"Incredibly Italian!" Cooking Classes
Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey through one of the world’s most iconic culinary destinations — Italy! From north to south, every region bursts with its own vibrant, flavorful traditions that make Italian cuisine so irresistible. In this lively, hands-on class, our talented chef will guide you through preparing beloved regional dishes that have made Italy a global food legend. You’ll cook, taste, and learn the secrets behind authentic recipes — just like you would in a true Italian kitchen. Buon appetito!
About the Chef
Robert Calcagno, DDS, is a native of Rochester with family ties to Valguarnera Caropepe, Sicily. Although he has taken classes at the Institute of Culinary Arts, he has learned primarily from cooking with his mother as a child and by teaching himself through family recipes.
Fall 2025 Classes
- Tuesday, September 9th, 6PM
- Tuesday, October 7th, 6PM
Menu:
Baked pears with gorgonzola
Tuscan pork tenderloin
Linguine ala crema di zucchini
Cucumber and tomato salad
Ricotta pie
Note: Please read the menu carefully and contact the Casa for any allergies or dietary concerns.
- Tuesday, November 4th, 6PM
Pasta-making class
We would be delighted if you could join us this month for a hands on experience! For this month's class you will be able to learn how to make various pasta types by hand, and then enjoy it with a selection of sauces chosen by our wonderfully talented chef, Dr. Calcagno.
A description from Dr. Calcagno:
The November 4th cooking class will be a hands-on pasta making class. We will make fresh tonnarelli pasta with the use of a chitarra, and ricotta gnocchi. We will cook our pasta and enjoy it with a selection of sauces that pair with our pasta. This will be followed by Caesar salad and torta della nonna.
Please note: We will not accept any reservations made after Friday, October 31st, at 4pm. If you are paying by check, please call us or send us an email to confirm your space. If you need help navigating EventBrite, or need to share a dietary restriction/allergy with us, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (585)389-2468.
- Saturday, December 13th, 6PM
Christmas Edition
Policies
Registration procedures and policies: Registration links will be provided at least two weeks before each cooking class. You may register online or call our office phone for assistance. No one may register after 5pm the Friday before the cooking class.
Refund policy: If you cancel more than one week before the cooking class, you will receive a full refund. No refund will be provided to those who cancel the Wednesday prior to the event or later.
Membership benefits: If your Casa Italiana membership includes one or more cooking classes, make sure you email casa@naz.edu at least two weeks before the class to register and indicate your membership year. Guests accompanying members are not eligible for the member rate. Priority for registration is given to members.
For questions or additional information on registration call
585-389-2468 or email casa@naz.edu
Recipe books
Access all of our past recipes here!
FDM Casa Italiana Recipe Book Folder
Naz in the World
Now that's Italian! Read all about how the Frank DiMino Casa Italiana celebrates Italian language and culture for Nazareth students and the Rochester community. 