Al Boccalino Cooking Class
Pioneer Square
She Said:
Brett and I had an incredibly fun Date Night last week. Thanks to Groupon, we found out about a cooking class offered at a cute little Italian restaurant down in Pioneer Square, Al Boccalino. The Groupon was a great deal we couldn’t pass up: $40 for an Italian Four-Course Cooking Class for Two! I emailed a week ahead and made reservations – classes are at 7pm Monday thru Saturday, and book up FAST. We only got a spot because another couple canceled!
We arrived a little after 7 (Parking is not easy, leave early!) and were greeted by Luigi, the most adorable Italian man with a fabulous mustache, thick accent, and sharp wit. This guy says it like it is, so if you don’t have thick skin, don’t take this class! We were offered wine, and gladly accepted. It came out in a half-carafe… well, okay then! (Wine was the only thing not included in the price of the class through Groupon, but IS included for the normal price of $50/person.)
We were seated communally – the goal is to make new friends and share food family style. Probably about 20 of us total, in a little side room in the restaurant. Perfecto!
All 20 of us were asked to put our names on a little slip of paper and into a bowl. [Brett thought this was quickly turning into a Swingers party, but much to his chagrin, it did not.] Instead, Luigi drew 5 names, and these were the lucky victims who would be helping him cook tonight! Of COURSE Brett’s name was drawn for the main course. I was so glad he’d be able to jump in and show off his skills!
The cooking began, with Luigi talking us through exactly what he was doing. Simple, simple stuff, but was really fun to hear stories and background info on where he came from, what Italian food means, its influences in modern cooking, all while laughing and talking with our new friends at the table.
The meal was a hearty 4 courses (if you count the wine as a course, which I do!). We enjoyed an eggplant appetizer, paired with a beautiful penne pasta. Our main was pork (beautifully cooked a la Brett!) and for our dessert, a custard of sorts. Bellissimo!
(You can watch one of his cooking classes here: Luigi Cooks!)
We left full, a little fuzzy, and with a handful of new friends (and blog readers!).
This was truly a fun date night. A great first or second date, for sure… not necessarily the most romantic, as you are interacting with a ton of different people, it’s loud, chaotic and crazy. But Al Boccalino looks like it could be a really fun spot to go and enjoy a nice quiet candlelit dinner. Brett and I will certainly be back, and this time, we’ll let the experts do the cooking for us!
Salute!
xo,
Mandy
Brett and I had an incredibly fun Date Night last week. Thanks to Groupon, we found out about a cooking class offered at a cute little Italian restaurant down in Pioneer Square, Al Boccalino. The Groupon was a great deal we couldn’t pass up: $40 for an Italian Four-Course Cooking Class for Two! I emailed a week ahead and made reservations – classes are at 7pm Monday thru Saturday, and book up FAST. We only got a spot because another couple canceled!
We arrived a little after 7 (Parking is not easy, leave early!) and were greeted by Luigi, the most adorable Italian man with a fabulous mustache, thick accent, and sharp wit. This guy says it like it is, so if you don’t have thick skin, don’t take this class! We were offered wine, and gladly accepted. It came out in a half-carafe… well, okay then! (Wine was the only thing not included in the price of the class through Groupon, but IS included for the normal price of $50/person.)We were seated communally – the goal is to make new friends and share food family style. Probably about 20 of us total, in a little side room in the restaurant. Perfecto!
All 20 of us were asked to put our names on a little slip of paper and into a bowl. [Brett thought this was quickly turning into a Swingers party, but much to his chagrin, it did not.] Instead, Luigi drew 5 names, and these were the lucky victims who would be helping him cook tonight! Of COURSE Brett’s name was drawn for the main course. I was so glad he’d be able to jump in and show off his skills!
The cooking began, with Luigi talking us through exactly what he was doing. Simple, simple stuff, but was really fun to hear stories and background info on where he came from, what Italian food means, its influences in modern cooking, all while laughing and talking with our new friends at the table.The meal was a hearty 4 courses (if you count the wine as a course, which I do!). We enjoyed an eggplant appetizer, paired with a beautiful penne pasta. Our main was pork (beautifully cooked a la Brett!) and for our dessert, a custard of sorts. Bellissimo!
(You can watch one of his cooking classes here: Luigi Cooks!)
We left full, a little fuzzy, and with a handful of new friends (and blog readers!).
This was truly a fun date night. A great first or second date, for sure… not necessarily the most romantic, as you are interacting with a ton of different people, it’s loud, chaotic and crazy. But Al Boccalino looks like it could be a really fun spot to go and enjoy a nice quiet candlelit dinner. Brett and I will certainly be back, and this time, we’ll let the experts do the cooking for us!
Salute!
xo,
Mandy
RATINGS:
Al Boccalino Cooking Class
1 Yesler Way, Seattle
(206) 622-7688
Romance: Restaurant, 4; Cooking class, 1
Cool Ambiance/Interior: 4 - really neat little Italian joint!
All Around Service: 4 - Very friendly!
Cost: Class is $50/person - but keep an eye on Groupon for deals!
Would we recommend it? 5: Yes! And can we come with you?
See more photos on our Facebook page!
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