Master Chef Biagio Longo will return to Stamford in late January during an upcoming visit to the United States. Owner of the renowned Mami Camilla Cooking School in Sorrento, Italy, Longo also travels around the United States teaching Italian cooking classes.
Longo first visited the in March 2009 through a connection with Darry Bova and her husband Paul Bova.
"We began to travel and take cooking classes in Italy and we found Chef Biagio," Darry Bova told Patch. "He has a school where you can go for an extended time and he certifies people to become chefs."
For Stamford residents who can't make the trip to Sorrento, the Italian Center provides a great alternative to take a class in Italian cooking.
"He shows you how simple it is to cook Italian food. There's no mystery, just good ingredients," Bova said. "We all sit down and eat together, it's very friendly."
Longo studied at the Culinary Cooking School in Piano Di Sorrento and at the prestigious Hotels City School. He has worked in some of the most acclaimed hotels and restaurants in Europe and South America, and on some of the world's finest cruise ships.
"On his first visit, he said we needed at least 40 participants and we ended up getting 80 people signed up," Bova said. "Most are coming back this time and bringing along friends."
The Bovas also volunteer to teach monthly cooking classes to members of the Italian Center.
Classes with Longo are open to both members and non-members of the Italian Center and each class is limited to 12 participants. Space is still available in Thursday evening classes on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 from 5:30-8:30 pm. There is also an opening for a class on Jan. 31 for a group assembled at a private home.
Classes held at the Italian Center are $125 and include all food and wine. Home classes are $100, plus the cost of food. All classes must be booked by Jan 15 and reservations can be made by calling the Bovas at 203-329-9710 or emailing them at ppbova@optonline.net.
