Cafe Juanita Goes Sicilian

Cafe Juanita is offering an event that caught my eye – and not just because I’m going to Italy next month.  The restaurant is hosting Sicilian culinary expert, Fabrizia Lanza, from the Anna Tasca Cooking School, for a special dinner and wine event.  Gourmet magazine named this cooking school one of the best in the world.

Fabrizia heads the cooking school, founded by her mother, and combines her background in art history with a love of cooking, and is an expert on Sicilian cuisine.  The school is located in Vallelunga, Sicily, and focusers on Sicily’s traditional dishes, from the aristocratic cuisine of Palermo to the ingredient driven foods of the countryside. Courses run from March through November and include three-day visits, chocolate workshops, food and culture seminars, a morning lesson followed by lunch or  customized class. While staying at the school, guests enjoy the family’s renowned Tasca D’Almerita wines along with jams, preserved vegetables, meats and artisan cheeses all made on the estate.

Fabrizia lectures internationally, and is the author of numerous cookbooks.   She also teaches classes on Sicilian cuisine in the Master of Liberal Arts program in Gastronomy at Boston University, among her many other food related personal appearances.

This is the final stop on her west coast tour, and I’m guessing she’s saving the best for last.

The evening begins with a reception, followed by dinner.  Wine pairings are provided from the Lanza family estate, Regaleali.  Take a look at the menu:  Marinated Prawns with Fresh Greens or Raw Artichoke and Parmigianno Reggiano Salad, Eggplant Involtini with Angel Hair Pasta, Lamb with Saffron Potatoes, Sfince with Honey and Lemon Mousse.

Location:  9702 NE 120th Place, Kirkland (map)

Date & Time:  May 26th,  6 pm reception, dinner follows.

Price:  $95 per person for dinner (tax and gratuity not included), with optional wine pairings priced at $40 and $70.  Reservations required.

Photo credit: wikimedia