My first encounter with Arlen Gargagliano was brief—a quick photo op with fellow Small Bites bloggers at The Valley Table’s kickoff party for Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. A few months later, I found myself face to face with the friendly food-lover again, this time at the Westchester Wine & Food kickoff party. When I told her I was coming to her cooking class (organized through Westchester Community College’s A Taste of Westchester series, she smiled and hugged me, giddy with excitement. She’s the kind of person who’s enthusiasm is contagious…and officially one of my favorites.
Fast forward to the cooking class at Mambo 64, where she and her chef de cuisine Stephanie Landis—cutely referred to as “ChefAnie”—are explaining to my classmates and I about the ins and outs of the cooking class. We’re making some of the eatery’s popular dishes, as hands on (hopefully) or hands off as we’d like. The two and their team have prepared everything ahead of time, and the class runs smoothly, ending with a meal we all enjoy together.
{IntoxiKate Tip}
Arlen Gargagliano: chef, cookbook author, restaurateur, blogger and now, Food Network star. Check out Gargagliano on the Food Network’s Rewrapped, as she competes against other chefs to reinvent the cupcake. The show airs TODAY at 8 p.m.
Gargagliano pairs an incredible smile with her love for Latino cuisine that’s showcased both in her presentation and in the restaurant. Her recipes for the cooking class—hailing from Brazil and Argentina—included explanations, helpful tips and background information, captivating the audience of what seemed like all Mambo regulars.
Smiling and joking with both chefs, the class created a feast fit for any fiesta—including Brazilian Cheese Puffs, Papaya Salad, Churrasco Steak with homemade Chimichurri, and more.
Mambo 64 celebrates its one year anniversary later this year, and promises to be a mainstay in the Tuckahoe community. Gargagliano is a true hostess, creating a family-focused environment that offers a variety of tapas, small plates and colorful cocktails (caipirinha, anyone?).
While guacamole is definitely a must for any party these days (it IS Cinco de Mayo after all), the chef’s innovative version with chipotle, sweet red grapes and pecans will surprise you.
{IntoxiKate Tip}
Perfect for Mom! If you’re mom loves to entertain, pick up a copy of Gargagliano’s Mambo Mixers or Calypson Coolers to add a little Latino spice to her kitchen!
A special thanks to Arlen, ChefAnie and Donna Monaco Olsen for organizing such a great class!
{Mambo 64: 64 Main St., Tuckahoe, 914-222-9964, www.mambo64.com}
Check out Mambo 64 in the IntoxiKate Spring Guide:
