Looking for the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift?
Join Neeta Mittal at Refugio Kitchen for a three-part, Indian Cooking series beginning May 4th at 5pm. Email [email protected]
As we become more demanding of flavors and more intuitive about our health, spices once thought to be exotic are making an exciting splash in the culinary world. At this three-class Indian series in wine country, Neeta will immerse you in the untapped sensory world of Indian flavors and wine. She will be begin by imparting an in-depth understanding of spices; explore the principles of Ayurveda, vegetarianism, veganism and food; and then finish with the most elusive subject of all: Indian food and wine pairing.
The LXV tasting room in Paso Robles has become a bustling hub of culture, activity, and enjoyment. There, LXV founder Neeta Mittal ushers tasters into this highly curated, sensory world with “wine and spice pairings,” aphrodisiac pairings, Indian luncheons in the barn, varietal dinners every quarter, and club pick-up parties that lusciously celebrate Indian culture, food, and wine.
This is a rare opportunity to explore the fantastical culture and foodways of India, right in our own backyard. Refugio is super excited to have Neeta, her great flavors, and her award-winning wines, In The House!
Class 1: All About Spices; Wednesday, May 4th at 5pm
A hands-on class, as we touch, smell, roast, boil, fry, and ”temper” spices to reveal the various layers of complexity. We will play with some familiar friends, like cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and coriander, plus learn about new, exotic spices such as asafoetida, saffron, amchur, and ajwain. We will make our own garam masala – the backbone of most Indian dishes. Generous tastings of Refugio rosé and LXV wines will be served. $75
Class 2: Ayurveda and Food, Wednesday, May 11th at 5pm
Health and wellbeing will have a flavor like never before. Indian food lends itself tastefully to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, taking its inspiration from Ayurveda. We will learn a variety of easy vegetarian dishes such as saag paneer, chana masala, aloo gobi, daal, baigan and the quintessential Naan bread! Lassi, chai (Indian tea), and a generous tasting of LXV Viognier will be served. $85
Class 3: Classic Indian Dishes with Wine, Wednesday, May 18th at 5pm
How about learning to make Chicken tikka masala, and then heightening the flavor experience with wine? We will learn to make four Indian classics: Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, and Biryani, then pair each dish with Wine! Because Indian food with sweet Riesling and Gewurtzminer is sooo 2000, and over! This class will include several generous tasting of LXV wines. Generous tastings of Refugio rosé, LXV wines, and other appropriate wines will be served. $95
All classes are demonstration format; classes may be purchased individually, or register for all three for the discounted price of $230.
** Classes will be strictly limited to 14 students.
Email [email protected]
Neeta Mittal is the founder of LXV Wine. The LXV wines have an old-world profile—elegant, balanced, acid driven—making them highly accessible for food pairings. As part of keeping her connection with India alive, Neeta has been cooking Indian food since she moved to the US. But cooking became more experiential, and experimental, after wine became her career 6 years ago. Neeta has wowed palates by pairing Rose with Absinthe popcorn, Viognier with Naan Bread and spiced ghee, and Sangiovese with Uni Pasta. These classes at Refugio are her foray into sharing her culture and perspective with food and wine connoisseurs.
