Tag: cooking class

Les Dames d’Escoffier teaches you to cook like a “Dame”

The Phoenix chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International is launching a monthly virtual cooking series during the next four months. The virtual chef led session’s start this Wednesday, May 24th with Chef Candy Lesher teaching you how to make “Enchiladas Verde Con Nopales”. Chef Lesher and Chef Tamara Stanger will teach each 50-60 session in alternating weeks and will be available for questions at the end. Recipes will be sent out five days in advance so participants can prepare ingredients and cook alongside. The chapter’s president in training Dame Debbie Elder will moderate each session.

The cost is $35 per class or $100 for all four classes and participants are encouraged to “share the screen” with friends and family. You can register for classes at their Eventbrite page.

Les Dames d’Escoffier session schedule

Enchiladas Verde Con Nopales- Chef Candy Lesher – Wednesday, May 24th 6:30 p.m.

A unique offering of garden-fresh enchiladas, this version is draped in a vibrant roasted chili and tomatillo sauce enriched with toasted pepitas. Stuffed with a savory medley of vegetables and cheese, the surprise ingredient tucked within is nopales from the prickly pear cactus! This delicious ingredient elevates enchiladas beyond the norm on every level — flavor, texture and nutrition too! Easy to assemble, they can be baking in less than an hour with their unique combination of readily available ingredients.

Pie Crust 101 Chef Tamara Stanger – Wednesday, June 21st 6:30 p.m.

As the name implies, this class will cover all things scratch-made pie crust including the history of pie crust, Chef Stanger’s favorite pie crust recipe and rolling crust (every novice baker’s dreaded moment), as well as different variations suitable for specific dietary needs and a range of flavor profiles. Chef Stanger will also discuss when blind baking pie crust is necessary, how to do it and the basic information for a variety of pie fillings.

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Chef Candy Lesher – Wednesday, July 12th 6:30 p.m.

Tasty, rich and hearty, this soup is a breeze to create and will become every home cook’s satisfying go-to option for healthier Southwest cravings. Participants will learn how to make an inexpensive vegetarian-based broth that puts store-bought boxed versions to shame — and then discover the steps to extract the most impact from every ingredient for new levels of vibrant flavor. For ease and speed, directions will utilize an Instant Pot/pressure cooker; stovetop instructions will also be provided.

Southern Pies with a Southwest Desert Twist Chef Tamara Stanger – Wednesday, August 23rd 6:30 p.m.

In the world of desserts, Southern pie reigns supreme. Using the pie crust basics from her previous class session on June 21, Chef Stanger will show participants how to utilize indigenous Southwest desert ingredients to recreate classic Southern pies such as shoofly, vinegar and chess pies. This one-of-a-kind class is not to be missed!

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Oak Wood Fire Pizza is bringing the pizza party to you

Have you ever wanted to learn to make pizza from a pizza pro, now you and 24 friends can as the Oak Wood Fire Pizza is bringing its pizza party to you. Chef Tommy D’Ambrosio of Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Fresh Taste Meal Prep and other food concepts is bring you the hands on experience better than any food from a chaffing dish. He will teach how to toss the dough, adding sauces and toppings and cooking them in his mobile pizza oven.

“Everyone loves pizza! It’s so fun to see a smile on everyone’s faces when we fire up the wood oven and start making pizzas. Our customers have a blast learning to make their own pizzas – it’s a great experience for all ages and really makes any party extra special,” said D’Ambrosio.

Each class includes 2 hours of on-site pizza making training, all the equipment and ingredients. Depending on size of the group and custom menu Oak Wood Fire Pizza tries to keep the cost around $25 per person. Don’t want to make pizza just eat it, their food truck is available for corporate parties & private events. The food truck can accommodate any size event and the menu includes pizzas, salads, sides, bruschetta, charcuterie and more. For more information or to book a pizza party, check out their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Marcellino Ristorante hosting Learn & Lunch cooking classes

Home chefs looking to hone their skills at cooking authentic Italian food can reserve their seats at the downtown Scottsdale restaurant. Chef Marcellino offers his next monthly cooking class on Saturday, April 17th. The 2 hour class will teach you to prepare his signature ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese. Seats are limited and are $50++ and include lunch. May 15th is the next class making Pollo Saparito and on June 19th its Pasta Ghiotonna. Classes are from 1 – 3 p.m. and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 480-990-9500.

