They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, but for Crystal, it all started with a bike ride and a birthday surprise. From Sushi & Cocktails to marinated chicken feet her foodie adventures are anything but boring.

How did you hear about The Avenue?
We cycled by one summer’s day and were intrigued, then my partner booked a surprise Sushi and Cocktails night for my birthday!  Not just a romantic, but a romantic with fantastic taste!

How long have you been joining classes?
About 4 years now!

Which classes have you done?
Sushi and Cocktails, Mexican Street Food, Bread Class, Bao Class, Ethiopian Class, we’ve got the Fish Class coming up and can’t wait! All excellent! Basically a world food tour without the jet lag!

What was your favourite class at The Avenue?
Mexican Street Food – we brought my in‑laws from NYC. My father‑in‑law is totally new to the kitchen (he didn’t know how to squeeze a lime, bless him!) and so we thought we would up-skill him in a fun way! It was amazing having us altogether, having a laugh and making some precious memories together. Even my mother‑in‑law, a refined cook, took notes! Mission accomplished.

What’s your favourite dish to cook that you learnt with us?
The Mexican Burnt Corn Salad we learned on the Mexican Street Food. A fantastic side even when not having a Mexican feast!

What was your favourite dish to eat at The Avenue?
The Japanese cocktails…?! Is that allowed, or Diana’s bread – a little slice of heaven! We’ll allow it – cocktails totally count as a food group.

What is the most obscure thing you have made in the kitchen?
I once made marinated Chicken Feet with my Dad… and he decorated with carrots in the shape of rabbits… We love the creativity! 

What class would you like to do in the future?
Anything which is an unusual dish that I can’t normally make at home – Polish dumplings, roasted meats with lots of sides and pickles! Sound like you’d love our Roast Class!

Any final comments?
These past years we’ve been introduced so many family and friends because we never fail to have a great time and huge love for this incredible powerhouse of a cookery school you have built. You can tell it’s full of passion, talent and flavour all in equal measure. A recipe for success, thank you! We’re thrilled by your enthusiasm – thank you for coming back time and time again and we look forward to seeing you very soon. 

Crystal has had such a special journey, and it proves one thing: great food brings people together and at The Avenue, the memories are just as tasty as the dishes!

Thanks for joining us for this September 2025’s Amigos of the Month. The classes mentioned in this post:
Sushi and Cocktails
Mexican Street Food
Bread Class
Bao Class
Ethiopian Class
Fish Class
Roast Class

If you want to join The Avenue Family by becoming a future Amigo of the Month, email us at [email protected]