Southern Italian Traditions Meet Southern Highlands Charm
Meet Pasquale and Cindy, the wonderful couple behind Cucina Calabria, a cooking school where Southern Italian culinary traditions come to life in the Southern Highlands.
Pasquale, a former lawyer with a serious passion for cooking, and Cindy, who’s totally embraced Italian cuisine, have decided to share their love for Southern Italian food with us locals. And honestly, we’re drooling just thinking about it.
Their cooking school is more than just a place to learn how to cook, it is a tribute to Pasquale’s heritage and a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Southern Italy.
Come join us for a chat:
1 :: Hi there, Pasquale and Cindy! What inspired you to start Cucina Calabria?
Pasquale: For me, it all started when I was growing up. My parents migrated from Calabria in the 1950s and ran a market garden in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It was very different than it is now. I still remember wallabies in our front yard and lots of market gardens all around. Growing up with fresh, local produce and a deep connection to my Calabrian heritage, I knew food would be a lifelong passion. After a successful career in law, I wanted a way to reconnect with my roots, and what better way than through cooking?
Cindy: Our foodie journey kicked off over 20 years ago when we started breeding English Large Black pigs on our farm in Moss Vale. It was a labour of love that ended up transforming our lives. We were among the first farms to raise this rare breed. It all started when I stumbled upon a brochure about them and dragged Pasquale to a workshop in Victoria. We returned to the Highlands with 5 pigs, and six months later, we had 40! They were pampered and well cared for, and we learned a ton along the way.
Pasquale: The breed of pig was nearly extinct, so we knew we wanted to raise them not just to sell but also to preserve their heritage. They grow more slowly than commercial pigs, but their 500-year legacy made it worth the effort.
Cindy: Over time, the idea for Cucina Calabria started to take shape as another form of preservation, this time focused on cooking and preparing dishes. We wanted to create a space where people could experience Southern Italian cuisine in a hands-on, intimate setting.
2 :: Can you tell us more about what makes Cucina Calabria unique?
Pasquale: Cucina Calabria is all about celebrating the simplicity and richness of Southern Italian cooking. Our classes focus on traditional techniques and ingredients that reflect the essence of cucina povera, Southern Italy’s rustic, peasant-style cuisine. From pasta making to street food like arancini, and desserts like crostoli, we offer a range of classes that showcase the depth of Southern Italian flavours.
3 :: And how does your background influence your cooking classes?
Pasquale: Growing up in a Calabrian household and working in the family market garden gave me a deep appreciation for quality ingredients. I’ve also trained in Italy to blend tradition with contemporary techniques. This connection to my heritage is at the heart of Cucina Calabria.
Cindy: My love for Southern Italian food has only grown over the years. After being with Pasquale for over 30 years, I’ve really soaked up Italian culture and cooking. Together, we pour all our passion and know-how into every class.
4 :: What can guests expect when they join a class at Cucina Calabria?
Cindy: When you come to Cucina Calabria, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, a coffee, and biscotti. Our classes are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned cooks. We want our guests to feel connected to the food and the experience.
Pasquale: We take our cooking seriously but keep the atmosphere fun and approachable. It’s all about creating memorable experiences and sharing the joy of cooking.
5 :: What makes the experience at Cucina Calabria truly special for your guests?
Pasquale: Southern Italian hospitality is convivial and jovial and we wanted to keep that energy. We also want folks to connect with the food and take away from it something new and special. I think we have an authentic connection that shines through and makes us stand out. We really want to focus on the food and the ingredients. We’re always learning and evolving, just like our cooking classes. Every day is an adventure in the kitchen, and we love discovering new ways to connect with our guests through food.
Cindy: And we’re always happy to share a bit of Italian hospitality, whether it’s through a cooking class or a friendly chat. At Cucina Calabria, everyone is family.
6 :: What’s on the cards next for Cucina Calabria?
Pasquale: We’re excited to see how our classes evolve over time. We plan to introduce new dishes and techniques, always keeping our focus on authentic Southern Italian cuisine. We’re also open to accommodating private and corporate groups, and we’re also open to dedicated classes [for any experience types] for groups of at least 4 people, making sure everyone can experience the joy of cooking with us.
Cindy: Our goal is to continue sharing our passion for Southern Italian food and create a space where people can learn, connect, and enjoy great food. We’re thrilled to be on this journey and look forward to hosting lots of locals.
Thanks for chatting with us Cindy and Pasquale.
Mamma Mia… we are totally craving a taste of Southern Italy now
If you are too, then we recommend booking a spot at Cucina Calabria to join Pasquale and Cindy for one of their fun, hands-on cooking classes. No matter your skill level, you’ll get to learn all about authentic Italian flavours and have a tasty time doing it.
They’ve got plenty of exciting classes coming up this month alone including the Street Food experience on the 24th which includes lunch on the go with wine and coffee [yes please] as well as Biscotti Making and Traditional Pasta– Fantastico!
Buon appetito Highlanders!
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