July 25th Enza Pasta Master Class & Sicilian Supper

The occasion was a fund-raising dinner to benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier Seattle and the culinary and wine scholarships fund that is funded through the efforts of the food & wine professionals who are members. This dinner was purchased at the March 31, 2011 Les Dame organization's fundraiser. The lucky winner was Ann Pryd from Hunt's Point, a Seattle suburb. She invited six friends to join her in learning how to make two different pastas and enjoy a four course menu prepared by Enza Sorrentino owner of Enza Cucina Siciliana upper Queen Anne, 2128 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle.

Wines for the evening were provided from the cellar of Scott Wonder and augmented by selections from the restaurant's wine list, at suggestion of the ever charming, food and wine impresario, Ronald Holden. Ronald acted as translator, since Enza's languages are Italian or French.    

Pasta Master Class, Sicilian Supper

Pan con Cunzato alla Maralese

Insalata Caprese

Valdo Brut Rose' Nerello Mascalese

Ravioli Melanzane
Le Serre Nuove dell Ornellaia 2006

Fettuccine al Nero di Seppia

Donnafugata "Anthilia"

Zabagline con Frutta Fresca

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2004

Late Harvest White Reisling

Enza made everything look easy, she has a light hand and while wielding large pans and pots in the demonstration kitchen, she moves and looks like a teenager instead of a mother and grandmother! It is patently obvious that she loves cooking with all her heart. The restaurant was closed for the evening, to accommodate us. At the table next to us, Enza's mother, brother, daughter and granddaughter spent the evening: eating, drinking and storytelling, as Ron noted "in the Italian way." 

Enza's food reflects Sicily, which is a remote island whose inhabitants have been perennially poor due to geography. The food was simple, straightforward and used ingredients that were readily available in Seattle at this time of year. As Ron explained, "Enza naturally does things as simply as possible, it's the way she cooks, rejecting anything resembling being complicated." The flavors were well-balanced, the colors bold and everyone became engaged, watching the food come together. Tasting, drinking and asking questions; It was a well-traveled group who enjoys eating well.

Enza and Ron did not disappoint! Thank you Ms. Pryde for your support of the Les Dame scholarship efforts...!    

PS. If you recognize the lady in the yellow jacket and the gentleman to her left, it's because they were Marilyn and Armandio Batali. Armandino..... this next image is for you. Thirteen years ago at your restaurant Salumi for my birthday we did an interactive dinner, you tried to teach us all how to make gnocchi. In this photo, you're telling me (as gently as possible) no-go on the gnocchi gal. We flunked.