DEC 30 2026 6:30PM: Apericena: an Italian-Style New Years Eve - Hands On
Description
In Italy, the evening doesn't start with dinner. It starts with aperitivo, that golden hour of cocktails and small bites shared with friends. And when the snacks are so plentiful that they become the meal itself, Italians call it apericena, a joyful blend of aperitivo and cena (dinner). It's the perfect way to ring in the new year. Join Chef Michelle Pellegri for a festive evening of cocktails, irresistible bites, and Italian-style celebration as you learn to host a New Year's Eve party your friends will be talking about well into the new year.
This class is all about mastering effortless, crowd-pleasing party food. Chef Michelle guides you through making and frying light, golden dough pockets, blending a smoky roasted eggplant dip, and building a rich, savory bagna cauda for dipping. You'll also learn the secret to a sweet and salty caramel popcorn and the balance behind a perfectly bright, refreshing cocktail. Whether you're hosting a big bash or an intimate gathering, you'll leave with a complete party menu and the confidence to celebrate New Year's Eve the Italian way.
What's on the Menu:
- Lime & Basil Gimlet: A bright, herbaceous toast to the new year. Fresh lime and fragrant basil give this classic gin cocktail a refreshing, festive twist.
- Coccoli: Tuscany's beloved party snack. These golden fried dough pockets are filled with Italian salumi and cheeses for a warm, savory bite that disappears as fast as you can make them.
- Homemade Baba Ganoush: A smoky, creamy Mediterranean favorite. Roasted eggplant is blended into a silky dip that's perfect for scooping and sharing.
- Bagna Cauda: A classic from Italy's Piedmont region. This warm, savory dip of garlic, anchovy, walnut, and lemon is served with crostini and fresh vegetables for dipping, the ultimate communal snack for a festive gathering.
- Bacon & Caramel Popcorn: Sweet, salty, smoky, and completely addictive. This decadent popcorn is the perfect bite to munch on as you count down to midnight.
The evening ends with the best part: raising a glass and savoring every bite you've made, from crispy coccoli to that last handful of bacon caramel popcorn. Come hungry and ready to celebrate; this is the most delicious way to say buon anno in Atlanta.
Wednesday, December 30th - 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Prices are listed per person.
The Cook's Warehouse provides the ultimate culinary class experience in Atlanta. Featuring state-of-the-art Sub-Zero Wolf kitchens to meet all of your cooking needs. We offer hands-on and demonstration cooking classes that cover a wide range of topics and are geared to cooks of all skill levels. Our interactive private events are perfect for birthday parties, culinary team building, and corporate entertaining. Living up to our mission, The Cook's Warehouse proudly presents world class chef-led classes and culinary events that provide you with Every Excuse to Cook!
The Cook's Warehouse Cooking School is centrally located at Ansley Mall in Midtown. Our address is: 1544 Piedmont Avenue, STE 403-R, Atlanta, GA 30324