Description

Wednesday, July 22nd – 6:300pm to 9:30pm

Prices are listed per person.

Apericena: The Art of Italian Happy Hour – Hands On with Chef Michelle Pellegri

Forget everything you know about happy hour. In Italy, the evening doesn’t begin with a drink alone — it begins with apericena, the stylish, modern ritual that blends the light, convivial bites of an aperitivo with the satisfying richness of a full cena, or dinner. It’s social, it’s abundant, and it’s one of the most effortlessly elegant ways to entertain.

Join Chef Michelle Pellegri — creative owner of Roswell Baking Company and passionate ambassador of Italian culinary tradition — for an immersive, hands-on evening that will teach you how to host your own unforgettable apericena from start to finish. From cocktails to fried dough to grilled skewers and a stunning summer dessert, this class covers every element of the ultimate Italian-inspired gathering, with the techniques and confidence to pull it off beautifully at home.

What’s on the Menu:

• Blueberry Basil Smash Gin Cocktail (with Mocktail Variation): The evening opens with a refreshing demonstration as Chef Michelle mixes a vibrant sweet-and-savory Blueberry Basil Smash — the perfect apericena opener. A mocktail variation ensures everyone at your table can join the celebration.
• Coccoli with Prosciutto and Cheese: The heart of Italian street food culture. You’ll learn the fundamentals of dough preparation before frying these delicate, pillowy puffs of dough to golden perfection, stuffed with savory prosciutto and creamy cheese. Crispy outside, irresistibly soft within — these are impossible to eat just one of.
• Salvia Fritta (Fried Sage): Deceptively simple and endlessly impressive. Chef Michelle will teach you the precise technique of flash-frying fresh sage leaves to achieve a shatteringly crisp finish — a classic Italian garnish and snack that delivers enormous flavor from the humblest of ingredients.
• Peruvian Chicken Kabobs: Fire up the indoor grill and master the art of the perfect char. These boldly seasoned Peruvian-inspired chicken skewers bring smoky, caramelized depth to the spread and showcase how international flavors translate beautifully into the apericena format.
• Haloumi Skewers: Sweet, salty, and perfectly charred — grilled haloumi skewers are one of the great crowd-pleasing bites of the modern table. Chef Michelle will show you how to achieve that signature golden crust while keeping the cheese tender and flavorful within.
• Red Wine Macerated Peaches: Leaning into her pastry expertise, Chef Michelle transforms peak-season summer peaches into a sophisticated, elegant dessert through the art of red wine maceration. Simple technique, stunning result — and a perfect sweet finale to a perfect Italian evening.

Whether you’re an experienced entertainer looking for a fresh approach or simply someone who loves great food and great company, Apericena will give you a complete, show-stopping repertoire for your next gathering. Come hungry, leave inspired, and bring a little Italian magic to your own table.

Sign up now and transform the way you entertain!

We do not allow groups larger than six to book in public classes. Please complete the private events form to inquire about a custom experience for your group. We also do not allow BYOB. A tasting of house wine will be served with dinner.

Classes are held at the Ansley Mall Store – 1544 Piedmont Avenue, STE 403-R, Atlanta, GA 30324