Last week we were invited to a tasting in Weekend Kitchen’s elegant tent in Essex, featuring Ani Robaina, a local caterer specializing in events of all sizes and cooking classes with innovative combinations of local ingredients. And boy, were we wowed!

Greeted with a choice of Rosé sangria (with luscious fat blackberries), French 75, or a dirty martini, we dove into the gorgeous cheese board, spreading burrata and tapenade on just-baked flat bread Tortas with hints of fennel. Next up were spicy Cuban Picadillo Empanadas and a surprising (and delish) combo of Stonington Scallop Crudo with lime and blueberries. We happily made our way through Shrimp with Sriracha Cocktail Sauce, Salmon Cakes with Creme Fraîche, and Sliced Tenderloin Crostini with Spicy Chipotle Puree. What stands out about Ani’s style is her classic French training mixed with her Cuban heritage. The presentation is lush with fruit and flowers in abundance. The piece de resistance was a tie between a display of Creme Brûlée (ask Ani about her Brûlée Bike!) and Ani demonstrating her signature cocktail, the Frida Kahlo, a muddled cocktail of blueberries, lime, fresh lavender, and tequila.

Enjoy a classic French cooking class under the weekend kitchen tent on September 17th.

Menu for cooking class:

• French 75 Cocktail (gin or cognac)
• Bouillabaisse with Rouilly (potato based aioli) & Crostini
• Mousse au Chocolat
• BYOB

https://anistable.com

https://www.weekendkitchenct.com/collections/cooking-classes/products/4-10-french-classics