MasterChef favourite Aldo Ortado grew up near Naples in southern Italy and credits his Nonna with nurturing a love of fresh ingredients, home cooking and the shared table. At this hands-on dinner class, he’ll teach you the secrets to the classic Neapolitan dish Acqua Pazza (literally ‘crazy water’), fish poached in a rich tomato and herb sauce. 

Book a group of 6 and pay for just 4! To book this offer, enter 6 participants in the 'Group From 4 To 6' box on the right and you'll only be charged for 4. 

To book a group of 7 or more into this class, please call us on 02 9004 1111 or email sss@sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Aldo Ortado grew up near Naples, in southern Italy, where sharing food was the essence of daily life. Each day his Nonna Lucia would ask him what he wanted for lunch and dinner, and he recalls always asking for pasta with cannellini beans and fresh mussels. 

Nonna Lucia’s cooking wasn’t fancy, but it was all about fresh ingredients and comfort eating. And these early lessons from his beloved Nonna saw him become a hugely popular contestant on MasterChef Australia in 2018. 

Aldo’s MasterChef appearance is perhaps best remembered for his effervescent TV debut, screaming enthusiastic encouragement for the Nonna of a fellow contestant – and for the genuine support he showed his MasterChef cohorts throughout the show. Remaining true to his cooking roots also endeared him to the viewing public. 

After leaving school in 2009, Aldo moved to Rome to study statistics (he has a double degree in Business and Economics) and, 4 years later, headed to Sydney, seeking new adventures. He started working front-of-house for an event and catering business, before becoming manager at Italian restaurant, Giro Osteria in Cronulla.

Aldo hopes to open his own café and restaurant, focusing on classic southern Italian food with a relaxed feel during the day, transforming into a fine dining experience at night. He says he wants the feel to reflect that of his childhood – a place where from the time you step inside, you feel like you’ve arrived home. 

Visit www.instagram.com/aldoortado for more information.