Del Mar Laughter, Friendship – and Cooking as a Team

Kat and Mike’s Del Mar, CA Valentine’s Day cooking class was a birthday celebration for Kat and a celebration of friendships. Gabriela and Paul summed it up in their post-class note to me:
“Awesome evening that really inspired laughter and friendship – loved cooking as a team. Enjoyed our cooking evening – and now, for the main course!”

 

Host Mike (with Kat) put it this way: “The fun, laughter, friendship and enjoyment here, unmatched..and yes, the food was fabulous!”

Lots of chatter and laughter in Mike and Kat’s kitchen – and concentration, too, as all sliced and diced, minced and chopped. I roamed the cooking stations, pitching in where needed, answering questions, demonstrating cooking techniques. As Raquel put it:
“Wearing her turquoise and giving orders, keeping her troops in order.” And thanks, Raquel for adding, “Amazing, sweet and giving. Very thoughtful. Thanks, Annie.”

I hope that each class is a full learning experience – and sounds like the Del Mar participants picked up on that. Jason summed it up:

“Most amazing Valentine’s Day of my life! I made it my mission to take advantage of the experience, wisdom and grace of Anne. I feel like I went through Italian boot camp in less than an hour – but feel like I gained 20 years of cooking knowledge! Thank you for your patience, knowledge and passion for cooking.”
Meet Jason here:

 

Mille grazie to Kat and Mike who hosted us, opening this event with a “feast before a feast”: a banquet of nibbles prepared by Kat to accompany the wines Mike served.

Warmest thanks, too, to all the cooks, each of you participating with such enthusiasm, uniting together to bring Umbrian goodness to Del Mar!

“Thank you for reminding me of why I love to travel so much. Your stories, food and company were all wonderful.” Emily B

“This is a fun, beautiful event. Thank you for coming!” Russ and Cyndi

“The Umbrian experience has been fantastico! So much to learn and so little time! Thank you.” Chris and Julie

“You are absolutely wonderful – thank you for a most amazing event. We will be coming to see you in 2017 for our 15th anniversary.” Erin

“………a very special night for Kat. Not only was this Kat’s birthday but a reunion of sorts from six years ago. The fun, laughter, friendship and enjoyment here, unmatched..and yes, the food was fabulous! If you intended to present a wonderful happy lifestyle through the Umbrian culture, you did it! We will always remember this night and look forward to the next dinner with you – in Assisi!” Mike and Kat