Create Haute Contemporary Cuisine With Chef Julian Alonzo, Brasserie 8 1/2

2006 interactive cooking class series makes the ideal gift for the gourmet

Cutting-edge chef Julian Alonzo of Brasserie 8 =, featuring adventurous French cuisine that is artfully complemented by a truly magnificent setting, will lend his culinary guidance for a new 2006 series of interactive, hands-on cooking classes. During each class, 12 students will try their hand at Alonzo's sumptuous contemporary French recipes, preparing special dishes in Brasserie 8 ='s own expansive kitchen. The perfect holiday gift for the avid gourmand, each class is $75 per person and features the following schedule and themes:



"Simply Raw" - Saturday, January 21, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
'Cooking raw' is a simple and healthy way to enjoy the fresh, cool flavors of fish. Learn where and how to buy high-quality fish while preparing two exquisite dishes including big eye tuna tartare with passion fruit cream and fresh wasabi, and sashimi of Japanese yellowtail with fennel, pea sprouts, chili oil and candied yuzu.



"Classic French" - Saturday, February 4, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Rediscover the classics and learn to create impressive traditional-style French dishes like luscious short ribs Pot au Feu with cabbage, bone marrow and baby carrots, and Arctic Char in a scallop crust with langoustines and a vanilla bouillabaisse broth.



"Cooking with Mushrooms" - Saturday, February 18, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Explore the variety and flavor of mushrooms while understanding the method behind the selection, preparation, and cooking of Chef Julian's favorite mushroom-inspired dishes. Prepare and savor Portobello mushroom and goat cheese tart with candied beets and lavender-honey meringue, and apple-braised pork belly with wild mushrooms, shirred egg and duck cracklings.



All classes include hands-on cooking, followed by lunch featuring the prepared dishes. Class attendance is limited to 12 students. For reservations as well as information on Chef Julian and Brasserie 8 =, located at 9 West 57th Street, call 212-829-0812 or visit www.rapatina.com.



Brasserie 8 = is part of Restaurant Associates, one of America's leading restaurant groups with legendary restaurants and premier catering at sporting venues and events in New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles and beyond. In Manhattan, the company's portfolio includes the world-famous Ice Rink, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafi in Rockefeller Center; Cafi Centro, Naples 45 and Tropica in The MetLife Building; Brasserie 8 =; Brasserie; and Nick + Stef's Steakhouse in Madison Square Garden. For more information, visit www.rapatina.com.

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