So what if you don’t have your passport… or loads of extra money in the bank to fund an international summer vacay? Join Executive Chef Christopher Nicosia this summer at one of the Valley’s most picturesque restaurants for a culinary exploration of Italy. No passport required!
SASSI recently announced its Summer Food & Wine Series of the year where guests will learn authentic Italian recipes, sip on thoughtful wine pairings and witness expert cooking techniques at this series of cooking classes. The 4-part series will begin on Wednesday, June 12 and will continue with one class per month through September.
What can you expect?Upon arrival, Chef Christopher will greet you with a glass of wine while you enjoy the demonstration of authentic Italian cooking. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new recipes and enjoy a light, one-course meal featuring the food from his demo. You’ll have a chance to interact with chef and ask questions while assisting in the preparation of each dish. Throughout sampling, you’ll be able to enjoy two additional glasses of wine to fully appreciate each dish’s flavors and pairings handpicked by SASSI’s award-winning Wine Director Stephen Plunkett.
Each class is priced at $49 per person and includes service charges, sales taxes and your three 4-oz glasses of wine.
Take a look at the Summer Food & Wine Series class schedule below and be sure to make your reservations before they fill up:
- Wednesday June 12th – Introduction to Pasta Making | Chef Nicosia will feature easy homemade pasta (Ricotta gnocchi with simple tomato sauce and Mozzarella). The pasta will be complemented by wines from Tuscany: Vermentino, Sangiovese di Toscano and Rosso di Montalcino. Wednesday
- Wednesday July 17th – Cooking with Summer Fruit | Chef Nicosia will showcase SASSI’s summer fruit appetizers (Roasted stuffed figs, Peach bruschetta) with summertime sparkling wines: Moscato, Prosecco, Franciacorta Brut.
- Wednesday August 14th – Cooking with Summer Vegetables | Chef Nicosia will present Arizona’s summer vegetable bounty: heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, Squash and herbs. The wine selection of Southern Italy will be explored: Fiano di Avellino, Etna Rosso, Nero d’Avola.
- Wednesday September 11th – Introduction to Cucina Enoteca | Chef Nicosia will demonstrate Cucina Enoteca, or food of the wine repository, featuring small plates from the Wine Bar at SASSI including olives, fried cheese, marinated vegetables,stuffed paccheri and wines from Veneto: Pinot Grigio, Carmenere,Valpolicella Ripasso.
Make your reservations by calling (480) 502-9095.
SASSI is located at 10455 E Pinnacle Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.