Old Hens and a Young Rooster at a New York class (Mar 13, 2013)

All ages came together at our Long Island cooking class, hosted by Mickie – and what a way to re-unite! (Mickie, husband Jeff and their four wonderful children had toured with me in Umbria – in blazing summer heat but those children so attentive to every word). Mickie and family had lived in Florence for two years and their love of Italy and its flavors lingers: in fact, the children (and lots of their friends) were in the kitchen to taste-test our dishes! (Empty plates were the approval indicator).

Mickie’s class was all women – about 18! – with the exception of one young man, chef Dylan, in white jacket, attentive to all the cooking lore and never leaving the burners. He chopped and mixed with chatting women in the kitchen and reigned at the dining room table where we savored our banquet. During dinner, I asked all participants to share news on themselves and tell us why they were here. Valerie and mamma Marianna who had toured with me in Umbria (and cooked with me last year in New York), remembered the fresco with the “old chicken” in Perugia, asking me to tell the group about it. We talked about the “gallina vecchia” (the old hen, the significance of its broth) in Umbrian rural lore and the story is here.

Lots of chuckles all around as I said, “Well, here we are – old hens – with one young rooster.” Dylan, thanks for joining in – and for your unflagging enthusiasm

Mille grazie to each of you and Micke, hope to see you next year!

COMMENTS:

“Thank you for a fabulous evening! See you next year?” Mickie N.

“Thank you for a wonderful night. My boring daily “what’s for dinner?” routine has been transformed. Your passion has inspired me to slice and dice adding color and life while having more fun in the kitchen. My family is scared. I’m loving the results…” Andrea

“How blessed we were to have experienced this!“ Carline N

“Pleased to have met you …experienced your warmth …you have taught me that food is a great way to bring people together.” Kirsten M

“Thank you for great food …and conversation.“ Alexandra M

“Your charm and energy is definitely translated into your delicious food.” Francesca R