavour. Here’s what’s on the menu (figuratively and literally):

• A guided tasting of a curated selection of artisanal Portuguese tinned fish—from buttery sardines to spicy octopus.
• A selection of quick and easy appetizers that transform humble tins into elegant bites (recipes included!)
• A quick and tasty demo on how to build a tinned fish board that will wow your next gathering.
• A slideshow of scenes from Portugal, transporting us to cobbled streets, tiled storefronts, and shimmering Atlantic coastlines—because every bite tastes better when it tells a story.

Whether you're a curious foodie, a travel dreamer, or just someone who loves good wine with even better company, this evening is for you. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to fall in love with the tin. ----- After remarkable 40-year career as a professional makeup artist to the stars Carole Nelson Brown embraced a mid-life pivot that took her from famous faces to tantalizing taste buds. Her culinary journey led to recipe development, enchanting chef pop-ups, and sharing culinary wisdom through cooking classes. She currently works in catering and as a private chef. @mamashack —–