Deluca's Onsite Cooking Studio

I know that most people have heard of Deluca's food products and have visited their Portage Ave Italian Specialty Store, Deli, and Bakery. I have been a customer of theirs for many years and have also been very lucky to be involved in two events in the Deluca's Cooking Studio. They use this studio for cooking classes and private events. Friday, we were at a Deer Lodge fundraiser dinner in the Deluca's Studio and it was great. The room was decorated beautifully and it is bright and cheery. The staff and Deluca family were amazing and the atmosphere was very fun and relaxed. The kitchen is open and they have cameras on the cooks so you can learn from them on the large flat screen tvs. They also include some recipes to take home. The meal included a salad, a pasta, the main dish, dessert, and wine.

Fridays menu was Insalata Misti (mixed green salad with lemon balsamic vinegar), Gnocchi al Ragu di Agnello (tomato lamb sauce), Petti di Pollo Ripieni con Prosciutto, Formaggio e Spinaci Patate al Forno e Vegetali Misti (chicken stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, & cheeses in a white herb sauce served with roasted baby potatoes and veggies), Tiramisu con Panna (lady fingers dipped in espresso & brandy with whip cream, chocolate shavings & amaretti crumbs), and they had cappuccino or espresso to finish the meal. My husband loved the meal, especially the Gnocchi. They had a demonstration on how to make the three courses (not dessert) and sent home the recipes for the entire meal.

With me being the vegetarian at the table I had the salad, Gnocchi with a tomato sauce, and a eggplant layered dish similar to a lasagna, using the eggplant as the noodles, and of course the dessert. My whole meal was delicious especially the eggplant. It was rich and had so much flavour. I love eating where the chefs know how to mingle the flavors so that it is completely balanced and nothing overwhelms the palate. Many people do not have this gift and there is always one herb or flavour that takes over the dish. This meal was a wholesome Italian meal from being to end. The dessert was light and a yummy end to a fabulous meal.

Deluca's has cooking classes available for anyone and it is run similar to the private parties. There is no hands on experience but the demonstrator is easy to follow, you get to eat a delicious 4-5 course meal, and can take home the recipes. I have not been upstairs to experience their restaurant but I am sure many of these dishes are served there as well. The restaurant has a menu online and it is open:

• Monday – Thursday 11:30am- 1:30pm
• Friday 11:30 – 2:30pm & 5:30pm-8:00pm
• Saturday 11:30 – 2:30pm

950 Portage Ave
Winnipeg
(204) 774-7617