"Extraordinary Epicurean Experiences" at our Providence Bed and Breakfast

Cooking with Whole Grains Packed with nutrients and high in fiber, whole grains are a must for a healthy, balanced diet. And these 'good carbs' can be really tasty, too! Get expert tips on preparing delicious side dishes and one-pot whole meals featuring short-grain brown rice, millet, quinoa and barley. Cost $35 Materials fee $15.

Shopping Federal Hill: An insider's Italian Food Tour Go for a behind-the-scenes tour of the great Italian food shops, restaurants and butchers on Federal Hill, Providence's famous Italian neighborhood. Cindy Salvato describes each retailer and introduces you to the chefs, bakers and ravioli makers. Along the walk sample cheese, antipasto, bread, wine, chocolates and cookies. Glance inside a 75-year-old brick oven and watch local artisans make handmade chocolate and pasta. Guests leave with recipes, coupons and new places to shop. Throughout the tour Cindy shares plenty of tips and advice about Italian cooking and how to use the wonderful ingredients found in the Federal Hill shops. Sorry, there are no discounts, refunds or transfer credits allowed for this program. Wear comfortable shoes. Note: Tour agenda may vary. Cost $49 Materials fee $5.

Comparative Wine Tasting How often are you able to sit and enjoy different wines from many regions of the world? This comparative tasting will enable you to clearly distinguish between different varietal wines as well as their specific regions of origin. Learn to tell the difference between a Chardonnay produced in California and one made in France or Australia. Discover how to distinguish a California Cabernet from a red Bordeaux. This class promises to enrich your palate as well as appreciation for the history of wine-making. Cost $39 Materials fee $18.

Wines of Italy Explore and discuss Italy's major growing areas. Review the primary grape varieties and the types/styles of wines produced. There will also be a review of what to look for in purchasing Italian wines and how to serve and taste wines in general. This will be followed by a tasting and discussion of five wines from the major wine regions in Italy, including Tuscany, Umbria and the Piedmont. The class is designed for wine novices as well as more experienced tasters. Cost $39 Materials fee $18.

From Cannoli to Ravioli: Unlocking Your Culinary Legacy Can a recipe change your life? Join food historian, and author, Laura Schenone, for an insightful evening sharing stories of food and family in celebration of your personal history. In her latest book, Laura took the role of culinary detective while on a quest to find a long-lost family recipe. In her search, Schenone charms her way into the kitchens of ravioli-making elders in Liguria, dismantles a family myth and creates a marvelous memoir, which considers the immigrant experience from the vantage of food. While this program focuses on the author's book, The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken: A Search for Food and Family, all ethnicities are welcome to join in the discussion and share unique memories of food and family. This evening supported by Venda Ravioli includes a demonstration of making homemade ravioli through the skilled hands of Josephine Lomartire, from Venda, and Laura Schenone. Josephine Lomartire has been at Venda since 1988, making pasta by hand in the Old World tradition. A chef from Venda will also participate with a cooking demonstration. This evening of sharing, cooking and eating is an opportunity for you to learn about Italian heritage through the universal language of food. Laura Schenone will be available to sign her books at the conclusion of the event. Cost $39 Materials fee $0.

Quick and Easy Pasta Sauces In the mood for delicious pasta dishes but short on time? Try these delicious sauces, all made with fresh ingredients. This is a hands-on class, so you'll prepare then sample some simple but delicious sauces, including fresh tomato, pepper and pepperoni, mushroom, and olive oil with garlic. Cost $39 Materials fee $10.

Italian Antipasti Italian appetizers are always the first to disappear from the buffet table. How about trying some interesting Italian party foods? You enjoy them in your favorite restaurant, now you can enjoy them at home! These delicious Italian hors d'oeuvres are just the thing to spruce up your entertaining or even your meals at home. Bruschetta, roasted tomatoes, pizzette, and marinated salad are a few of the evenings samplings. Come prepared to create and taste little dishes of appetizing finger foods. Cost $39 Materials fee $10.

Meals in 30-Minutes (or Less) Are you too busy to cook, but want to enjoy healthy meals that don't come from a fast food restaurant or out of a box? This fun class shows you how to prepare healthy, delicious meals in under 30 minutes. Several tasty recipes are demonstrated in class. Also discuss ways to make healthy eating convenient, how to stock your pantry, and discover timesaving cooking and shopping tips. Bring your appetite to class! Cost $39 Materials fee $10.

