A Pinch of Salt, a Dash of Class

You might have never been to Milan, but you don’t need a passport to appreciate the nuances of Italian eating. We’ve seen you salivate over bowls heaped high with creamy risotto, panini overwrought with fresh veggies and deli meats, and the ultimate decadent dish — layer upon layer upon layer of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce, all better known as lasagna. The Italian tradition is that mealtime is family time, a moment that is less about expanding your waistline (though it probably will) and more about spending time with kinfolk. Each Monday at chic Milan-style café Via Quadronno, chef Maurizio Florio leads a cooking class that will teach you and a gaggle of other Giada De Laurentiis wannabes how to create your own feast.

He’ll entertain you with his culinary flair while showing you how to wield a spatula, chop lots of garlic, and eat Parmesan cheese like a pro. Sure, you’ll be learning, but this class is as much about doing as it is about eating amazing food and drinking wine. The class begins at 7 p.m. Call 305-476-1160 or e-mail francesco@viaquadronno.com to reserve your spot.
Mon., June 2, 2008