Sherman's Travel

Up until recently, had you told me that longtime Italy pasta maker Giovanni Rana was serving up fresh artisanal-filled pasta in New York City (which they’ve been doing quietly in Chelsea Market since last November) my reaction would have been “so what?” as I had pretty much had my fill of artisanal-filled everything. That is, until this past Sunday, when the artisans filling some of that pasta at Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina were me and my three children. Read more

Do your cooking skills sometimes leave you on the chopping block? Learn to create expertly hand-crafted meals with a real Top Chef.

In a 2.5-hour hands-on pasta-making class from Red Hook Hospitality, Top Chef contestant, chef, and sommelier Nikki Cascone guides participants through the preparation of three kinds of pasta: buckwheat, semolina, and whole wheat flour. Then, you’ll mix, roll, and cut your own dough to prep it for cooking, while Chef Nikki looks on and answers questions.

Savor each tasty bite of your finished pasta dishes with Nikki Cascone’s special selection of perfectly paired wines.

Best of all, we’ve got an amazing deal on this pasta-making class with our NYC Local Deal. The class is great for a unique date activity or a way to spend a fun, social afternoon with friends.

For general trip-planning information, see our New York City destination guide.

Our ShermansTravel Local Deals have been hooking up New York City with incredible experiences like perk-filled theater nights, insider tours, spa days, and wine tastings – all at 50 to 80 percent off. This week, we are excited to expand the sweet local savings to Los Angeles.

The first amazing LA offer entitles you to a 90-minute cooking presentation at Rise restaurant with chefs who have created culinary delights on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and Dancing with the Stars.

Chefs start the class with an explanation of the menu and a demonstration of the key techniques before sending attendees off to their work stations.

Menus change weekly, but you’ll learn to prepare a mouth-watering four-course meal including dishes like crab cakes with honey Dijon or ginger soy steak roulades. You’ll also mix a colorful cocktail like fresh-ginger-cucumber martini to pair with your meal.

Of course, you’ll get to savor every bite and sip of your creations at the end of class!