Private Cooking Parties & Teambuilding Cooking Events
There's no better way to mark a special occasion - be it a bachelorette party, bridal shower, birthday or anniversary - than with a wooden spoon in hand and friends all around.
And if you're looking for an effective, fun way to bond with colleagues, a cooking party is an original team-building exercise that will leave you and your guests smiling long after the cooking is done. As team members learn essential culinary techniques and master new recipes, they also strengthen bonds and relationships in a fun, informal environment.
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Couples or very small groups: consider joining one of our cooking classes

Private cooking events include:
- wine and appetizer reception
- hands-on cooking
- three-course meal paired with Italian wines
- complimentary espresso
- recipe packets
- fun for everyone!
Located in the heart of Manhattan, our 4,000-square-foot cooking loft has two independent state-of-the-art kitchens and spacious dining rooms, and a spectacular view of the Empire State Building. We can accommodate groups of 12 to 150 people.
We will create a tailor-made menu for your group and pair your menu with two fabulous wines. The cost of a standard event is $125 per person plus a 20% gratuity. If you like, we can add a wine tasting to your event. Aprons are available at an additional cost, as well as gift items for your guests, such as Micol Negrin's cookbook The Italian Grill.
Each of our two kitchens boasts four oversize stainless steel work tables that can accommodate up to 40 people for chopping, mincing, kneading, and prepping food, and each of our two dining rooms offers seating for up to 80 people. See our FAQ for complete details.
We've created hundreds of memorable events for corporate clients from across North America and Europe. See a partial list of past clients. Choose from several menus. To reserve, call 917-602-1519 or email us.
Cooking Event Flow
When your group arrives, you will enjoy a selection of freshly prepared appetizers with a glass of wine. We'll describe the menu, outlining basic techniques you'll master, then divide your team into stations. You'll cook for about an hour, whipping up an incredibly tasty three-course meal, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with specially selected Italian wines.
Menus are tailor-made for your group, and a wine tasting can be added for groups who are really into wine. You can also add gift items and extras for your guests such as copies of Micol's cookbook The Italian Grill, and aprons for everyone, or a professionally rendered film of your event on DVD... At the end of the event, every guest will receive a recipe packet so they can recreate the delicious menu at home.
Cost
Events are $125 per person plus 20% gratuity, and 2 top-rated wines are included (half a bottle of wine per guest). There are no setup fees, room rental fees or other fees. Aprons are available as an extra, and a wine tasting can be added.
The minimum charge for a private event will cover you for up to 12 people. Couples or very small groups: consider joining one of our cooking classes.

Third floor kitchen and dining area
Second floor kitchen and dining area
Adding a Wine Tasting
If you're really into wine, a wine tasting featuring 8 different wines can be added to your private cooking event for an additional fee ($350 for the wine speaker's fee regardless of the number of attendees, plus a wine budget per person to be determined by you--most clients spend from $20 to $40 per person). The wine selection will be customized for your event, as the wines will be paired with the menu you choose.
These events combine a hands-on cooking class (30 to 45 minutes of cooking) with an informative, entertaining wine tasting that will give you the unique opportunity to taste some of Italy's top wines: from Super Tuscans to Piedmont's big, bold reds, you'll experience memorable Italian wines and learn more about what makes them special. Each wine will be introduced by our wine speaker, its flavor profile and best pairings discussed.
You'll be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, which you'll enjoy with a selection of finger foods. After you've had a chance to relax and mingle with guests, you'll roll up your sleeves and cook in our state-of-the-art kitchen. Finally, you'll sit down to enjoy a wine tasting and a three-course meal paired with wines. You'll taste a total of 8 wines throughout the course of your event.
Call 917-602-1519 or email us to inquire about hosting this unique food & wine event at Rustico Cooking.
There are few things better in life than a great wine. Perhaps great wines paired with great food... enjoyed in great company!
Adding a Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Our Wine Director, Costas Mouzouras, is an expert at pairing chocolate and wine. Together we've devised a luxurious event for chocolate and wine lovers: a chocolate and wine tasting.
These events begin with a relaxing finger food and Prosecco wine reception, followed by a hands-on cooking class in our state-of-the-art kitchen. Next, you'll enjoy a sit-down meal during which you'll savor the 4 dishes you've prepared (an appetizer, a main course, and two side dishes of your choosing) paired with a specially selected white and red wine.
And then the chocolate magic will begin: Costas will present you with 8 bite-size chocolates from top chocolatiers, and pair them with an amazing line-up of wines (some sweet, some not), ensuring that you'll never think of wine or chocolate the same way again.
This unique event is perfect for anyone looking for a new way to entertain wine-loving friends at home: you'll surely want to share the pleasures of what you've learned at your very own chocolate and wine dinner.
