Tastings, Lectures and Tours
Cheeses of Italy
Instructor: Francine Segan
$55
Tuesday, March 4
12:30 – 2 p.m.
Discover the exciting world of Italian cheese in this guided tasting. Learn how cheese is made; understand the concept of artisanal cheeses versus factory produced versions as you taste many wonderful examples of the best of Italy’s cheeses, like delicate leaf-wrapped robiolas, the very finest pecorino, caprino, and formaggi a latte di mucca. In addition, you’ll learn how to prepare simple cheese appetizers and cheese desserts, and you’ll discover the wonderful things—like fig jam and chili marmalade — to serve along with cheese.
Cordials and Liqueurs
Instructor: Francine Segan
$55
Wednesday, February 13
7 – 8:30 p.m.
The chic way to end a meal is with a light, refreshing cordial or liqueur. Join James Beard nominated cookbook author, Francine Segan, as she introduces you to the wonderful world of after-dinner spirits. We’ll sample a wide range of cordials and liqueurs flavored with various ingredients like coffee, nuts, spices, and fruits, and learn the perfect dessert or cheese to pair with each. You’ll even see how easy it is to make Italy’s famed limoncello, the lemon liqueur from the Amalfi coast, yourself — at home!
Culinary Delights of Greenwich Village and Soho
Instructor: Alexandra Leaf
$85
Friday, May 2
Noon – 4 p.m.
Join culinary historian and food writer Alexandra Leaf for a tour of her favorite haunts. Noshes include Italian pastries, still-warm mozzarella, Italian salamis, farmstead cheeses, focaccia, and artisanal chocolate. Included, too, is a visit to Vintage New York, the City’s only New York State wine shop. Transportation is included. Please meet in Andrews Parking Lot at Sarah Lawrence College at 11:15 a.m. The vans will leave promptly at 11:30 a.m. and depart New York City at 4 p.m. to arrive back on campus at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Geography of Food and Wine
Instructor: Carol G. Durst-Wertheim, Ph.D.
$40
Wednesday, April 2
1 – 3 p.m.
What is “good food” and how do we understand this current debate? What does it mean to eat “locally”? What is “terroir,” and how is that determined? Does eating locally limit or enhance our diets and health? Learn about current terms and food issues, and the implications they have on our food supply systems as well as personal and political health. This lecture and presentation will be a starting point to explore and enjoy the tour to Stone Barns listed below.
La Dolce Vita! Italian Desserts
Instructor: Francine Segan
$55
Monday, April 7
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Cannoli, gelato, rum baba, biscotti, amaretti, granita, marzipan…Italy is famous for its sublime pastries and desserts. Discover the sweet advantage Italy had over the rest of Europe in developing dessert as we trace the fascinating stories behind hundreds of delicious sweets like black rice, “virgin’s breasts,” and a sweet pudding called “Pope’s soup.”
Olive Oil and Vinegar
Instructor: Francine Segan
$50
Monday, May 5
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Olive oil and vinegar tastings, just like wine tastings, are a fantastic way to appreciate subtle, different flavors — which ones are the hallmark of high quality, and which ones you like best. We’ll taste varieties from several countries and learn how they progress from fruit to bottle. You’ll discover the difference between “virgin” and “extra virgin” and learn other olive oil and vinegar terminology, such as flowery, grassy, smooth, mellow, and voluptuous. You’ll also learn how easy and fun it is to make your own wine vinegar at home and sample several recipes that showcase the best features of oil and vinegar.
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
Instructor: Carol G. Durst-Wertheim, Ph.D.
$65
Friday, April 11
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Whether discovering it for the first time or visiting it again, Stone Barns Center offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainable, community-based food production. On this tour, you’ll see a real working farm firsthand. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch and discussion with Carol. Be sure to join us for The Geography of Food & Wine companion course. The tour, lunch, and transportation are all included in the course fee. Please meet in Andrews Parking Lot at Sarah Lawrence College at 11:15 a.m. The van will leave SLC promptly at 11:30 a.m. and depart Stone Barns Center at approximately 2:30 p.m.