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Chef De Martino demonstrated authentic Neopolitan Italian recipes and techniques to a group from STAR, a Norwalk nonprofit that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
De Martino is a renowned Italian chef who leads cooking classes for children and adults, as well as Italian cooking demonstrations. He and his wife, Jennifer Galletti, also lead culinary tours to Italy.Rob Kesten and Keith Brown from Kesten Brown Insurance hosted the Dec. 8 event. The interactive cooking class and family-style dinner took place at Trattoria 'A Vucchella.
From a culinary standpoint, participants learned to make potato gnocchi and tomato sauce. From a developmental perspective, the activity built on practical skills:
- building work skills such as team-building and following directions;
- enjoying a social activity that includes service-oriented behavior, and
- setting up a diverse and positive food-oriented experience.
The dinner also served as an appreciation dinner for STAR donors, staff and family members.
Participants in the class included Todd McInerney and Jassinia Mysogland of New Canaan and Denise Sapione and Talisha Maxwell of Norwalk. STAR Café Chef Matthew Fazackerley also lent his skills.
"This is a very special dinner for all of us," said Katie Banzhaf, executive director of STAR. "We enjoyed it so much."
"Chef De Martino’s expertise, generosity and willingness to share his talents and delicious food with STAR clients and supporters is so very meaningful to all of us and greatly appreciated. ”
The cooking class fulfilled STAR’s mission -- to encourage people with developmental disabilities to become more independent, self-motivated, active and involved in their communities. STAR serves people of all ages, as well as providing support services to their families.
STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy.
For more information about STAR, click here.
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