1. Agenda: We attended the public Pasta Bianca class this Thursday from 6:30-8:30 PM. Before the…read moreclass officially started, we enjoyed an appetizer prepared by our instructor and took a brief tour of the lovely backyard. We had some casual conversations with the host and other guests, which made for a warm, welcoming start.
The class began with a demonstration on how to prepare fresh pasta dough using semolina flour, water, and salt. After watching the technique, we each made our own dough, wrapped it in plastic, and let it rest.
Next, we moved on to sauce-making -- a hands-on but light part of the class. The instructor led the process and explained the ingredients and techniques, while we assisted. We made pesto, tomato sauce, and a pepper vinaigrette, learning about how to choose quality ingredients and balance flavors.
Then we learned how to shape malloreddus and trofie pasta. As we made our own versions, the instructor gave helpful feedback and prepped dinner items like salad with vinaigrette and homemade croutons.
To finish, she cooked our pasta, tossed them with the sauces, plated everything beautifully, and we all sat down to enjoy the delicious meal we had helped create.
2. Venue: The class is hosted in a charming house on Chatham Avenue, decorated with cool artwork and featuring a lovely backyard -- cozy, relaxed, and thoughtfully designed.
3. Teamwork: There were two other groups in the class. Each group prepared their own pasta, and the food was cooked separately. We all enjoyed the fruits of our own labor, but the atmosphere encouraged casual conversation and mutual appreciation.
4. Instruction: Our host, Megan, was fantastic -- warm, funny, and highly skilled. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu (if I heard correctly) and has years of industry experience. She demonstrated key techniques for making flavorful sauces and shaping pasta, offering tips throughout without overwhelming us.
5. Recipe: Everything we made was completely vegan and absolutely delicious. Megan had her own creative twists on classic recipes, and they worked really well -- flavorful, satisfying, and fresh.
6. Tools: The kitchen has everything needed for pasta-making, plus some really neat cooking gadgets. I especially loved their pepper grinder and salt container -- simple but super handy.
7. Parking: Street parking is available.
8. Overall Experience: Megan went above and beyond. She prepared iced water, roasted broccoli, and hummus for us to snack on before class. Although the class was scheduled for two hours, we stayed nearly 45 minutes longer and never felt rushed during the class. When time needed to be managed, she let us know in a clear, friendly way.
She also prepared complementary ingredients to pair with our pasta and sauces, and even prepared each of us a delicious vegan chocolate mousse topped with hazelnuts.
The basil we used in our pesto came from her garden.
Everyone in the class was friendly, and while collaboration wasn't required, conversation flowed naturally. One group offered to take pictures of my husband and me, while another shared pasta-shaping tips.
We had such a great time and will definitely be back for another class.