Mediterranean Cooking Class with Chef Arthur

I had gotten Carl a ticket to participate in the Mediterranean cooking class with our community's chef, Chef Arthur.

Chef Arthur welcomed the participants to the class held outside at the BBQ area.

The menu was to include Amalfi Coast Salad, Focaccia and Naan, Eggplant Rolatini, and Paella with Saffron Infused Rice!

Carl told me that he was one of only two men participating in the class (with 18 ladies).

Chef preparing and instructing

Amalfi Coast Salad

Sherbert to cleanse pallet

Cooking area

Chef cooking shrimp

Chef's assistant for these demonstrations

Paella with Saffron Infused Rice

Carl enjoyed the class -- Chef is quite a character! "Butter is your friend!" as he put slab after slab into the pan! Chef also shared about what Extra Virgin Olive Oil is (the first pressing of the olives) -- which is best for high heat cooking, with a mild flavor and high smoke point. Chef said that, with other olive oils (not extra virgin), companies may put oils from other seeds to increase the volume -- not a good thing. Always much to learn!