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Spend an evening with chef Dante Boccuzzi as he works with chef Loretta Paganini to prepare a meal from the pages of his first cookbook, being unveiled at a dinner they’ll prepare at 6 p.m. March 26 at the International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute in Chester Township.
The class will benefit the ICASI Scholarship Fund. ICASI is a college-level culinary school for would-be chefs.
“Loretta and I are old friends,” said Boccuzzi. “I taught classes for her just after I finished culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America.”
That was back in the days before ICASI began in 2002.
The cookbook, “Cooking in Harmony,” details Boccuzzi’s long culinary career with those stories found among recipes he developed. He worked in France, Italy and in New York City in kitchens led by Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Armani. He also worked for actor De Niro, who co-owns Tribeca Grill in New York City and several Nobu restaurants and hotels.
The cookbook’s name reflects that music also is part of Boccuzzi’s life.
Twice nominated for James Beard Awards — considered the Academy Awards of the culinary world — Boccuzzi earned a Michelin star in 2006 when he was at the helm of Aureole in New York City.
He also was nominated as the Next Generation Culinary Master by the Robb Report magazine.
After fine-tuning his skills in other countries and cities. Boccuzzi returned to Cleveland, his hometown, and founded nine restaurants, including Dukes n’ Boots in Downtown Willoughby — his only East Side eatery. Framed around a country vibe and fried chicken, it’s now closed as Boccuzzi develops a strategy for rebranding it.
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He knows rebranding is part of the culinary business these days. Progressive American food was the style for Aureole when he led its kitchen.
“But Aureole has since been rebranded as a steak house,” he noted, referring to Charlie Palmer Steak IV.
Boccuzzi’s Northeast Ohio culinary outlets include his flagship restaurant Dante Restaurant, at 2247 Professor Ave. in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood; Ginko, his sushi restaurant downstairs in the same building as is Dante Next Door, a catering venue; CODA, a live music venue paying tribute to his love of rock ’n’ roll that serves drinks and small plates at the same Tremont address; and GOMA Restaurant, which is downtown on East Fourth Street and serves maki, nigiri, otsukuri and other Japanese classics.
Those coming to the Wednesday-evening dinner at ICASI will taste his Asian style preparation techniques and, with help from his cookbook, can bring them to their kitchens.
The menu that night will include Fluke Sashimi prepared with Pina Colada, Jalapeno, Turmeric; a layered napolean of Maine Lobster and Green Apple, Candied Lemon and Tarragon; a Poached Halibut with Morel Vinaigrette and variations of Salsify; plus several variations of lamb, including a Lamb Chop, Braised Leg Cannelloni and Lamb Prosciutto with Cumin Pepper Glaze and Brazilian Nuts.
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Space is limited for the two-and-a-half hour class, and reservations are filling quickly. The price is $125, and the cookbook "Cooking in Harmony," will be available for $50.
Call 440-729-1110 to reserve a space. ICASI is at 8700 Mayfield Road.
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