SOLO ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

THE CLASS:

When it comes to flexing muscle in the kitchen, this writer is usually pretty content swiping ‘order’ on deliveroo. Luckily, the Italian cooking course at Raffles’ brilliant restaurant Solo is set up perfectly for lazy cooks. Head chef and teacher Doxis Bekris takes care of a few steps in the process, such as preparing the quantities and laying out utensils required for the first dish. Working in pairs at gas stoves, the chef demonstrates each stage of the recipe sharing simple knife skills such as how to slice garlic, and how to create the perfect crispy chicken skin. We finish off the two-hour lesson with a sophisticated, and very grown up, meal together in the restaurant.

THE CHEF:

The co-author of several cook books including Famously Mediterranean, Doxis is as talented as he is passionate about teaching aspiring chefs the secrets of his trade. “I’m not here to show students over-thetop dishes,” he says. “I’m here to help you make delicious yet simple Italian dishes that you can make easily at home.” It’s his down to earth demeanor and his hilarious kitchen stories that make learning here fun.

THE FOOD:

Donned with a chefs apron, the Solo team demonstrates how to cook an impressive three-course Italian menu. On the agenda today: creamy squash risotto with Parmesan; pan-roasted chicken with sage jus; and for dessert, a tasty twist on apple pie that’s as easy as, erm, pie, to make.

THE VERDICT:

Solo may be the destination for foodies, but anyone with an interest in Italian cooking should try a class here. April 1 to May 20

Raffles Dubai, Dubai, Sat 11.30am to 2pm, Dhs300 with soft drinks. Tel: (04) 3149720. Taxi: Raffles Dubai. solodubai.ae