The Art of Cast Iron Cooking

Master the Art of Cooking with Cast Iron With a Rustic Italian Flair!
Cast iron isn’t just cookware—it’s one of the most versatile and rewarding tools in any kitchen. Whether you’re creating perfectly seared meats, artisan breads, handmade pasta, or rustic desserts, cast iron delivers unmatched flavor, beautiful caramelization, and restaurant-quality results.
Join Chef John Alunni for this exciting hands-on culinary experience as you discover why professional chefs and home cooks alike swear by cast iron. Throughout the class, you’ll learn the techniques that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals while gaining the confidence to use your cast iron skillet every day.
From seasoning and maintaining your cookware to mastering searing, sautéing, roasting, braising, baking, and finishing dishes like a professional chef, Chef John will share decades of culinary knowledge and practical techniques that will elevate your cooking to the next level.
🍴 The Menu
🍗 Cast Iron Chicken Cacciatore
A classic Italian favorite featuring tender chicken braised in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, fresh herbs, and white wine. Slow-simmered in cast iron, this comforting dish develops deep, robust flavors that only cast iron can deliver.
🫒🥖 Cast Iron Focaccia Bread with Rosemary, Kalamata Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Golden, airy focaccia baked in cast iron for an irresistibly crisp crust and tender interior, topped with fragrant rosemary, briny Kalamata olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, flaky sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
🥔 Homemade Cast Iron Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Sage & Prosciutto
Light, pillowy potato gnocchi pan-seared until golden in cast iron, then tossed in a rich brown butter sauce with crispy prosciutto, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese.
🌿 Cast Iron Pan-Seared Asparagus
Fresh asparagus quickly seared until crisp-tender and finished with lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
🍎 Torta di Mele (Italian Apple Cake)
A rustic Italian classic made with tender apples, fragrant vanilla, fresh lemon zest, and a delicate buttery crumb. Baked to golden perfection in cast iron and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, it’s the perfect ending to an authentic Italian meal.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
Whether you’re brand new to cast iron or already own a favorite skillet, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to make it one of the hardest-working tools in your kitchen.
✅ How to properly season, clean, and maintain cast iron cookware
✅ The science behind why cast iron creates superior browning and flavor
✅ How to achieve the perfect sear on chicken and other proteins
✅ Professional techniques for braising, sautéing, roasting, and baking
✅ How to bake artisan focaccia with a crisp, golden crust and soft interior
✅ Techniques for making light, tender homemade gnocchi completely from scratch
✅ The secrets to creating rich brown butter sauces and balancing Italian flavors
✅ How to properly cook vegetables for maximum flavor and texture
✅ Tips for baking rustic desserts in cast iron, including a traditional Italian apple cake
✅ Temperature control and heat management for consistent, professional results
✅ Common cast iron mistakes—and how to avoid them
✅ Chef John’s professional tips for getting the most out of your cast iron cookware for years to come
🍷 Full-Service Bar
Make it a complete culinary experience! Our full-service bar will be open throughout class, offering a wonderful selection of craft cocktails, premium wines, domestic and imported beers, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages, all available for purchase.
Whether you prefer a glass of wine with your Chicken Cacciatore, a craft beer alongside your focaccia, or one of our signature cocktails while you cook, our bar is the perfect complement to an unforgettable evening in the kitchen.
👨‍🍳 Instructor
Chef John Alunni
👐 Format
Demonstration & Hands-On
Perfect for beginners, experienced home cooks, couples, date nights, and anyone looking to unlock the incredible versatility of cast iron cooking.
🔥 Come hungry, leave inspired, and discover why one great cast iron skillet can become the most valuable piece of cookware in your kitchen! 🍳