Get a taste of the cooking that has made the Blue Zone lifestyle so famous for health and longevity!

Step into the flavorful world of the Blue Zones—regions where people live longer, healthier lives—and discover how food plays a central role in their vitality. This specially curated three-course cooking class brings the essence of Blue Zone cuisine to life, inspired by the traditions of Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Icaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California).

Chef Dawn McLoughlin will guide you through the making of each dish in a special meal she has created, sharing recipes, ingredients and culinary techniques and tips.  In between the cooking demonstration of each dish,  Simpatico owner Bobbi Parlett offers insights into the Blue Zone lifestyle, drawn from years of hosting Sardinian wine dinners and exploring longevity-focused living. Wine pairings from Audarya Vineyards, will be presented by importer Russ Lorber.

There will be two seatings for this cooking class.  There is limited seating, so early registration is a good idea.

Menu

1st Course:

Roasted Bartlett Pear, Wilted Spinach, Crisp Fennel, topped with a Sweet Potato, Golden Raisins and Orange EVOO Vinaigrette

Paired with: Audarya Vermentino

2nd Course:

Classic Sardinian Style Minestrone

Paired with Audarya Monica (Red) and Nuragys (white) for comparison with the dish

3rd Course:

Braised Lamb Ragu, Malloreddus (known as ‘gnocchetti sardi’) Fresh Herbs

Paired with: Audarya Cannonau, the famous grape for health and longevity

Simpatico has many Sardinia products available in the shop and also ingredients to support the recipes. They also sell Blue Zone cook books including the latest one Blue Zone Kitchen One Pot Meals.  

Russ Lorber, importer of the wonderful wines from Audarya Vineyards will participate to discuss the wines. 

What to Expect:  

Dawn will demonstrate how to prepare each of the three courses; sharing cooking tips and tricks, with ready answers to questions as they come up.  As you are served, Bobbi will tell more about the Blue Zones and what makes them so unique and Russ will talk about each of the wine pairing.  You will go home with recipes to recreate. 

Feedback from past cooking classes with Bobbi and Chef Dawn:

“Chef Dawn was a font of information, including interesting cooking tips and great stories. I feel lucky to have taken her class!

“Bobbi and Chef Dawn did not disappoint!  Dawn always comes up with such a great take on what she is serving – it is hard not to learn at least a few new tricks!  Thanks also for the great wine selection from Bobbi’s distributor!

“Well organized.  The chef was delightful and quite humble given all her exposure and experience.  The food was delicious and I do plan to try my hand at all of it.”

Please note:  your registration fee is all-inclusive of the cooking demo, food, recipes and wine plus a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution.  **Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist to take the seat.**

All wines and foods are available for sale with a special discount after the event in the store. 

2 seatings to choose from | Saturday | January 31 | 12:30 – 2pm or 2:30 – 4pm | IN-PERSON (at Simpatico, 104 Railroad Ave, St. Michaels, MD) | $75