Local Flavors Cooking Series
Event description
Join us for an culinary journey celebrating the vibrant flavors of Idaho at our cooking class, "Local Flavors." Our class is led by Gina D'Orazio Stryker, founder of Clean Cuisine by Gina, who is passionate about healthy cooking using local ingredients. This immersive experience will gather the curious culinary community at the Boise Co-op's Village Classroom on May 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm.
In collaboration with FARE Idaho, an organization dedicated to championing Idaho's independent restaurants, family farms, retailers, and food and beverage producers, these classes offer a unique opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of flavors that our region has to offer.
During the class, participants will have the opportunity to learn essential culinary techniques while utilizing fresh, seasonal meats and produce sourced directly from Idaho's fertile lands. Each ingredient tells a story of the land it hails from, showcasing the diversity and richness of Idaho's agricultural landscape.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, "Local Flavors" promises to inspire and delight, offering a memorable culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Idaho's local food scene. Join us as we come together to savor the flavors of our community and support the growers and producers who enrich our tables with their bounty.
FARE Idaho's Mission:
Connect, Align, And Promote The Shared Interests Of Idaho’s Independent Restaurants, Family Farms, Food And Beverage Businesses. Our Goal Is To Advance Independent Businesses, Increase Our Financial Success And Improve The Conditions Of Those Who Work In Our Industries.
About the Instructor:
Gina D'Orazio Stryker, a chef from Challis, Idaho, learned the art of cooking from her grandfather at a young age. After studying cooking in Florence, Italy, she went on to work in the film industry before settling down in Aspen, Colorado to raise her family. It was here that Gina began selling her soups and pasta sauces at the local farmer's market, where she met a Whole Foods executive who was interested in carrying her product line. With this opportunity in hand, Gina launched her own small soup company, Gina Cucina. Her soups quickly gained popularity and were distributed in various outlets, including Whole Foods, Costco, Gelsons, Fresh Thyme, Albertsons, and independent grocers throughout the West. Her soups also won an award at the NYC Fancy Food Show and the FedEx Small Business Grant.
Gina has since moved on to run a new farm-to-table culinary business, in Boise, ID. This business provides private chef-prepared meals delivered in sustainable glass containers, heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet and functional medicine. She sources all ingredients seasonally and locally, and every dish is both gluten-free and veggie-forward.
In addition to her culinary pursuits, Gina is also involved in combatting human trafficking. She is currently writing her first cookbook and continues to inspire others with her talent and entrepreneurial spirit.