Team Building Activity: Authentic Italian-American Fare

Franca

30 Dec 2019

Chef Landi was fun and informative. The class was an excellent girls night out! I look forward to my next Golden Apron class!

Lindsay

23 Dec 2019

I was so excited to attend this class, which I purchased for my boyfriend and my parents as a Christmas surprise. I lead events professionally for a corporate travel management company, and we attend cooking classes often, so after reading the reviews I thought I had selected a class that would be fun, hands on, well-planned, and well-executed at a great value. Sadly, this was not what we experienced. We arrived to a class of about twelve people, a very empty basement of what I believed to be a nice restaurant with chairs all over the place which we had to move ourselves in order to sit. Tables were thrown together, most without coverings, one with an old worn tablecloth. Grocery bags thrown about on the floor. There was one pasta making machine and two portable stove tops. Therefore, no workstations for participants. The chef silently prepared the dough as the audience sat awkwardly waiting for instruction or even small talk that didn’t come for about fifteen minutes. There was a disregard for hygiene—no hair nets, we weren’t even asked to put our hair up. No one was asked to wash their hands. This was a demonstration, not a class. The only interaction we had was on occasion sliding the pasta through the machine. And the chef would insist on preparing, kneading the dough, flouring and folding the dough. We did not even receive a demonstration on how to make the sauce as he did this in silence as we waited. The audience watched the Eagles game on their phones because there was no instruction. The pasta was served in an old plastic bowl and we were given paper plates and utensils. The chef silently put everything away while we all ate. I am disappointed, mostly because my family was so disappointed. I tried to stay positive and enjoy the company, which I did. But I was embarrassed I had talked up the surprise so much only to be let down by something clearly thrown together at the last minute. Within the first several minutes, I went to ask the restaurant staff what could be done and they agreed it was a disappointment and not as advertised and have put me in touch with their events manager, who I will contact this afternoon. I would like to receive a refund for this. I wish I had never purchased it, and I am sad to think that this was something I researched for hours and spent $200 on for my family and it went so poorly. As someone who coordinates events for a living, it was frustrating knowing there were very small, inexpensive or even free changes that could be made and details that could have been accounted for that would transform this experience, but I did not see the care or consideration in this event that could make even the smallest impact.

Mike G.

03 Oct 2020

I truly loved the experience. Chief Landi was prepared, professional, passionate, and accommodating. He welcomed all questions and took his time answering questions. He was entertaining and a good storyteller. He demonstrated many cooking techniques and allowed the opportunity to perform the techniques during meal preparation. I can’t wait to schedule another date and time again.

Cindy

04 Nov 2019

We had such a wonderful time with Chef Landi. He made us feel very comfortable and taught us a lot about each dish.

Jaclyn

04 Nov 2019

Chef Landi was so great! Very knowledgable about cooking and the science behind food. And of course, each dish was absolutely amazing. Highly recommended!

Ali

04 Nov 2019

We took an Italian seafood class with Chef Landi, and we couldn't have been more impressed. As soon as we arrived, he made us feel comfortable and at home. Each recipe was easy to follow along, and of course, totally delicious. I really appreciated how he let us decide how involved we wanted to be with the cooking process. We learned lots about food, and we really enjoyed hearing his stories from life in Albania and Philadelphia. Each dish was masterfully seasoned and made with lots of care. Would recommend to anyone!

Hannah

04 Nov 2019

We had such a great night with Chef Landi! Really enjoyed our evening, and would recommend to anyone who likes good food!

Jay

04 Nov 2019

Chef Landi grew up in Albania, a very multi-culturally place that strongly influences his philosophies on life and food. His work is beautiful to the eye and irresistible to the tongue. I thought he had a warm, friendly soul that really comes through in his food. Thanks so much!