I have mentioned before how much I enjoy receiving the course offerings brochure from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.  Well I was reviewing September’s classes and noticed that during our upcoming Italian Food & Festival Tour of New York City (9/11-14), ICE is offering a number of Italian theme cooking classes for that weekend.

As if there wasn’t enough reasons to join us in New York, here are eight more:

• Italian Cheese & Wine
• Pizza In Rome
• Basics of Tuscan Cooking
• The Italian Steakhouse
• Essentials of Sicilian Cooking
• Arthur Ave Walking Tour
• Essentials of Tuscan Cooking
• Pizza, Pizza - A Class For Mom & Dads w/kids

I am planning on attending the Italian Steakhouse class for Saturday evening. The menu looks absolutely wonderful!

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

9/12/09 - The Italian Steakhouse:Bold, natural flavors dominate the steak tradition of Italy, and you’ll learn to prepare two versions—Florentina and Pizzaiola. You’ll also make the classic accompaniments to these dishes, a trio of great starters and one fabulous dessert. On the menu: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (classic grilled porterhouse flavored with olive oil, lemon and garlic); Bistecca Pizzaiola (seared strip steak garnished with tomato sauce); Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms; Bruschetta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes; Grilled Shrimp with Rosemary; Tuscan Bean Purée with Sage; Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins; Risotto Milanese; and Tiramisu.
Duration: 4.5hrs
Time: 6:00pm to 10:30pm
Instructor: Daniel Stone
Tuition: $125 per person

We’ve updated our Italian Food & Festivals weekend by adding a walking and tasting tour of Greenwich Village, which is still steeped in its ethnic Italian origin. During our three hours guided tasting tour we will make stops at Italian specialty foods stores, an olive oil company, a 100-year old Italian meat store, bakeries and a couple of pizza shops. It should be a wonderful addition to our weekend.

We still have some availability for the Italian Food & Festivals Weekend. The 3nt/4day tour starts at only $579 per person, double occupancy. Contact our office at 888-685-0260 or email jstacy@itsyourtrip.com to sign up.

Bon Appetit!