On Monday, September 19, we had the pleasure of having Chef Shane Solomon of Pizzeria Stella in to teach a class on… what else? Pizza! One of the classes that sold out instantly, we had David Lipson, Jason Sheehan, Art Etchells and the rest of the crew from Philadelphia Magazine join us for this fun night!

Menu:

• Salad of Roasted Peaches, Burrata Cheese, and Prosciutto San Daniele
• Sicilian Style Lamb Meatballs, Soft Polenta
• Pizza Selections
• Cannolis & Olive Oil Gelato

Chef Shane taught the crowd how to make perfect pizza dough for the home chef as well as some other items from the menu at Pizzeria Stella. Between the meatballs and pizza course, Shane handed each student their own pizza dough to shape. Some did better than others… but afterwards we got to choose from a bevy of pizza toppings to adorn the pies with. Hot soppressata, black truffles, fresh mission figs, gorgonzola and smoked mozzarella were just a few of the many delicious toppings!

Another highlight of the evening was Pizzeria Stella General Manager Chris Linaris’ awesome Italian beer pairings. After recently spending a year in Italy, I was under the impression that in Italy people either didn’t drink beer… or drank crappy beer. I was sorely mistaken. These beers were truly fantastic and you can look for them coming to the beverage list at Pizzeria Stella soon.

Beers:

• Bruton Bianca
• Birrifico Italiano Cassissona
• Collesi Ambrata

Chris also graced us with his homemade limoncello that was both delicious and dangerous. Now I don’t pick favorites with classes… but this one was pretty freaking awesome. Let’s hope they come back soon! Salute!