Father’s Day 2018: gift ideas for the man who has everything

My dad’s a nightmare to buy presents for. At least three times a year I struggle with the never-ending question – what do you buy for the man who has everything?

If, like me, your dad is pretty content to take a backseat whilst shelling out for everyone else in the family, Father’s Day is a really nice opportunity to show him how much you appreciate him – and maybe even to claw out a little bonding time together.

So as Father’s Day looms ahead with just two weeks to go, the heat is on to make a decision. With a little reflection, the answer seems obvious. Don’t just get him a ‘thing’. Get him an experience, a memory, something that you will both remember for years to come.

As it goes, my dad loves cooking, so I started looking into some local courses that might take his fancy.

That’s when I came across Didsbury-based cookery and barista school Food Sorcery offering up fun, hands-on cooking sessions and foodie nights out with a difference to enthusiastic home cooks.

Each class revolves around a different food focus, allowing you to pick something that’s tailored to your dad’s tastes.

If, like me, you’ve been struggling, I’ve broken down some of the most attractive options below to save you having to do the research yourself.

For the ‘just pop it on the barbie’ dad – The Outdoor BBQ Class

If your dad is always muscling in to man the BBQ at family get-togethers, give him the gift of ultimate BBQ authority with this class for chargrilled meat (and veg) lovers. Focusing on developing core BBQ skills, he’ll learn fire control, meat preparation and cooking before touching on spicing and marinating skills. too. He’ll be shown how to prepare, season and butcher his meat or fish and learn the secrets of delicious and intensely flavoured kebabs. Ticket includes a complimentary drink on arrival (wine, lager or beer), BBQ and charcoal and all food on the evening.

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For the dad who likes it hot – The Indian Cookery Class

If your dad is always the first to suggest ordering a curry, why not give him the opportunity to learn how to make his own? This class will teach him the art of Indian cookery, focusing on the nuanced use of spicing to create delicious meat and vegetarian dishes. Taught by Jason Palin, who has cooked in more than 40 countries around the world, not only will your dad leave with a solid knowledge of how to make a cracking curry, he’ll be full of Jason’s tales of cooking and selling chapati on the beach in southern India too. Ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine to taste your creations with, Indian refreshments and more food to take home.

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For the red-blooded dad – The Steak Masterclass

If your dad loves his steak, look no further than this course. Working alongside chef Jason Palin, on this course he’ll learn all about the different cuts of beef, how to cook steaks at home to restaurant standard, as well as how to create some classic sauces and sides to complement the dish. Ticket includes a free complimentary glass of Malbec and a hearty steak lunch.

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For the cheese-obsessed dad – The Cheese Making Class

If your dad’s mad for cheese and knows his Stinking Bishop from his Pearl Wen, then Food Sorcery’s cheese making class with Louise from Cutting the Curd could make him a perfect gift. A nice mix of hands-on and demonstration, at this day time class he’ll learn how to make mozzarella and halloumi as well as watching a demonstration on making butter and mascarpone. Ticket includes complimentary tea or coffee on arrival and a glass of wine with lunch. Oh, and plenty of cheese to take home, too.

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For the caffeine-obsessed dad – The Coffee Lovers Barista Class

If your dad gets a buzz out of coffee, this course should be right up his street. He’ll find out about the science behind his favourite brew on this three-hour course led by barista Gavin, who has 15 years experience. Expect your dad to return a fully fledged coffee master, full of knowledge on grinding beans or pre-ground, steaming milk and ready to show off his new latte art skills.

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