Eat, Drink, Speak, Italian: Discovering the Puglia Region

Event Information

Discovering The Puglia Region, Italy’s Adriatic Gem
Join us this evening as we continue our series of Italian adventures, hosted by our engaging Italian instructor Leona Grebowski, as we blend the best of Italian food, wine, language, and culture from the beautiful region of Puglia!  Located at the “boot” of Italy, this area is quickly becoming the new favorite destination of travelers seeking to avoid the crowds of Rome & Florence.  The evening’s program includes a wonderful menu specific to Puglia’s unique cuisine; a matching selection of wines; regional highlights spanning olive farms, beautiful beaches, quaint & historic small towns, and the major port of Bari; and a fun beginner language lesson to enrich the experience of any visitor. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming trip or simply eager to delve deeper into Italian lifestyle, this evening guarantees to be enriching and captivating. 

Menu

Antipasti – Lavander focaccia – oven dried tomato | white anchovy | pecorino
Primi – Orecchiette – stracciatella | pancetta | broccoli rabe | almond
Secondo/Contorno – Grilled Octopus – caciocavallo | preserved lemon | smoked olive | potato confit
Dolce – Pasticciotti – huckleberry | limoncello custard

About Leona Grebowski:  Leona emigrated from Rome to America in 2011 and soon after began giving individual and small group lessons in the Tampa area with a very unique and energetic style.  She launched her company Ciao Bella Gente! in 2018, and organized a popular classroom program at the Italian Club in Ybor City which has grown in scope over five years, now spanning four levels of true language & grammar instruction.  She also partners with retail locations in Tampa and Sarasota to conduct shorter interactive courses focused on preparing attendees for upcoming travel.  Leona is known for her ability to connect with people, generate enthusiasm in every group, and create bonds of friendship that last well after classes end.  She was recognized as a 2019 Woman of Excellence by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Italian Club for her contribution and dedication toward expanding Italian culture into the Tampa community.