Che Figata U and Che Kids U will offer six classes July 23 to Sept. 26
Che Figata, Naperville’s Italy to Table restaurant on the CityGate campus, is launching its Culinary University series featuring three adult and three kids’ cooking classes and demonstrations. The series will feature hands-on learning and demonstrations by Executive Chef Austin Fausett, Chef Laura Legault and Chef Tom Marquez.
“We’re excited to launch this program now that Illinois has reached Phase 4 reopening,” said Chef Austin, who initially planned the series to begin in spring but delayed due to the statewide shutdown of restaurant dining rooms and patios. “We held one virtual class using Zoom in June that was well received, but we love interacting with our guests, and the kids will be particularly fun.”
The adults’ series will include three monthly events beginning July 25 held at 1 p.m. Saturdays, led by Chef Austin:
On July 25 participants will prepare Che Figata’s gnocchi with hearth-roasted vegetables. The $55 price includes their self-prepared gnocchi, a salad and a glass of prosecco.
On August 22, Chef Austin will present a mozzarella ball-making demonstration featuring a fresh summer salad with ingredients harvested from the Chefs’ Garden shared by Che Figata and nearby CityGate Grille. The demo will have hands-on aspects as participants will accompany Chef Austin on a short walk to the Chefs’ Garden to select the ingredients that will be used. It is priced at $40 and includes a mozzarella and fresh vegetable tasting, and a glass of prosecco.
On Sept. 26, a hands-on pasta-making class will be held. Participants will roll and shape pasta which will be served along with a salad and glass of prosecco for $65.
Pricing for all three events includes gratuity.
The kids’ program for ages 6 and up will be held three consecutive Thursdays, beginning July 30, at 5 p.m. leading into the start of the school year
“We know many parents are thinking about school resuming, and mask requirements,” said Chef Austin. “We are hoping that in addition to this being a lively experience for the kids, that it will help ease them into the social distancing and mask-wearing required at school with an activity that is a lot of fun.”
The first Che Kids class will be Cooking 101, July 30. Chef Laura will lead the session where kids will be taught how to follow a recipe and measure ingredients, plus safe use of kitchen tools, while making a cannoli dessert to enjoy. Chef Laura created the program blending her culinary experience with that of being a mom to three young children. It is priced at $25 per child.
Chef Tom, along with his own young daughter, will step in to lead the Aug. 6 class where kids will create a take-home family meal featuring Che Figata’s lasagna recipe. Each pan will feed a family of 4 to 6 people. The class is priced at $40 per child.
Completing the kids’ series on Aug. 13, Chef Austin will lead participants in making Che Figata’s Roman-style pizza, sharing the specifics of his technique with the young students in the $25 class, which will conclude with them eating their own pizzas.
All pricing includes gratuity. Guests may register for all three Che Kids programs to save $10 and receive a Che Figata Chef’s hat and certificate of completion at the Aug. 13 class.
Each of the Che Figata U and Che Kids U classes require advance registration at www.chefigatakitchen.com/events. All participants must wear masks except for when eating or drinking, and social distancing will be observed. While parents or guardians will not participate in the Che Kids classes, they are expected to stay on the premises. Che Figata’s Patio and Zorba Cocktail Bar will be open for parents during the program.
Che Figata is located at 2155 CityGate Ln., on the CityGate campus near Rte. 59 and Ferry Rd. in northwest Naperville. Class sizes are limited to 10 participants each.