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict at Morning Squeeze for a limited time

Egg Benedict fans can celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day next Friday April 16th at any 3 of the restaurant locations. A specially made Pulled Pork Benedict will be available for only 3 days next weekend. Always on the menu is the Classic Benedict, Cali Benedict & Salmon Benedict.

Doggie Date Night at Daily Dose Midtown

Grab your favorite canine and head to the restaurant at Highland & 20th St on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Next Thursday the 15th from 3 – 9 p.m. well behaved dogs and their owners are invited to the patio for all natural dog treats from Dogs Eating Cake and special menu for their owners. A portion of the proceeds from the night will be donated to the Arizona Humane Society. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 602-274-0334. Circle these dates for the next Doggie Date Night…..May 20th & June 17th.

Community Blend coffee benefits local schools districts

Press Coffee Roasters announced that the proceeds from its Community Blend coffee beans will be donated 6 K-8 school districts in neighborhoods where there is a Press location. In-store purchases only and Community Blend is available until May 16th.

Brazil is on the map for Match Market & Bar’s Passport Series

No need to pack your bags just head to the downtown Phoenix restaurant tomorrow night (Saturday April 10th) for some South American flavor and culture. The trip is from 6 – 10 p.m. and is $15 per person with exotic cocktail included. For more information head to their website.

 

Facebook Live cooking classes & pairing tips from LDV Winery

LDV Winery owners Peggy Fiandaca & Kurt Dunham are doing more than making wine and running a winery, they’re hosting Facebook Live cooking classes. Every Thursday at 4 p.m. MST thru May 7th the couple is hosting “From the LDV Winery Kitchen”. Join them on their Facebook page to learn how cook these special meals and learn about which wines pair best with each. There is no cost to participate in the classes.

Guests are encouraged to cook with them while you SIP (shelter in place) on a glass of wine or 2. Wines are for sale on their website with the LDV Winery Kitchen package of 10% off . Wines can be picked up at their wine gallery in downtown Scottsdale or shipped to you for a $5 fee. Recipes will be posted on their Facebook page every week.

The schedule for the Facebook Live cooking classes are as follows.

April 16 — Spicy Shrimp Pasta paired with 2014 Sky Island Syrah

            23 — Flatbreads Three Ways paired with 2013 Sky Island Petite Sirah

            30 — Grilled Ribeye Steak with fire cracker onions with roasted potatoes paired with 2014 The Signature Petite Sirah

May 7 — Pork Tenderloin with two fire roasted peppers sauces and Mexican corn paired 2015 DECADE Red Wine Blend

 

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa offers guests and locals culinary delights

In the northern part of the “Valley of the Sun” sits the village of Carefree, home to CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa. The AAA Four Diamond award resort offers guests and locals the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate from everyday life. Whether you prefer to pamper yourself at the spa, relieve stress through art or spirituality or tempt your palate with sips and bites from the resorts culinary team the resort has your best interest in mind this holiday season.

Whether you prefer to dine morning, noon or night, the resort’ signature restaurant Terras and Executive Chef Justin Macy offer several unique dining opportunities and events. Holiday dining, learning to cooking something new or visiting with out of town friends on the patio overlooking the Sonoran desert this line-up will keep you and your appetite satisfied.

Holiday Dining

Celebrate the holidays with healthy, yet indulgent culinary creations at Terras. Holiday dinners will celebrate the season’s best flavors with an exclusive prix-fixe menu complete with all the trimmings. Seating’s start at 5:00 p.m. with pricing ranging from $65 per adult and $32 per child.

  • Thanksgiving Dinner – November 28, 2019
  • Christmas Dinner – December 25, 2019
  • New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner – December 31, 2019
CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
All photos courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Half-Off Happy Hour

The happiest of hours is available daily 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Terras, featuring half off all beer, house wine & well cocktails along with all bar menu bites

Sunday Brunch

Make Terras the new Sunday morning tradition and indulge in a variety of healthy and comfort classics from yogurt parfaits, breakfast goods, savory creations to decadent charcuterie boards and top it off with a glass of champagne.

