Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:51:44 +0000
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: Our Neighborhood School Update
Hi Everyone,
Well, the school year is under way and I am having a wonderful time being back in the classroom. I know what you are thinking,…how can she teach all day and cook too…well it’s pretty tricky but if you really want to know, put your running shoes on and follow me around for a day. I’m sure you will figure it out AND lose a few pounds.
Al Davis from Louisian Fresh Shrimp came by last week before leaving for Louisiana to do battle with Hurricane Gustov, and he taught the kids, and me, how to make (and spell) jambalaya. He gave the students a lesson in the roots of cajun cooking while treating them to a wonderful lunch. Did you know that “gumbo” is the West African word for okra? It was great fun and we look forward to his visit in a few weeks. Remember, if you want to know the exact date of his next arrival, be sure to e-mail him at and he will keep you notified of his progress, prices, and inventory. You can also go to his website http://www.louisianafreshshrimp.com/ for more information.
If you haven’t tried the new espresso bar, Espresso Brazil in the back of Unity Books and Stuff on Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, you have to get down there. My husband, Robert built the concrete and bamboo bar and other renovations and it is beautiful. They have wireless internet, nice comfy chairs, sweet treats and a wonderful atmosphere. Leone, our friend from Italy says that their coffee is “perfect”. You must give it a try. I still have a few wooden nickels that they gave me, worth $1 off any coffee or menu item that I have to give out to my customers. So stop by soon.
Our website has a new facelift. Network Cove, from right here in Pittsboro, did a beautiful job of creating a easy to surf website for me. It was virtually painless and it is very beautiful. We spent last Saturday night taking pictures of some of my dishes and then had a good time eating them once the photo shoot was over. We hope to do another photo shoot soon and get more pics up for you to see. Check out my website http://www.ourneighborhoodschool.com/ to see what a great job they did and http://www.networkcove.com/ if you have any computer needs.
Our first cooking class is next Saturday, September 6. We are all booked up and I am so excited to cook with some old and new friends. We will have so much fun making artichokes, pasta ribbons with Italian sausage, and a limoncello torte. YUM!
Enjoy the menu, and BTW, I put the pork involtini back on the menu. I know some of you are sooo happy about that.
We are closed Labor Day, relaxing by the pool, I hope. See you soon.
Love ya,
Donna