Occidental College
Campus Conversations
A Culinary Experience: Il Fornaio
Sophomore Devon Provo and her homemade gnocchi!
Nestled in a courtyard in the center of Old Town Pasadena, Il Fornaio is a hidden culinary treasure. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Old Town Pasadena. Il Fornaio is an authentic Italian restaurant adjoined by a small café that serves croissants and espressos. Il Fornaio features freshly imported ingredients from Italy including Sicilian lemons and authentic Italian olive oil. The freshness and quality of the ingredients is palpable in every bite. Not only does it serve delicious, well-priced foods it also offers one of a kind cooking classes. About once a month Ill Fornaio’s very own, Chef Lalo, offers a midday cooking class where you can learn how to cook traditional Italian cuisine. Last December I went to my first Italian cooking class with fellow sophomore, Devon Provo. It was a wonderful morning excursion, which I hope to repeat.
The finished product!
The maître d led us to the courtyard behind the indoor restaurant where our cooking class would take place. On this warm Sunday morning we learned how to make an assortment of delicacies from scratch including gnocchi and polenta. It really is a perfect way to spend an afternoon with your friends or family members. And don’t worry if you don’t think you can remember all of the recipes because at the end of the cooking class you receive a step by step guide of how to prepare each signature dish. I definitely recommend checking it out. I hope you have a wonderful culinary experience! A presto é buon appetito! emilyessie 
Location: 24 West Union Street Pasadena, CA 91103-3627 (directions) Telephone: (626) 683-9797