  • 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • $25 per person

Private Chef’s Table Experience

An intimate four-course dining experience at Terras for three to six people featuring a four-course dinner highlighting the season’s best ingredients and perfectly paired wine. Each night features a different Chef’s choice menu.

  • Available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $150 per person

Tequila Sunset

Enjoy the epic Carefree sunset nightly on the Terras Terrace with a rainbow Tequila flight and choice of 3 tacos (steak, fish or chicken)

  • Available daily from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $20 per person

Bottle & Board

Choose from a variety of Chef Justin Macy’s featured charcuterie boards, along with a bottle of vino for a perfect shareable evening at the Terras Lounge.

  • Available daily from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $25 per person

CIVANA Culinary School

The CIVANA Culinary team spotlights tips and tricks to create health-conscious, delicious recipes. Choose from a variety of classes available to resort guests and the public.

  • Sustainable Juicing Class
  • Shake and Stir Cocktail Class
  • Soulful Soups
  • Bake Shop 101
  • Vines to Wines
  • Culinary Clinic

To make reservations for holiday dining & classes, spa & wellness packages and for staying at CIVANA visit their website.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is at 37220 Mule Train Rd. Carefree 85377. 480-653-9000

Birdgang Travel Club partners with BBQ Island for tailgate cooking lessons

Football season is here and tailgaters are saving their parking spots for cooking and pre-game partying. The Birdgang Travel Club will be out and about psyching up Cardinals fans up for 2019 season. The NFL team has high hopes after drafting first taking QB Kyler Murray. One of the Birdgang’s first event is at BBQ Island in Tempe for a “Tailgating 101” cooking class.

Saturday August 24th the class will teach fans to cook brisket stuffed jalapeño poppers, smoked chicken wings and more.Birdgang Travel Club

“We started Birdgang Travel Club as a way to show our dedication to the Red Sea across the great state and beyond. It’s been so much fun putting events together, celebrating with friends and making new ones each season,” said Tyler Vasquez, Co-Founder, Birdgang Travel Club.

Space is limited for “Tailgating 101” that goes from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the BBQ Island Tempe 1715 W. Ruby Dr. #105 85284. Tickets need to be pre- purchased for $50 or $45 for 2 or more.

More Birdgang Travel Club events

The die hard Cardinals fans are planning to hit the road with the team a couple of times this season. Reservations are being taken for road trips to Oct. 24-28 to New Orleans and Nov. 7-11 in Tampa Bay vs former head coach Bruce Arians.

Home games they huddle up at Majerle’s Sports Bar in Chandler before busing out to Glendale. The safe ride option offers breakfast buffet, a tailgate lunch and a ride to & from the stadium for $65. Tickets to the game and alcohol are not included. Fans are welcome to bring beer and alcohol for the ride over to the game. Tickets need to be pre-purchased.

“We started out as a small group of friends that would travel to away games but found it to be very expensive in small groups and quickly realized that by traveling in larger groups we could save a ton of money and have a lot more fun! So, we started Birdgang Travel Club as a way to take some of the work and expense out of individual travel planning. Now, after four years of traveling as a group, we are booking 200-300 fans at a time and are able to pass along an amazing experience and savings to our members,” continued Vasquez.

Learn and lunch cooking class returns to Marcellino Ristorante

Class is back in session at Marcellino Ristorante with new themes and recipes for his monthly cooking class. Limited seating is available at the Chef’s Island where Marcellino will share his secrets to making his hand-crafted Italian cuisine.

Class participants will enjoy lunch following class that includes the main dish from the cooking demonstration along with a salad and dessert.

Classes are from 1 p.m. – 3p.m. with the first class starting in 2 weeks. Reservations can be made by calling 480-990-9500.Cooking class

Saturday, September 22

Cost: $35/per person

Menu: Chef’s fresh pasta and sauce featuring Italian Brocoli di Rape and Salsiccia (sausage)

Saturday, October 20

Cost: $40+/per person

Menu: Ravioli filled with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese

Saturday, November 17

Cost: $40/per person

Menu: Pollo Saporito — humanely raised chicken breast sautéed with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and tomato

Saturday, December 15

Cost: $35/per person

Menu: “Christmas Eve in Italy” featuring Scialatielli alle Vongolle — handcrafted pasta sautéed with Manila clams, olive oil, garlic, white wine and red pepper flakes.

