MASTERCHEF mania has moved into Murwillumbah, with aspiring junior chefs seeking out tips from veteran chefs.

The Modern Grocer's Jo Nimmo is being approached by parents whose children are “into cooking” in a big way.

“It's not maths or English tutoring they are after – it's cooking tutoring,” Ms Nimmo said

“It's not uncommon for parents to talk about their child's interest in cooking.

“I guess cooking has become like sport or music, and you have to train and practise if you want to be any good.

“There certainly are lifelong careers around the food industry.”

Ms Nimmo said cooking shows like the TV series MasterChef which is under way stirred interest in food and that has resulted in a demand for cooking classes.

“I ran cooking classes last year, and in the last month I've been prompted to get them going again,” she said.

“The Tweed and Northern Rivers in general has such fresh vibrant produce it's not hard to present good food in the home.”

The Modern Grocer's cooking classes, starting on Saturday, include lessons in pastry, cheese making, finger-food, chocolate, and stocks and sauces.

Anyone interested in classes should phone Ms Nimmo on 02 6672 5007.