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ABOUT US

Alta Cucina is an epicurean society for those who want to explore, share, and celebrate premium Italian cuisine and wines.

Founded in 2007 in New York City, Alta Cucina was created by an enthusiastic group of Italians who wanted to share culinary experiences and exchange culinary ideas. Our mission is to spread the unique joy Italians take not only in savoring a wonderful meal but in the great pleasure of enjoying friends and interesting conversation around a table. Alta Cucina is for those individuals who enjoy Italian food and wine and want to explore and share educational experiences and discussions.

Through Alta Cucina’s website and newsletter, we directly communicate the most up-to-date articles, recipes and restaurant reviews; as well, experiences such as lectures with guest speakers, classes, and tastings provide Alta Cucina’s audience with a hands-on platform whereby the most interesting and current Italian culinary information and techniques can be shared.

Alta Cucina has a membership package for those who have even greater epicurean enthusiasm. Joining Alta Cucina as a member allows access to a special member’s only newsletter which includes in-depth articles, recipes and restaurant reviews. As well, the membership provides a welcome gourmet gift package, discounted rates for Alta Cucina classes and special events and for the Alta Cucina e-commerce site.

The Alta Cucina Store e-commerce site features a variety of hand-picked unique food products, culinary books and essays and other specialized Italian culinary tools. Carefully chosen by Alta Cucina, these products are of certified excellence. Only products tied closely to local Italian craft traditions appear on the e-commerce site.

EPICUREAN CENTER

The Epicurean Center is where Alta Cucina’s Members , friends and visitors can actually meet, share experiences and savor both new an old flavors. The venue is available to individuals, groups and organizations, that can either attend Alta Cucina’s scheduled gastronomic events or have their own functions hosted here.
The facility, located at street level in Midtown Manhattan, features a fully a equipped restaurant kitchen, a wine bar, a cooking demonstration station and spaces that can be easily adapted to different needs.
Talented chefs and culinary and wine experts conduct Alta Cucina’s events in a convivial yet educational atmosphere, creating experiences both interesting and enjoyable at the same time.

Facts
Address: 22 E 38th Street (bet. Madison Ave. and Park Ave.) – NYC – 10016
Capacity: up to 60 seats – 100 overall
Size: 1300 sq. ft.

ALTA CUCINA EVENTS

From cooking demonstration dinners, to hands-on cooking, from food tastings to wine seminars, a variety of formats is available to satisfy even the most discerning and curious epicureans.

Chef’s demostration dinners
Learn the secrets of regional and seasonal cuisine not only savoring authentic Italian flavors and ingredients but also following the techniques and steps of preparation as they are performed in front of you! Our Executive Chef and acclaimed visiting chefs share their favorite recipes during demonstrations, samplings and dinners that are guaranteed to spice up your own kitchen. Be inspired by their insights, personal tips and anecdotes in an intimate and interactive setting while they craft their dishes. Finally, smell, taste and enjoy their culinary creations as they served to you.

For calendar of Dinners click here

Cooking classes and hands on
Cooking classes are a fun way to learn, from the basics of Italian home cooking meals to some more advanced culinary techniques. At Alta Cucina’s hands on cooking classes and dinners you ‘ll be actually preparing an entire meal guided at all steps by expert instructing chefs. You’ll be able make the recipes yourself in a fun and relaxed environment so that you can duplicate them in your own kitchen at home. Learn new skills, be as messy as you like and afterwards enjoy both your preparations and interesting conversations while sitting in our dining room.

For calendar of hands-on events click here

Wine classes & tasting
Develop a newfound admiration for this incredible product of nature or just keep it alive. Experience and taste the differences in body, tannin, and sweetness of possibly the richest wine country in terms of varieties. Explore the products of the numerous regions of Italy while learning and discussing different grapes, terroir, winemakers and their secrets. Wine professionals and experts will share their experience and know how and guide you through wine pairing for the enjoyment of your palate.

For calendar of wine events click here

For reservations click here

All Epicurean Center events can be booked at www.altacucinastore.com
For further assistance please Email to info@altacucinasociety.com
Or call (646) 415-9031

CORPORATE AND PRIVATE EVENTS

Book a dinner, a product presentation, a corporate party or an educational seminar with Alta Cucina. The Epicurean Center is an ideal venue to host special events with a distinctive personality.A variety of functions, receptions and ceremonies can be held by individuals, groups and corporations in a unique and flexible environment.
The Epicurean Center’s staff will be glad to assist you with the planning and execution of your next event.

Press conferences, seminars and meetings
Full logistical and technical organization of media and educational events is available. Our clients' requirements and needs can be addressed thanks to a variety of set up options.

Corporate and private receptions
From a light refreshments function to a formal sit down dinner, a range of options is available for an epicurean experience in authentic Italian cuisine. You can take advantage of one of our existing formats, such as the Cooking Demonstration Dinners, or have the event specifically designed for you. We have suggested sample menus for up to seven course meals, but our chef will be glad to create special menus according to you needs.

Catering
We also provide full service catering at the location of your choice. Our chefs offer selections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, hors d'oeuvres and much more. Let us make your next event a wonderful lasting memory that is effortless and worry free.

To book a private or corporate event at the Epicurean Center please contact Alta Cucina
At info@altacucinasociety.com
Or (646) 415-9031

House chef
Executive Chef Giovanni Sias

Giovanni Sias, a native Sardinian, discovered when he was very young that his greatest satisfaction comes from cooking for others and watching as they try something new. His enthusiasm and talent are a great contribution to the Epicurean Center, where he supervises all culinary activities and actively runs a number of educational and cooking events.

In 1991, Giovanni graduated from the Italian Culinary institute of Sassari in Sardinia. He refined his skills in top-notch hotel restaurants, such as the Grand Hotel Majestic in Pallanza Vebania, the Hotel Printemps di Pila in Aosta province, and Hotel Moresco di Santa Teresa di Gallura.

In 1995, Giovanni established the restaurant, Face, in Davos, Switzerland. From 1997 to 2001, he served as Sous-chef at the Jolly Hotel Carlton in Amsterdam; the restaurant there was touted as the best Italian restaurant in the Netherlands.

Since 2001, Giovanni has been an Executive Chef in the New York area at Ristorante Cinque Terre first an more recently at Hosteria Mazzei.

Wine programs coordinator
Susannah Gold

Susannah is an expert in Italian wines, a passion she developed while living in Italy for 15 years.

She’s one of only a handful of foreigners in the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS). She has also completed her Certified Specialist in Wine (CSW) and Certified Specialist in Spirits (CSS) exams at the Society of Wine Educators, a school in the United States and has her Diploma of Wine & Spirits from the prestigious Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a British program.

Susannah is a contributing writer to a number of food & wine publications and websites including Food & Beverage Business, Business, and Alta Cucina. She also has a wine blog called Avvinare.

Susannah has been a dedicated communications professional for the past 13 years. Currently the owner of a consulting company, Vigneto Communications, Susannah has an extensive background in a number of industries including food, wine, finance, science and technology.

Sponsors

Garofalo Pasta
Lavazza Espresso Coffee
Calabria Dorata Extra Vergin Olive Oil
Bauli Desserts
Molinari Sambuca
Pangea Water
Alberti/Strega Chocolates
Bormioli Glasswares