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Cooking Classes at Local Restaurants Will Benefit Child-Advocacy Agency

Oct. 2, 2007 — Local chefs will soon disclose their secrets in kitchens during cooking classes at various restaurants, the fourth year for a popular event that benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
"This is a really neat, hands-on thing to do at your favorite restaurant with your favorite chef, and it puts light on the work CASA does," said Katherine Pugliese, one of the event organizers.
CASA of the Virgin Islands, on St. Croix since 1993, works with children in the foster-care system. Family court makes major decisions about the children's future, and CASA makes sure these children have a voice in court when their cases get reviewed. CASA monitors the cases to insure follow through on court orders.
The restaurant lineup includes Asian fare at the Galleon, Mediterranean at Salud, sushi at Dashi, seafood paella at Beachside Cafe, Mexican happy hour at Deep End, gourmet vegetarian at Bacchus and local conch preparation at Villa Morales. New this year is Cafe Fresco doing Thanksgiving ideas, Anything Goes Deli cooking up Mediterranean vegetarian, Mr. Murali preparing Indian food and Zizzlers doing Cajun gumbo and jambalaya.
The classes accommodate up to 20 people, depending on the size of the kitchen.
"Some of the classes only have two or three spots left, and some are sold out, so people should register early to get in on their favorites," said Gail Shearer, executive director of CASA. "More and more young people are showing an interest in cooking, so we have included classes for kids this year."
Classes that appeal to kids and adults will take place at South Shore Cafe, RumRunners and Anna's Cafe. "These classes are a fun, new activity for adults to do with children," Shearer said. Pizza making for kids at Tutto Bene is already sold out.
The first class will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday at the beachside home of John Frazier and Cecelia Cruikshank. It will offer wine tasting sponsored by West Indies Distributors, featuring Rioja wines from Spain, with Steve Katz providing entertainment on classical guitar. Dave and Sue Ridgway will host the last class Dec. 6 with wine tasting at their home, kicking off the holiday season with wine from Bellows International Distributors.
The remaining schedule:
Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Local fish with red Thai curry by the Galleon
Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.: Cajun food by Zizzlers
Oct. 25, 4-6 p.m.: Ceviche, tequila prawns and margaritas by Deep End Bar
Oct. 27, 2-4 p.m.: Vegetarian gourmet by Bacchus
Nov. 7, 4-6 p.m.: Seafood paella and crepes by Beachside Cafe
Nov. 10, 2-4 p.m.: Veggie wraps and creme brule by Anything Goes Deli
Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-noon: Conch and JT mojitos by Villa Morales
Nov. 17, 2-4 p.m.: Thanksgiving dinner ideas by Cafe Fresco
Nov. 24, 2-4 p.m.: Jambalaya by Zizzlers
Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m.: Wine education and tasting by Bellows
Kids' classes
Oct. 22, 4-6 p.m.: A hand-rolled pasta by South Shore Cafe
Oct. 28, 3-4:30 p.m.: Finger food by Rum Runners
Nov. 4: to be announced by Anna's Cafe
New this year is a wine raffle, sponsored by Premier Wines and Spirits, which will run through Dec. 6, when the winners will be drawn. In recognition of the 30 years that CASA has advocated nationally on behalf of abused and neglected children, Premier has donated 30 bottles of wine. The raffle tickets are $5 apiece or a book of 5 for $20.
A donation for the kids' classes of $65 admits one child and one adult. The other classes are $50, and the wine tasting is $75. Residents wishing to register for the classes, purchase raffle tickets or get more information should call 719-2272.
Premier Wines and Spirits will also host another wine tasting in 2008. Tickets will go on sale as soon as the date is determined. The Pickled Greek, a new Greek restaurant scheduled to open this winter, will also offer a class in 2008.
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