The ever-popular Chefs of St. Croix Cooking Classes, a fundraiser for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are quickly filling up.
Gail Shearer, executive director of CASA, says registrants whose first choice for a class is no longer available can try another class, “they are all fun.”
She emphasized the classes are all a great way to support CASA.
The classes, held in smaller restaurant kitchens such as Salud Bistro, Bacchus, Galangal, and Dashi, have room for only six to eight participants, so they have closed out early. The well known local chefs might be another reason they fill up fast.
“The chefs have fun personalities that come out in the class,” Shearer says. “They treat us like we are in their homes taking care of us. The all go above and beyond.”
Shearer said participants always get more than they pay for. The chefs always embellish with wine and side dishes. The cost for each class is $50.
“Angie Morales at Villa Morales will be showing participants how to make arroz con pollo, but she always does more,” Shearer says.
The dozen classes offered begin Oct. 17, with some of those classes holiday themed.
Dennis Gribbin, owner of Starfish Patisserie, will teach participants how to make Halloween treats on Oct. 24. On Nov. 28, Jill Dedinsky of Cafe Fresco will show how to use holiday leftovers making quiche, cranberry salad dressing and dessert. The ladies at Twin Cities Coffee House will teach children how to decorate Christmas cookies Dec. 5.
Another class for children is pizza making with Smokey and Ryder from Tutto Bene on Oct. 17. Chef Anton Doos from Good to Chew Catering will show children aged 8 and older how to carve fruit for garnishing.
For class information, availability, and to register call 719-2272.
Proceeds will be used to benefit the more than 45 children who have been abused and neglected that are currently served by CASA. CASA is an advocacy program to monitor children’s lives while in foster care and cases being reviewed by the court system.
Shearer added the 2009 Holiday Cards, showcasing talents of V.I. students, will be available at the usual retail outlets at the end of October. For more about the cards go to www.casavi.org.