Chef George Formaro offers Italian Bistro cooking classes

Chef George Formaro is the culinary genius behind some of Des Moines' top restaurants. Formaro was the creative force that started Centro, Django, South Union Bread Cafe, Gateway Market Cafe, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. Now Chef Formaro is sharing some of his creativity with the public in a different way: cooking classes.

The cooking classes will be held at Centro (1003 Locust Street) on February 22 and March 15 at 6 p.m. Formaro, recently announced as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Restaurateur Award, will demonstrate how to make several Italian bistro-style recipes at each class, and then students will get to eat those dishes. Both classes will include a four-course meal with drink pairings for $100. Below is a look at the menus for both classes.

1003 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA
41.585781276226 ; -93.630113750696

February 22

Appetizer
Rustic Pasta with seasoned chicken, spinach, bacon, tomato and herb cream sauce

Salad
Cucumber, yogurt, garlic, zatar, onion, tomatoes, and feta

Entree
Seared Sea Scallops with corn, mushroom, onion, and mascarpone, chive mashed potatoes

Dessert
Chef’s Selection

March 15

Appetizer
Crab Cake Oscar

Salad
Wedge Salad with creamy parmesan dressing, Melba toast croutons, grape tomatoes, onion, and crispy bacon

Entree
Borolo Braised Short Rib with sautéed onion, carrots, celery, fresh pasta

Dessert
Chef’s Selection

To sign up for Chef Formaro's cooking classes, contact the restaurant at 515-248-1780. Formaro talks about the classes in the video below.

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, Des Moines Restaurant Examiner

Charles has lived is the Des Moines area for over 12 years. He has 11+ years in the restaurant industry and has won awards for his managerial work in the industry.

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