Friday, July 30, 7:00-8:30 PM. In-person or Zoom Class: A Sicilian Summer Dinner with Chef Rocco DiGrazia. Cost: $75.00 per person.

Just like a summer dinner Sicily, an al fresco evening of deliciousness awaits as Chef Rocco DiGrazia of Rocco’s Little Chicago honors his roots under the Tucson stars at the beautiful Urban Grove.

The in-person class, limited to 20, has both chef demonstration and hands-on components; the portions are full size.

Summer Caponata Bruschetta, bursting with eggplant, vegetables and seasonings, jam-packed with flavors sweet, sour and salty is the appetizer. Busiate with Pesto Alla Trapanese is the pasta dish. Though tomatoes in pesto may sound crazy, this is Sicily’s answer to Liguria’s more famous pesto. The two versions have fresh basil, nuts, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan cheese in common. Ligurian pesto uses pine nuts, Sicily’s uses almonds, then adds juicy tomatoes on top for a uniquely delicious pesto. Chef Rocco amps his up with mint, too. It’s served with Busiate pasta that’s perfect for catching all the little bits of pesto!

Grilled swordfish stuffed with pine nuts, golden raisins, Romano cheese and breadcrumbs is the main course. Sicilians and Tucsonans share a love of foods made with prickly pear fruit. Prickly Pear (fichi d’india) and Lemon Granita, a Sicilian ice dessert similar to sorbet, is a winning flavor combination that’s as appealing to the eye as to the palate, and the perfect way to end a summer meal.

This is our monthly class highlighting local dining at its best with Tucson Originals restaurants. Formed 1999, the Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. They’re your neighbors and friends who contribute endlessly to the betterment of our community. They’re the first to give when there’s a need.

CLASS NOTES: The in-person class, limited to 20, will be held at The Urban Grove, 550 W. Orange Grove Rd., where misters and outside air conditioning will keep you cool.

Please use an email address you frequently check. Our emails can get caught in spam filters or blocked entirely. Please contact us if you don’t receive the class information. All classes are nonrefundable. You can request a transfer to a different class up to one week prior to class.

REGISTER AND PAY AT SHOPIFY

Saturday, July 31, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM. In-person Baking Fundamentals Workshop: All About Choux with Food Network Star Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Manuyag. Cost: $75.00 per person.

Pâte à choux is the most versatile dough in pastry since it can be used both sweet and savory. Fresh off his five-week stint on Food Network’s “Best Baker in America” competition, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort’s Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Manuyag will turn you into an expert and give us the scoop of being on the series.

Showcasing its versatility, you’ll learn the art of this egg-based dough, how to tell when you achieve the perfect texture and confidently pipe cream puffs, churros, French cruller donuts and savory gougères. With Chef Aaron guiding you step-by step, you’ll pipe, make the cream and fill the puffs, fry and dust churros in cinnamon sugar, fry and hand dip crullers and pipe the gougères. There will be plenty for you to eat and take home.  

Part of our Baking Fundamentals series, this workshop is hands-on, technique driven and more in-depth than our regular classes. We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes and be prepared to work standing up alongside Chef Aaron. Chairs will be provided. You’ll work in groups of four and everyone will actively participate. A short break will be scheduled and a snack will be provided.    

CLASS NOTES: The in-person class, limited to 16, will be held at The Urban Grove, 550 W. Orange Grove Rd. 

Please use an email address you frequently check. Our emails can get caught in spam filters or blocked entirely. Please contact us if you don’t receive the class information. All classes are nonrefundable. You can request a transfer to a different class up to one week prior to class.

REGISTER AND PAY AT SHOPIFY