Our Story
Hello, and welcome to Essie’s Kitchen!
We’re Kim and Nicole—two cousins who love creating beautiful food at home. According to the birthdate calendar, we have more than 80 years of combined cooking experience, though we’re still not sure how that happened.
Named in honour of our grandmother - Esther, Essie’s Kitchen is a celebration of regional Victoria, seasonal produce, our German heritage and the enduring belief that life's best moments are shared in homes with food.
In our family the farm kitchen was the heart of every gathering, and we learned early that exceptional food begins with fresh local ingredients, generous hospitality, simplicity and a licence to be creative. We love pairing the finest produce from the Wimmera with inspiration gathered from our travels around the world. Creating dishes that are both grounded in place and rich with global and modern trending influence. It's a style of cooking that respects tradition while inviting curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
More than a cooking school, we've created a place to slow down, connect, and ignite your inner food passion. Here, hands are dusted with flour, chopping shared over conversation, and every meal becomes an opportunity to try something new that has been collectively created. Cooking classes are limited to 12 participants, allowing hands on participation and support as you require. In a world that moves quickly, we hope to offer a space where people can reconnect with the simple pleasure of learning, preparing and sharing beautiful food. Food that can then be easily replicated in your home for your people.
Whether you're joining us to master a new skill, celebrate a special occasion, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the flavours of wonderful home cooked food, we invite you to experience our family's story and become part of it. Together, we'll celebrate the richness of local produce, the inspiration of global cuisine, and the timeless joy of creating and sharing a meal with others.
We hope to see you soon - K&N
Meet Our Team
x2 cousins with a giant love for all things good food at home
Kim Van Burren
Claudia is a culinary artist with over a decade of experience. She specializes in traditional Australian recipes and enjoys teaching others the beauty of home cooking.
Nicole Miller
Malcolm brings a wealth of knowledge from his years in restaurant kitchens. His classes are known for their fun atmosphere and hands-on approach to learning.