Mediterranean cuisine featured at Villa Basque culinary show
Villa Basque Deli and Cafe in Carson City, known for its basque specialties, featured a fun and educational culinary show Saturday enjoyed by more than 60 local residents.
It was ''Mediterranean Diet'' day at the restaurant, hosted by Carol Paz of the popular Women to Women Nevada program, her husband Chef Don Pepe Owner of Carpa LLC and Villa Basque Deli and Cafe owners Pete and Martha Coscarart.
The show began with Carol sharing some of her husband's Mediterranean heritage and the healthy influence the cooking has had for them. The main focus was on olive oil, its origins, health benefits, what kinds are best and what to look for when buying.
The charming and lively Chef Don Pepe was then welcomed and began cooking his famous Paella, which is a Valencian rice dish that originated in the mid-19th century on the east coast of Spain.
The show was both entertaining and educational. Chef Don Pepe known for his VIP Paella parties, demonstrated the use of dipping and cooking olive oils. Chef made a beautiful Paella that had the crowd wanting the secret ingedients to this tasty and unique dish.
The evening included tastings of specially prepared bread and dipping olive oils, salad, sauteed almonds, Paella and Flan. The event concluded with a personal question and answer session with Carol on olive oils and healthy teas.
All of the very fine imported olive oils, balsamic vinegars and tea used during the show are available for purchase at the Villa Basque Deli. Carol's culinary shows are put on at different times and with different foods and teas showcased. Villa Basque Deli and Cafe sells full lines of the oils, vinegar and tea. Villa Basque — home of Pete's famous chorizo and celebrating its 15th anniversary this year — is located at 730 Basque Way (at the corner of Roop and Hot Springs) in Carson City.
Chef Don Pepe prepares and presents Paella as well as other Mediterranean style dishes for birthdays, anniversaries, private and corporate parties and family gatherings. He can be reached at carpaoliveoils@yahoo.com or by calling (845) 649-3771.