"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.

Participant options:

Observer: Are you a visual learner? No problem! Simply choose "observer" when you sign up for the cooking class.

Hands-on: Are you a hands-on learner? Great! Choose "hands-on" when you sign up for the class.

Please note: while everyone will have a chance to dine, you must specify whether you will be observing or participating at registration.

If you choose to pay by check, please call or email us to let us know if you would prefer to observe or participate: (585)389-2468, casa@naz.edu.

Fall 2026 Classes

Tuesday, September 15th, 6PM. Register.

MENU:

Cold Antipasto

Ravioli with meat sauce

Parmigiano Reggiano zucchini

Tomato cucumber salad

Ricotta Pie

Message from Dr. Calcagno:

Our first cooking class of the season will feature homemade ravioli. We will begin with a cold antipasto. We will then make my grandmother’s ravioli.

Participants have a choice of hands-on and dine, or observe and dine. The hands-on participants with mix the ricotta filling and shape the ravioli.

After we have made our ravioli, everyone will dine on ravioli with meat sauce and meatballs, Parmigiano Reggiano zucchini, tomato and cucumber salad, and ricotta pie.

Tuesday, October 15th, 6PM: Register

MENU:

Tuesday, November 10th, 6PM: Register.

MENU:

Tuesday, December 12th, 12PM: Register.

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