Take a normal pasta class, throw in a big character, a handful of comedy, some sensational singing, and what have you got? Mamma Rosa’s Masta Pasta Class. If you want a laugh a minute along with your fresh pasta, look no further. The naughty Mamma delivers in spades. Or tortellini.
Sitting serenely on a corner of Argyle Street near the North Hobart end of town, Patanella looks like a nice, retro café. It does look harmless enough, and is known for its good food and 50’s interior. But sometimes, it’s so much more.
Patanella
When Mamma Rosa’s in town, visiting her alter ego, the pasta machine comes out, a dozen eager students dot the table, and the fun begins. In a big way. Nothing’s sacred, nothing’s precious, the big Mamma dances, sings, out-Pavarotti’s Pavarotti, and throws in her Nonna’s tips for making the best pasta this side of the Strait.
Retro
Family stories, childhood adventures, Italian ancestors, and naked chef – it’s all there. And if anyone happens to be strolling past on a Sunday night when the classes erupt, they get a big hello from the Mamma as well.
Mamma’s kitchen
Filming the whole class, and then editing it down to manageable bites for our readers was a big job, and the main guts of the lesson came down to just over 10 minutes to include the highlights that should make sure your pasta is perfect. Tips and tricks abound.
Dishing the delish
But too long for this blog, it’s saved for our membership site (coming up soon) where you can dig the gold from our chefs and food people from around the world.
So enjoy some highlights from the Mamma, and if you come to Hobart, you could do a lot worse things than book in for one of Rosa’s classes. For me, and the people there that night, no other cooking class will ever measure up: for sheer joy, fun, laughs and flavours, the Mamma takes lessons to another level.
Cooking classes will never be the same, and that’s a very, very good thing. Go Mamma, and never stop singing. Only in Hobart!
Chrissie
