Food I Am Cooking School and Function Centre is closing its doors after 15 years. Photo: Food I Am.
One of Wagga’s most loved venues has announced it’s closing its doors.
Food I Am’s gourmet food and function venue Nu Lumeah, located on the city’s highest elevated site in Springvale, will be closing after 15 years, following the announcement by founder Tania Sibrey.
“I have decided, with a lot of emotion, that at the end of 2026 I will be retiring the venue from weddings, cooking classes and events,” she said.
“I started Food I Am in 2011 and after 15 wonderful years, all good things must come to an end.
“So book that class that you’ve always wanted to do, plan that wedding, special celebration or corporate event and don’t forget to use your gift vouchers by November 2026.”
Food I Am Founder Tania Sibrey with long-time colleague and friend Nerida Babic. Photo: Food I Am.
The announcement does have a silver lining, with the Food I Am international tours set to continue after the venue closes.
“Our 2027 tour dates will be released in summer of this year (2025),” Tania said.
What has been a must-experience event for foodie lovers for more than a decade literally began in the back of a car, when Tania would take her dream of a cooking school to different community locations and give locals cooking classes with international chefs.
Food I Am Junior Chef cooking classes has taught many youngsters how to cook fresh Italian pasta from scratch. Photo: Food I Am.
The gourmet tourism venture grew while tapping into the region’s rich local produce, which in turn provided interest to growing agribusinesses in the local area.
Food I Am gourmet cooking courses have featured cuisines from Italy, Morocco, Vietnam, India and Spain among others, taught by renowned international chefs who travelled to the Riverina to share their skills to corporate groups, adults and even children through the popular Junior Chef program.
Over the years, thousands of locals and visitors have levelled up their culinary cooking skills thanks to Food I Am.
The Wagga venue that hosted these cooking classes also has played host to Melbourne Cup functions that attracted the region’s elite and the must-try Beats and Bites events where guests relax to quality tunes, delicious food and beverages.
As recently as last month, NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Food I Am.
News of Food I Am’s venue closure has been met with a wave of support from the local community, with many recalling happy experiences and celebrations at the Nu Lumeah venue.
“From cooking classes, Mother’s Day and Christmas celebrations to weddings and other functions,” Belinda Cesnik wrote on social media.
“At least the travel experiences will continue. They have been some of our most wonderful memories.”
A top fan of Food I Am, Lee Cotterell, wrote: “Thank you for everything you have created with Food I Am. Been privileged to attend your wonderful cooking classes, long lunches, corporate events and even a family wedding.”
Many others wished Tania and her team all the best with her continuing gourmet food tours.
Tania’s final words in her announcement were directed to all who had supported her.
“A heartfelt thank you for being such an important part of our journey. Without your support Food I Am would not have become what it is today,” she said.