This amazing experience can be added to your private cooking event for an additional fee ($350 for the wine speaker's fee regardless of the number of attendees, plus a wine and chocolate budget per person to be determined by you--the range is from $30 to $40 per person). The wine selection will be customized for your event, as the wines will be paired with the menu you choose.
Call 917-602-1519 or email us to inquire about hosting this unique food & wine event at Rustico Cooking.
Our charismatic Wine Director, Costas Mouzouras, is an accomplished chocolate and wine pairing expert.
Adding a Premium Finger Foods & Wine Reception
To elevate your private cooking event to an unparalleled level of luxury, consider adding on our Premium Finger Foods & Wine Reception: instead of house wine, we'll pour everyone a glass of bubbly Prosecco upon arrival, kicking off the festivities in high style, and we'll serve five different finger foods (instead of the usual three served at a standard cooking event).
Finger foods will include chef-prepared seasonal delicacies like butternut squash phyllo rolls, crispy sea bass ravioli, asparagus and goat cheese frittata, spicy tomato bruschetta, homemade focaccia, herbed filet mignon mignon skewers, crunchy olive polenta fries, and more.
The additional cost of the Premium Finger Foods & Wine Reception is $12 per person (plus gratuity).
Call 917-602-1519 to inquire about adding this unique feature to your private cooking event at Rustico Cooking.
Cooking Party Menus
The menus below are $125 per person plus 20% gratuity, and our 2 house wines (red and white) are included.
Pick a standard menu, or mix and match menu items as you like to create your own menu.
(* Please note: a $10 surcharge per person will be added for Veal Osso Buco and Filet Mignon as indicated below.)
Click for printer-friendly version of the private party menus
HARVEST FEAST
- Wine-Poached Shrimp & Sweet Peppers in Phyllo Baskets over Baby Greens
- Tender Chicken Morsels in Wild Mushroom-Cream Sauce
- Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella & Bacon
- Chive-Scented Ricotta Gnocchi in Aromatic Herb Butter
- Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla-Scented Whipped Cream & Warm Strawberry Sauce
NORTHERN ITALIAN FAVORITES
- Lasagna with Shrimp & Asparagus over Warm Artichoke Medley
- Braised Chicken with Aromatic Spices, Grappa, & Lemon-Garlic Gremolata
- Roasted Baby Carrots & Fennel with Sage & Nutmeg
- Roman-Style Semolina "Gnocchi" with Parmigiano
- Hazelnut-Chocolate Cakes with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream & Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
FRESH ITALIAN CLASSICS
- Crispy Goat Cheese-Stuffed Ravioli with Caramelized Fennel & Balsamic Vinegar Splash
- Herb-Rubbed Roasted Chicken with Fire-Roasted Grape Tomato, Yellow Pepper, & Purple Onion Salsa
- String Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic & Thyme
- Braised Chickpeas with Spinach & Garlic
- Double Chocolate-Chunk Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce & Vanilla Whipped Cream
FIREPLACE DINNER
- Savory Cheesecake in Crisp Cornmeal Crust with Slow-Cooked Onions over Wild Arugula
- Filet Mignon with Leek & Red Wine Sauce ($10 per person supplement)
- Fennel Gratin with Shaved Parmigiano
- Roasted Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Fudgy Date & Walnut Cake with Caramel-Coconut Topping
TASTE OF SOUTHERN ITALY
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Broccoli Raab & Sausage
- Red Snapper in Parchment Paper with Olives, Capers, & Herbs
- Roasted Sweet Pepper Medley with Basil, Tomatoes, & Ricotta Salata
- Five-Herb Risotto
- Light-as-Air Limoncello Mousse with Fresh Berries
COMFORT FOOD
- Three-Cheese & Spinach Lasagna with Herbed Chickpeas
- Roasted Chicken in Balsamic-Honey Glaze
- Roman-Style Peas with Prosciutto & Onions
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Miniature Apple Puff Pastry Pie with Almond Paste Crumble, Caramel Sauce, & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
ITALIAN COUNTRY COOKING
- Light-as-Air Ricotta Gnocchi with Leeks, Sweet Peas, Tomatoes, & Herbs (groups of 20 or less)
- Spice-Rubbed Pork Medallions (or alternatively, chicken cutlets) with Vin Santo-Apple Sauce
- Slow-Cooked Spinach with Nutmeg & Parmigiano
- Wild Mushroom & Three-Cheese Bread Pudding
- Dark Chocolate-Almond Cake with Raspberry Hearts & Almond-Scented Whipped Cream
EVENING IN MILAN
- Butternut Squash Ravioli in Sage-Infused Butter (groups of 20 or less)
- Classic Veal Ossobuco Milanese-Style ($10 per person supplement)
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmigiano
