Asian Bowls

Italy produces wine from hundreds of different grape varieties, making its wine varied and engaging, yet perhaps a bit hard to grasp. This tasting concentrates on the wines from Toscana, Italy's third-largest quality wine-producing region. Although many of the wines are Sangiovese-based, the distinctive terroirs and other cultivated varieties offer a diverse tasting opportunity, ranging from some tasty whites to Old World and even international-style reds, topping off with traditional sweet. ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, will also discuss Tuscan wine history and Italian wine labeling. Regional cheeses will accompany the eight or more wines featured in the tasting.

Bordered by both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, with snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, the diverse geography of France offers the best ingredients from the land and sea. You'll get a taste of the best of all those regions in this class. For your Francophile meal, you will prepare and enjoy frisée salad with shallot-bacon vinaigrette; steak frites (sautéed steak with hand-cut french fries); bouillabaisse (seafood soup from Marseille); and honey lavender blanc mange.

Move over Bordeaux and Burgundy, wine from France's south is more and more becoming the go-to area for flavorsome as well as thoughtful selections. This region is not only one of the oldest wine regions of France, but also a top producer, second only to Bordeaux. The prime regions lie along the Rhône, but the subregions and many appellations - as well as the numerous grape varieties permitted - make for a varied and interesting wine selection. Certainly, delicious reds such as savory Syrahs of the northern Rhône or classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but also rich whites and refreshing rosés. Richard Vayda, ICE's resident sommelier, will host the evening's regional wine survey. Snacks for pairing will be served, with at least 9 wines included in the tasting.

Nothing beats the rich flavor and perfectly al dente texture of handmade pasta. So let's practice making our own pastas by hand and concoct some rich fillings, learning how to stuff ravioli, tortellini and cannelloni. As we make these three heavenly pastas, we'll complete them with homemade sauces that are the perfect complement to each shape and filling. You'll handcraft: lemon ricotta ravioli with safe brown butter, roasted red pepper tortellini in fra diavolo sauce, and beef angolotti in brodo.