Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Piccola Cucina

One of the many things that has been keeping me busy lately is this new project. Obviously it is only applicable for those of you living in Southern California. It would be great if some of you local readers and bloggers out there could participate. I can't speak highly enough of my partner in this project - Christina Sbarra. She is an excellent Italian teacher and has come to specialize in teaching the language via activities. It has proven to be one of the fastest ways to learn. We are both passionate about Italian cooking, food and wine and thought that using those activities would be a fun vehicle for learning the language. Any level of Italian speaker - yes, even beginners - are welcome.

Piccola Cucina
Italian Cooking & Language Lessons

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Have you ever wanted to speak Italian?
How about learn to cook authentic Italian dishes?
Now you can do both at the same time!


All levels of Italian welcome – including beginners. Three hour class includes Italian language instruction along with a cooking lesson, in Italian, lunch and wine. Small group – limited to 6 people. Classes are held on Sundays from 11 am – 2 pm in Long Beach.

Sunday, April 13: “Stuzzichini” (appetizers, salads, bruschettas, etc.)

Sunday, April 27: A regional lesson on the cuisine of Tuscany.

Sunday, May 4: “Primavera” – cooking with the freshest Spring ingredients.

Sunday, May 18: A regional lesson on the cuisine of Le Marche.

Fees: Save money buying when you sign up for all four classes! 1 class $100, 2 classes $90 each, or 4 classes $75 each.

Your instructors:
Christina Sbarra is the Coordinator and Instructor of the Language Center of Long Beach (a branch of La Lingua La Vita from Todi, Italy – www.lalingualavita.com.) She has over 10 years of Italian teaching experience and specializes in teaching language through activities, which has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to learn a language. Christina has been a passionate home cook of Italian food for over 20 years.

Jeni Moretti is an Italian wine and food expert who owns Passionate Palate Tours (www.passionatepalatetours.com) a company specializing in group wine and food tours of Italy. She also has many years of working in the Italian wine business and studying the regional cuisines of Italy.

For more information, please call Christina at 562-930-9194 or email christinasbarra AT yahoo DOT com.

13 comments:

erin said...

Love this idea! What a great thing and so fun and creative. Buona fortuna! I'm sure it will be a hit.

Katie Zeller said...

What a fun way to learn a language - and to practice. Not to mention the food....

Ilva said...

What an exiting project! i'm sure you will be successful and I envy your students!

The Passionate Palate said...

Erin, Katie and Ilva,
Thanks for the supportive words ladies!

Anonymous said...

What a brilliant idea! Now I wish I lived in Southern California... but I have a friend who does, and I'll shoot her a note about your classes. She's both a foodie and a lover of languages.

katerinafiore said...

wow what a great idea Jeni!! I wish I was there to partake in it. in bocca al lupo! ;)

The Passionate Palate said...

Mrs. W - a big Grazie!

Katerina - Thank you bella!

Anonymous said...

Why oh why can't you live closer???? I would be *in like flynn* as they say.

Sounds like so much fun and right up my alley!!

Buona fortuna :)

Dana said...

How fun! And Long Beach is only about 45 minutes away from me! I will definitely be making it up there for at least one class! :)

The Passionate Palate said...

My Melange - I wish you lived closer too because I know you would be a great addition to the class!

Dana - Yahoo! I am thrilled that I will be able to meet you. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

african vanielje said...

This sounds incredible. I wish I lived closer. Good luck and hope your new venture is a huge success

Bella Baita Marla said...

This sounds like a wonderful offering, that I'm sure will sell out quickly.

The Passionate Palate said...

AV - I wish you lived closer too! You could teach all how to make those incredible desserts you make.

BBV - Grazie bella!