Avanti Savoia Offering Cooking Classes in February

Knoxville -- Knoxville's very own gourmet food importing business started offering cooking classes at their kitchen, La Cucina, this past summer. Featuring a wide range of cuisines and traditions, the classes always focus on efficient professional cooking techniques that will make any cook's life easier – and more fun!

During the two-hour long technique-oriented class, you will receive samples of all food prepared over the course of the evening. You'll also receive the printed recipes and surprise tastings of other Avanti Savoia products!

The classes are taught by Chef Joseph Lowery with other guest chefs and instructors announced along the way. Chef Joseph is an author, chef, and cooking teacher and has taught cooking classes since 1972 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. He is currently the Chef Consultant with Avanti Savoia Imports.

February 2011 Schedule:

Thursday, February 17: A World of Seafood
Celebrate the "fruits of the sea" with our internationally inspired menu. Chef Joseph and Chef Karen combine forces to bring you their unique style of fusion cooking class, inspired by seafood dishes from Sweden, Mexico, Italy, and Japan. Don't miss this one, seafood lovers!

Menu:
• Gravlax-Wrapped Grilled Asparagus with a Dill Mustard Sauce
• Red Snapper Vercruzana with Red and Black Rice Timbales
• Berry Sushi with Ginger Balsamic Glaze
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $50/ person
What to bring with you: BYOW [wine]

Tuesday, February 22: Italian Favorites for the American Kitchen – SOLD OUT!

Inspired by Avanti Savoia's very Italian origins, we have designed an exciting class especially for the American kitchen. Attention all homemade pasta lovers… this one is for you!

Menu:
• Salad Caprese Kabobs alla Avanti Savoia
• Lasagna Bolognese
• Strawberry Tiramisu
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $50/ person
What to bring with you: BYOW [wine or other beverage]

Thursday, February 24: Sushi 101

This is the basic introduction to the art of sushi preparation. Chef Karen Crumley is a 2008 graduate of the Culinary Institute of University of Tennessee. She was trained at Nama Sushi Bar in the specialized skills required to prepare California/Japanese style sushi as well as the use of Japanese knives. Karen will offer a brief history of sushi and a demonstration of the preparation of sushi rice. Students will enjoy hands-on techniques for making maki [variety of ingredients rolled with rice in nori seaweed], temaki [cone shaped hand rolls], and futomaki ["fat" rolls].

Limited enrollment!
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $55/ person
What to bring with you: BYOW [wine or other beverage]

Space is limited – so visit www.avantisavoia.com or call 865-922-9916 to reserve a spot!

Avanti Savoia is located in Halls across from the YMCA at 7610 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37938.

Published February 2, 2011