Jul 11, 2025 6 min read

One thing about Garards Fort — it isn’t exactly on most people’s culinary radar. Well, until recently — but that’s starting to change. This small, green part of Pennsylvania has become the unexpected stage for a series of outdoor cooking events. Well, now they are drawing in online viewers from around the world.

The trend started locally. Chefs were setting up outdoor masterclasses at farms, open fields, and campgrounds in the area. But in 2025, everything changed. Now, anyone can go online and join the experience from their own kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you’re watching from a high-rise in Auckland or a cabin in Queenstown. These rustic sessions are turning farm-to-screen into a real thing.

A Fresh Idea in a Rural Setting

Garards Fort is tiny — like, really tiny. There are no neon lights, no five-star hotels, and definitely no buzz about fine dining here. But that’s what makes it perfect for this.

Local chefs started running outdoor cooking classes for visitors in 2023. At first, it was small — there were only about 10-15 people. They would be gathered around a fire pit, watching as wild mushrooms sizzled in cast iron pans. Fresh eggs, local herbs, and meats from nearby farms were the stars of every dish. No filters, no fluff — just simple food made outdoors.

But then word got out. A few TikTok clips and Instagram Reels later, people started asking how to watch from home. That’s when everything became bigger, and the organisers took things online.

Livestreams From the Field to Your Kitchen

Today, all the masterclasses are streamed live. And we are not talking about a studio but actual barns, clearings, and riverbanks. Each session focuses on one dish or ingredient. For example, it might be slow-roasted lamb in a stone fire pit. Then, sourdough baked in Dutch ovens or summer salads from foraged greens. The whole setup is simple. There is one camera, one chef, a mic, and, of course, nature doing its thing in the background.

Sometimes, there are wind gusts or birdsong. You might hear a tractor in the distance, as well. But that’s all part of the charm — that’s how you know it’s real.

Each livestream includes tips, step-by-step guidance, and even Q&A moments for viewers. If you’re watching from New Zealand or Australia, there’s a delay-friendly recap, so you won’t miss a thing.

Chefs with a Local Touch

The chefs aren’t TV personalities or restaurant giants. They’re regular people. Many have worked in rural kitchens, farms, or food trucks. Some are retired pros, and others are self-taught with a love for local ingredients.

Their style is honest and easy to follow. They don’t care about perfect plating. If the crust is a little burnt, that’s part of it. If the dough didn’t rise enough? No big deal – we’ll try again tomorrow.

One of the hosts is a bearded forager named Cal. He runs sessions called “Catch and Cook.” He fishes in the creek, shows you how to clean a trout, and then fries it up with herbs he picked an hour before. Another chef, Leah, focuses on preserving. This includes pickling root vegetables, fermenting cabbage, and making smoked jams from scratch.

It’s a slow kind of cooking, built on patience and local wisdom. Also, it is a refreshing reset for viewers used to quick and easy recipe hacks.

Viewers Cook Along from Home

You might think people just watch these videos online. Well, you would be surprised at how many viewers are also cooking along in real time.

The organisers share the list of ingredients and set up a few days before each class, so people can prepare. In New Zealand, it’s become something of a weekend ritual. Families in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin are tagging the show on social media, posting photos of their outdoor setups.

One couple built a backyard fire pit just to follow the sessions more authentically. Another group of flatmates even started a monthly challenge. They cook along, compare results, and vote on who nailed it best.

It’s not just about the food — it’s the sense of connection. Watching someone cook on a Pennsylvania hillside while you stir your own pot in New Zealand is surprisingly grounding.

Post-Cook Fun

For a lot of people in New Zealand, cooking sessions have become part of a relaxed weekend routine. You cook along, post a few pics, maybe share a laugh with friends — and then what? Some locals like to head out and relax with a few spins on the pokie machines online.

That’s where ‘pokies near me that open now‘ search option comes in handy. Just type it into your search bar, and you’ll find local spots open nearby. If you want to skip the guesswork, Slotozilla has a handy list of the best places to play, with expert picks and honest reviews.

It’s a simple way to round out the night — good food, good company, and a bit of fun just around the corner.

Tech Meets Tradition

Streaming rustic outdoor cooking classes isn’t exactly easy. There were hiccups early on, which is pretty normal. Some main issues included dodgy audio, poor reception, and batteries dying mid-recipe.

However, by 2025, the team has it dialled in. They use solar-charged gear and wireless mics. Also, there is a two-person crew — one on camera and one managing the live-stream chat. They’ve even added simple VR integration for those with headsets. So, if you’re into immersive tech, you can sit “beside” the chef in a 360° view and feel like you’re right there in the field.

It’s a brilliant mix — the oldest cooking methods paired with modern streaming tools. This blend is what makes the Garards Fort sessions so unique.

A New Kind of Culinary Entertainment

We all know that cooking shows used to be all about flash — big names, big sets, and polished scripts. But now, people want something real and familiar. Garards Fort’s masterclasses tap into that perfectly. There’s no studio lighting. No editing. No dramatic competitions. Just you, the chef, and the food. If it rains, they adapt. If something burns, they pivot. It’s all relaxed and honest.

This format has inspired other towns, too. Small communities in Canada, Ireland, and even parts of New Zealand have started hosting their own outdoor livestream cook-along to recreate the same vibe. And while not everyone has rolling hills and riverside backdrops, the idea is spreading rather fast.