Scotch Whisky: An Exploration Into Malt Do you ever wonder what makes Scotch whisky such a treasured drink? Want to know the difference between vatted, blended, and single malt whisky? Begin your journey into Scotch whisky and unlock the mysteries of this cherished libation. Through conversation and comparison tasting, you will discover a newfound appreciation for this drink and the hard work and dedication involved with making it. Cost $39 Materials fee $22.

Cucina di Stagione: Lombardia/Abruzzo Create and sample delicious appetizers and pasta dishes using fresh local ingredients in season. The menu in this class includes Pistachio and apple salad with gorgonzola and shrimp in saffron cream sauce with asparagus on penne. Included with meals: mineral water (sparkling/natural) & fresh fruit dessert, sorbetto or gelato. Cost $49 Materials fee $20.

Cucina di Sagione: Emilia-Romagna This menu says spring in Bologne. Join Barbara and Suzanne in the kitchen for sumptuous meal. Sugar snap pea with prosciutto salad with fresh parmigiano and Tagliatelle al ragù bolognese. Mangia! Included with meals: mineral water (sparkling/natural) & fresh fruit dessert, sorbetto or gelato. Cost $49 Materials fee $20.

Cucina di Stagione: Campania Visit the Southern region of Italy and taste the delicious specialties of the area. On the menu: Bruschetta napoletana and Focaccia (made with semolina flour) topped with tomato onion sauce, basil and buffalo mozzarella. Included with meals: mineral water (sparkling/natural) & fresh fruit dessert, sorbetto or gelato. Cost $49 Materials fee $20.

Cucina di Stagione: Lombardia/Toscana These regions highlight peasant style foods which have reached the level of gourmet. Featured for the final course in the series is Minestrone with spring vegetables and sausage with mascarpone and peas on pappardelle. Included with meals: mineral water sparkling/natural) & fresh fruit dessert, sorbetto or gelato. Cost $49 Materials fee $20.

Grilled Summer Appetizers Step out of your hot kitchen, and onto Colby's deck for this fun exploration of perfect summer hors d'oeuvres you can make on the grill. Sample fresh delicious bruschettas, grilled herbed chicken, and a variety of appetizers using shrimp, scallops, and fresh vegetables. There will be lots of food, so bring your appetite!! Cost $45 Materials fee $15.

All-Purpose Appetizers Create art to be destroyed in two bites, and discuss different themes of appetizers. Learn how to pair "apps" with main dishes, how to plan their production, and how many to make for guests. Menu items can range from cheese, nuts, fruit, and veggies to meat and seafood with dipping sauces. All is guaranteed to be delicious and plentiful, so bring your appetite! Copious handouts provided. Cost $45 Materials fee $15.

Elegant Cocktail Party on a Budget How often have you considered hosting a party, only to scrap the plan for lack of ideas, know-how, or resources? From intimate gatherings of friends to large cocktail parties, learn how to entertain simply and elegantly, even on short notice. Discover tips and learn to prepare elegant and tantalizing menus to fit your budget. In class, sample hors d'oeuvres while you arm yourself with everything you need for a terrific party. The tuition includes a materials fee for food. We will also discuss wines and cocktails for the party. Cost $45 Materials fee $15.

Cooking Basics Workshop Beginners and more experienced cooks, put yourself on more solid footing in the kitchen. Explore the fundamentals of food preparation, using various techniques to emphasize variety and good presentation. Hear some basic cooking history, then dive right in to explore such topics as safety and sanitation; knife skills; and cooking techniques such as steaming, baking, roasting, sauteing, stir frying, shallow frying, grilling/broiling, braising,and stewing. View a veggie cutting demonstration and try your hand at chopping, slicing, dicing, and more. Discover the best methods of cooking rice, grains, and pasta. Get the low-down on stock production and thickening agents. Understand the basics of courses, and of balancing a meal. Plan and produce a sample menu. Finish up by sampling the class's creations. Copious handouts provided. Cost $49 Materials fee $20.

20-Minute Meals Rachael Ray has nothing on the South Coast's own personal chef Yvonne Rogers. Learn strategies and shortcuts to create healthy, delicious meals in a hurry, and get out of the take-out food habit. Discover how to set up your fridge and cupboards to pull off this minor miracle every night. Pick up ideas, inspiration, and techniques for delicious meals that'll wow your toughest critics. A couple of hours here could alleviate for all time that six o'clock angst. Cost $39 Materials fee $15.