Cooking with Alessandra

I have had three experiences with Alessandra — two were fun — but the third was a disaster.
In September 2015, I requested a private party for a group of 10 women who were meeting in Des Moines in February 2016. Alessandra emailed that my reservation was confirmed and between September and January I asked some additional questions which she answered. Early in January I sent her an email to set the final menu and received a brief email back saying our date had been taken. I was devastated as this was to be this group’s main social event of the weekend. As I continued to ask why she hadn’t contacted me & had just given away the date, she said I hadn’t paid and so she didn’t know if I was still interested (she hadn’t asked for payment). That would have taken one email on her part to ask me that question! I asked if she could have our class the day before or at a different time on our original day but she declined.
So — make sure that when you make a reservation, even when it is directly with Alessandra and not through the website, that you pay her immediately or your reservation may be given away.

Extremely fun! Alessandra offers classes on authentic Italian recipes. Focaccia, tiramisu and calzone classes are a must. Warning! Alessandra’s classes are very addictive. You’ll want to sign up for all of her classes.

This was so fun!!! Everyone Go! Go cook with the lovely Alessandra! This would make a terrific gift for the holidays and you’re supporting local!
I was confused on the exact location. I was thinking this took place in an apartment but no, she has her own store front on E 4^th next to the rest of the shops.
Last night the class was all about soups. We made Italian Wedding. Minestrone, and one with white kindness beans. The sight and smells were wonderful.
I brought a bottle of wine for my friend and I. We nibbled on some yummy bread and olive oil throughout the night. The class wasn’t as interactive as I thought it would be and she even said– some of her other classes are more hands on. I did get up and participate with adding ingredients, stirring, etc. so there is certainly an option to be more hands on if you choose. It was a very comfortable, laid back atmosphere.
I really enjoyed hearing about Italy, where Alessandra is from, and hearing how passionate she is about cooking. She makes it an experience both for herself and others around her. She is very funny and full of life. I started writing down some of the things she said during class because they were just too good not to:
«I bake the everything at 500 degrees, but my oven is broken»
«We don’t want to rush this moment. The vegetables are getting to know each other» (while simmering in the pan)
«Lukewarm is my favorite English word… It’s very romantic»
At the end we were able to eat all the soup we wanted. It was SO GOOD. The Minestrone was my favorite but they were both seriously so delicious. She does have tours to Italy available… Best believe that is on my radar!

A friend and I attended a class she did late last year in partnership with @Allspice. From the fresh from the oven bread with olive oil dip to the spicy pasta dish and her comfort food of chicken in a heavenly creamy sauce… delish. Her classes are BYOB and a few bottles of wine did make the class with us however they did not make it out! It was some of the most fun we have had in DSM. We booked her upcoming Focaccia which is her most popular class per other attendees and her website.
The evening seems more like a casual rustic get together than an actual class. It was great seeing and mingling with new people. If you looking for great conversation, food, and fun grab a couple of friends and family and attend
The classes book up well in advance, you get your fill of food and get to take home recipes as well. Delish.