La Cucina di Sandra — Gastrology

Gastrology bloggers attended the class courtesy of La Cucina di Sandra.

Gastrology recently visited La Cucina Di Sandra in Richmond for a delightful Italian cooking class and meal at Italian chef Sandra’s stunning warehouse home and kitchen facility.

Sandra was born in Italy in Pescara, Abruzzo and developed a passion for Italian food from an early age. Along with a successful corporate career, over the last 20 years Sandra has indulged her passion for regional Italian cooking, spending hours in her Zia's kitchen in Italy, collecting hundreds of recipes from Italian friends and family.

Since opening La Cucina Di Sandra in August 2014 turning a lifelong dream into a reality, the cooking school has been extremely popular with Melburnians from groups of friends to corporates.

With rave reviews on social media this is a unique and rewarding Melbourne foodie experience.

The theme for the night was pasta and began with a delicious Pennette al sugo di salsiccia di Toto. We loved the simplicity of the dish which was highlighted by the quality produce (a theme that runs through all of Sandra’s recipes).

A seafood entrée of Bianco e nero di Carbonara di Mare (Black and white seafood carbonara) was next. It was a luxurious seafood pasta which featured squid ink for a beautiful depth of flavour and magnificent colour.

Our main course was a hearty Rigatoni al ragu bianco, con mandorle e cream (Rigatoni with white meat ragu, almonds and cream). We adored the addition of almonds for texture and the harmony of the flavours. The use of white meat coupled with the natural creaminess of the almonds were further enhanced by the thickened cream and extra virgin olive oil.

The evening ended on a decadent high with a deconstructed cannoli (Cannolo Siciliano un po scomposto). Absolutely scrumptious, the interplay of sweet, sour and texture was exceptional. It was an absolutely beautiful dessert that was equally appealing to the eye.

We were pleased to receive (as do all attendees) a full set of recipes and extensive tips on how to successfully cook the same delicious dishes at home.