Marcellino Ristorante is at 7114 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale 85251. http://marcellinoristorante.com/

Festive holiday cooking classes planned for Scottsdazzle

The festive holiday season is almost upon us and brings the return of the month long celebration Scottsdazzle. Over a dozen events planned along the canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront and in nearby old town.  One of those events is a series of cooking classes by local chefs for three Saturdays in December.

Tamale Making at Barrio Queen

Barrio Queen is hosting a tamale making class on December 2! Guests will have a hands on experience with Chef Julio, making tamales and learning about their history. Attendees will also receive a recipe to make tamales at home. The event is limited to 20 people and the proceeds will be donated to a children’s charity.

 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. $10, tickets by calling 480-656-4197

7114 E. Stetson Dr.

Marshmallow Making at Super Chunk Sweets & Treats

On Saturday, December 9, local pastry chef Country Velador will teach guests to make marshmallows in festive flavors! Participants will create marshmallows in flavors such as peppermint candy, cocoa or pumpkin spice. They will also learn how to dress the mallows up using cookie cutters or molds and how to cut them perfectly for homemade hot chocolate or wrapped up as gifts for loved ones.

2:30 p.m.

7120. E 6th Ave. #19

$35 per person. Space is limited to 15 guests. Call (602)736-2383 or stop by the shop in person to pay in advance. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 10 days before the class.

Italian Holiday Traditions with Chef Marcellino

Chef Marcellino Verzino is hosting a holiday cooking class on Saturday, December 16. The class, titled “Christmas Eve in Italy,” will allow participants to have fun while learning a few of chef’s secrets in making his handcrafted cuisine.

1-3 p.m. $35 per person, tickets at (480)990-9500

Marcellino Ristorante 7114 E. Stetson Dr.

To see a full list of Scottsdazzle’s month long events go to http://www.scottsdazzle.com/

 

Lunch & Learn at Marcellino Ristorante

If you’ve ever wanted to learn what makes classic Italian cuisine so good now’s your chance as Chef Marcellino Verzino of his namesake restaurant, Marcellino Ristorante is hosting 2 Lunch & Learns  in coming weeks sharing his secrets and recipes.

Pasta & Pesto

Saturday March 18th is when 16 lucky guests will pull up a seat at the chef’s island and will watch and learn as chef Marcellino creates his homemade pasta and delicious pesto.

Gnocchi & Tomato Sauce

Come back on Saturday April 22nd and learn how he makes his Gnocchi and light tomato sauce as you watch chef gracefully make his way around the exhibition kitchen preparing his delicious potato dumplings.

Only 16 seats are available for each of the classes that will start at 1pm and conclude about 3pm. Attendees will dine on salad,  pasta and dessert after his cooking demonstration. Cost for each of the exclusive Lunch & Learns are $35++.

Reserve your seat by calling the restaurant at 480-990-9500.

Marcellino Ristorante is at 7114 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale 85251. http://marcellinoristorante.com/

 

 

 

Michael Rusconi of Rusconi’s American Kitchen to teach how to make 3 of his signature dishes at luncheon.

Calling all home chefs, if you’re looking for new recipe ideas and cooking techniques chef/ owner Michael Rusconi of Rusconi’s American Kitchen is teaching a cooking class & luncheon this Saturday Jan. 28th. The theme for the 3-course meal & lunch is “A Sonoran Winter Harvest Lunch” and will feature 3 of Rusconi’s signature dishes and instructions as how to prepare and cook them.

Guests will learn to use the unique ingredients that chef Rusconi uses to give his dishes his signature flair. After learning to make the dishes guests will dine on the creations of a menu of Butternut Squash Soup, Pan roasted chicken with green chile mac & cheese, agave glazed carrots and Cranberry & White Chocolate Crème Brûlée;

The class will start at 10am and go lunch will conclude at 1:00pm. The cost is $65 per person and includes, cooking instruction, recipes and 3 course lunch. Wine can be paired with lunch for an additional $12. Space is limited, to save your seat call 480-483-0009.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen is at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. http://rusconiskitchen.com/