Chef to share cultural cuisine

A CHEF originally from Italy is set to teach the community the intricacies behind some of the classic dishes of his home country.

Gourmet Larder head chef Donato Pentassuglia will lend his skills to eager cooks as part of an upcoming workshop organised through the Ballarat Italian Association.

Pentassuglia said the session is about sharing Italian cuisine with the community.

“[Attendees] will be making fresh pasta for the ravioli and a spinach and ricotta filling,” he said. “At the end of the class, we will sit together and eat our meals.

“These dishes are Italian classics, because some of these dishes were created hundreds of years ago and have been passed down through generations.

“There are modern twists and interpretations, but the basics are the same. They focus on local and fresh produce, which makes some dishes specific to different regions in Italy.”

Based in the region for more than a decade, Pentassuglia originally learnt how to cook from his mother before earning his diploma in hospitality in Italy.

He received further mentoring under Enzio Santin while working at his Michelin star restaurant in Milan, and previously was sous chef at RACV Goldfields Resort at Creswick.

“This will be my first official cooking class, however I did do a pasta making demonstration at the Ballarat Italian Association’s Passata Day, earlier this year,” he said.

“However, working as a chef, you’re always teaching, teaching a new recipe, teaching new skills, working with other people.

“I’m looking forward to working with people, in a more relaxed environment.”

The cooking class will take place at Barkly Square from 9am to 2pm on Saturday 27 July. Book at bit.ly/3S6UH2J.