The Fig Cooking School in Milford is hosting classes to bring the flavors of Italy to the table.
“Italian Family Dinner” will be Jan. 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. or Jan. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The course will share the secrets of creating a delicious crostini topped with creamy gorgonzola and sweet fig jam. Participants will then master a hearty Bolognese sauce simmered with red wine and pancetta; prepare a fresh arugula salad with shaved parmesan and a Pinot Grigio vinaigrette. Dinner will conclude with a rustic dessert from the Lombardy region, the torta sbrisolona almond tart.
Cost for the course is $125 per person.
Details: Fig Cooking School, 42 Naugatuck Ave., Milford; figcookingschool.com/classes
Home Cooking Tips
A cooking demonstration on “Homestyle Foods” will be Jan. 24 at Wisdom House in Litchfield.
The class, which is from 2 to 3:30 p.m., is centered on classic comfort foods. Chef Margaret Jacobs will demonstrate a menu with hearty favorites including chicken pot pie, scalloped potatoes, baked ham and creamy macaroni and cheese.
Participants will observe the preparation of the dishes, learn helpful kitchen tips and enjoy the comforting tradition of home cooking.
Jacobs serves as head chef at Wisdom House. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she has more than 30 years of professional cooking and kitchen management experience. Prior to coming to Wisdom House, she owned Hannah’s Bakery and Catering of Torrington and Litchfield, according to the Wisdom House website.
The cost for the cooking demonstration is $30. Registration is available on the website.
Details: Wisdom House, 229 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield; wisdomhouse.org
Sun Wine and Food Fest Returns
An annual winter treat for Connecticut food and wine fans returns later this month.
The Sun Wine and Food Fest returns Jan. 22 through Jan. 25 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
The event appeals to foodies and wine lovers with its massive variety, including wines, beers, and spirits to sample, paired with gourmet bites from top chefs. The festival stands out for its celebrity chef demos, themed events like The Asian Market and Vintage Cru, and exclusive tastings that let guests discover new flavors while learning culinary techniques. Beyond food and drink, the lively social event blends indulgence, education and entertainment into one of the region’s prominent culinary events.
Returning chefs include Maneet Chauhan, Esther Choi, Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Michael Symon and Adam Young.
The event kicks off Jan. 22 with two evening events: Cocktails & Chandeliers with Chris Santos at 7 p.m. at Beauty and Essex and ‘Tinis & Treats at 9 p.m. at A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons.
On Friday, the fest starts at 5 p.m. with the Exclusive Louis XIII Tasting at Beauty & Essex, followed by the Asian Market at 6 p.m. in the Earth Ballroom; Grand Tasting Day One at 7 p.m. at the Earth Expo and Convention Center; Toast with the Host featuring David “Big Papi” Ortiz, baseball legend and founder of Ozama Rum, at 8 p.m. at Novelle; Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience at 9 p.m. on the Sun Patio; and Spirits and Cigars Day One at 10 p.m. at Clay Pipe Cigar Bar.
On Saturday, Grand Tasting Day Two kicks off the festivities at noon at the Earth Expo & Convention Center, followed by the Deductive Blind Tasting Seminar hosted by the USA Wine Team at 2 p.m. in the Earth Ballroom; Vintage Cru, also hosted by the USA Wine Team at 4 p.m. in the Earth Ballroom.
Two of Saturday’s events are already sold out: Spirits and Cigars Day two and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. However, the Celebrity Chef Dine Around After Party at Avalon, set for 10:30 p.m., still has tickets available.
On Sunday, the festival wraps up with Brunch In The Shed at 10 a.m.
Details: Sun, Wine and Food Fest, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville; mohegansun.com/sun-wine-and-food-fest.html
Send your food news and events to Kellie Lambert, kellie3lambert@yahoo.com.
Dining and Cooking