Italian Carbonara Cook-Off NYC: Battle for Prizes up to $2,000 + Wine

This is not a cooking class. This is a battle.

Every Sunday, Italian Master Chef Gianluca Deiana, born in Sardinia and trained in Italy, London and New York, turns his Roman carbonara class into the ZAFFERANO & CO. Carbonara Cook-Off: two teams, one kitchen, one winner.

How the battle works

• Pick your side. Guests are split into two teams.
• Learn from the Master. Chef Gianluca shows you fresh egg pasta made by hand and a true Roman carbonara: guanciale, egg, Pecorino Romano and black pepper. No cream, ever.
• Cook to win. Each team cooks its own carbonara against the clock, with a glass of Italian wine in hand.
• Choose your judge. Each team elects one judge to taste and score the plates.
• The final verdict. Team judges can be a little partial, so the final word belongs to Chef Gianluca, who watches both teams at work all evening.

The prize: up to $2,000

The winning team takes home the prizes. The more guests in the battle, the bigger the prizes: up to $2,000.

Included

• A glass of Italian wine and an Italian appetizer
• All ingredients, tools, apron and cooking station
• The dinner you cook, shared by both teams
• The recipes to take home

2 hours · Midtown West · Max 20 guests · No experience needed: the Chef guides every step. Perfect for friends, couples, birthdays and team building. Open to guests aged 14 and over; wine is served only to guests 21+ with a valid photo ID. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the class.

370 five-star reviews from our guests

Real reviews from guests of Chef Gianluca's classes (ZAFFERANO & CO. and CocuSocial):

★★★★★ “My daughter surprised me for my birthday and it was such an incredible experience. Gianluca was hands on, funny and taught us to make a delightful meal.” — Adamantia D.

★★★★★ “Gianluca is a true master of his craft and you can sense his passion for cooking. He takes his class very seriously but it’s extremely enjoyable. Guaranteed a good time.” — Brian H.

★★★★★ “We brought this class for my bosses birthday and had such an amazing time. Chef Gianluca was hilarious and helped us when we were struggling. The food came out amazing.” — Amber B.

★★★★★ “You learn a lot not only about making the food but overall origin and mechanisms behind it. Chef Gianluca is definitely very entertaining and knows his profession!” — Maximilian S.

★★★★★ “The Italian Masterchef Gianluca is so entertaining & knowledgeable. Loved every bit of it. 10/10 recommend!” — Kushik N.

★★★★★ “Class was great. Fresh ingredients provided, and despite there being 20 attendees, each table got the right amount of attention. Master Chef Gianluca was funny and knowledgeable.” — Rob A.

★★★★★ “Chef Gianluca was SO AMAZING!!!! SO fun and SO knowledgeable. Would do this every weekend.” — Bess G.

Contest of skill judged by the Chef. No purchase needed beyond the class ticket. Prizes up to $2,000; their value grows with the number of guests in the class.