Taste the Tradition
More Than A Cooking Class
At CaLisi Cucina Rustica, we offer more than a traditional Sicilian cooking class. We invite you into an intimate, hands-on experience where food, culture, and family come together. Through generations of cherished recipes, personal stories, and long-held traditions, we share our deep connections to the meals that have nourished us throughout our lives and the memories that give them meaning.
About Us
Welcome to CaLisi Cucina Rustica, where old-world meets new. Each class partners with a local chef to bridge traditional homemade Sicilian dishes with modern culinary techniques. Rooted in authentic Sicilian cuisine, we cook exclusively with what’s in season, highlighting the versatility of simple, fresh, and humble ingredients. Through generations of family recipes, we share our unique history, culture, and traditions—keeping them alive, one class at a time.
Our
Story
Who We Are
CaLisi Cucina Rustica offers a unique experience of traditional Sicilian cooking classes, blending family recipes with modern culinary techniques. Led by an inspiring 83-year-old Nonna, her daughter, Debra, and a rotational guest chef, each class highlights a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients brought to life across a curated menu of traditional dishes, celebrating the depth and versatility of Sicilian cuisine, enriched by heartfelt stories of heritage and family.
Located in Long Beach, California, we invite you to join our vibrant community of food lovers and gather around the table for an experience that goes beyond the kitchen.
Meet Mary (AKA Nonna) and Deb
Mary, a first-generation Sicilian American born in Brooklyn, New York, began cooking at just nine years old and hasn’t stopped since. Over the years, she has written for multiple food columns, hosted countless gatherings, and taught cooking in her local community, sharing her deep-rooted passion and expertise in Sicilian cuisine.
Debra grew up cooking and baking alongside her mother before embarking on a 30+ year career in the food and beverage industry (15 years in New York and 17 in Los Angeles). There, she combined her love of food and hospitality with an appreciation for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the transformative beauty of a perfectly paired wine.
Together, Mary and Debra bring over a century of combined culinary and hospitality experience, rooted in family tradition and brought to life through every class at CaLisi.
Our Services
Cooking Class Experiences
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125 US dollars
Upcoming Events