- Old-Fashioned Polenta with Mascarpone & Chives
- Amaretto & Dark Chocolate Semifreddo in White Chocolate Glaze
RUSTIC FAVORITES
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Beef & Red Wine Ragu
- Stuffed & Rolled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Fragrant Three-Herb Pesto
- Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Chili
- Crispy Polenta "Fries" with Cayenne & Saffron Aioli
- Pecan & Brown Sugar Cake with Cinnamon-Scented Whipped Cream
SEASIDE FLAVORS
- Crunchy Shrimp & Basil Wontons over Smoky Fennel & Red Pepper Slaw
- Striped Bass with Ginger, Leeks, & Shiitake Mushrooms
- Roasted Artichokes with White Wine, Garlic, & Parsley
- Lemon & Chive Risotto
- Crispy Fruit- and Chocolate-Stuffed Phyllo Triangles with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
ITALIAN SEAFOOD FEAST
- Crispy Crab-Stuffed Ravioli with Roasted Asparagus & Saffron-Lime Aioli
- Sicilian-Style Mediterranean Sea Bass with Pine Nuts, Olives, & Raisins
- Marinated Zucchini "Carpaccio" in Mint-Lemon Vinaigrette
- Savory Spinach & Artichoke Bread Pudding
- The Ultimate Tiramisu
FLAVORS OF THE RIVIERA
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Arugula, Grape Tomatoes, & Ricotta Salata
- Mediterranean Sea Bass in Saffron-White Wine Glaze
- Caramelized Baby Carrots with Tarragon & Garlic
- Pea, Saffron, & Pine Nut Risotto
- Maple Syrup & Apple Cakes with Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
TASTE OF TUSCANY
- Tuscan Bread, Tomato, & Basil Salad with Pecorino Crisps
- Chicken Scaloppine with Prosciutto & Provolone in Marsala Glaze
- Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini, & Peppers in Tarragon-Infused Oil
- Tuscan-Style Cannellini Beans with Rosemary
- Miniature Cheesecake with Brown Sugar-Almond Crust in Warm Blueberry Sauce
EVENING IN NORTHERN ITALY
- Basil & Ricotta Ravioli in Black Pepper-Tarragon Butter (groups of 20 or less)
- Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions & Red Wine
- Slow-Roasted Savoy Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic
- Risotto with Butternut Squash & Leeks
- Marzipan & Pine Nut Cakes with Orange Glaze
TRATTORIA COOKING
- Wild Mushroom & Three-Cheese Torte over Baby Greens
- Roasted Red Snapper with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, & White Wine
- Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Garlic
- "Smashed" Red-Skinned Baby Potatoes with Chives & Paprika
- Decadent Strawberry & Mascarpone Mousse
Click for printer-friendly version of the private party menus
MIX AND MATCH: CREATE YOUR OWN MENU
For those of you who prefer to mix and match menu items to create your own tailor-made menu, here are all our menu items listed by category; just pick one from each category, consult with our chef regarding your menu selection, and you're all set for a fabulous event!
APPETIZER (choose one):
- Butternut Squash Ravioli in Sage-Infused Butter (groups of 20 or less)
- Basil & Ricotta Ravioli in Black Pepper-Tarragon Butter (groups of 20 or less)
- Light-as-Air Ricotta Gnocchi with Leeks, Sweet Peas, Tomatoes, & Herbs (groups of 20 or less)
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Broccoli Raab & Sausage
- Crispy Goat Cheese-Stuffed Ravioli with Caramelized Fennel & Balsamic Vinegar Splash
- Three-Cheese & Spinach Lasagna with Herbed Chickpeas
- Wild Mushroom & Three-Cheese Torte over Baby Greens
- Crunchy Shrimp & Basil Wontons over Smoky Fennel & Red Pepper Slaw
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Beef & Red Wine Ragu
- Crispy Crab-Stuffed Ravioli with Roasted Asparagus & Saffron-Lime Aioli
- Handmade Cavatelli Pasta with Arugula, Grape Tomatoes, & Ricotta Salata
- Lasagna with Shrimp & Asparagus over Warm Artichoke Medley
- Wine-Poached Shrimp & Sweet Peppers in Phyllo Baskets over Baby Greens
- Savory Cheesecake in Crisp Cornmeal Crust with Slow-Cooked Onions over Wild Arugula
- Tuscan Bread, Tomato, & Basil Salad with Pecorino Crisps
MAIN COURSE (choose one):
- Braised Chicken with Aromatic Spices, Grappa, & Lemon-Garlic Gremolata
- Herb-Rubbed Roasted Chicken with Fire-Roasted Grape Tomato, Yellow Pepper, & Purple Onion Salsa
- Roasted Chicken in Balsamic-Honey Glaze
- Tender Chicken Morsels in Wild Mushroom-Cream Sauce
- Classic Veal Ossobuco Milanese-Style ($10 per person supplement)
- Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions & Red Wine
- Filet Mignon with Leek & Red Wine Sauce ($10 per person supplement)
- Chicken Scaloppine with Prosciutto & Provolone in Marsala Glaze
- Spice-Rubbed Pork Medallions (or alternatively, chicken cutlets) with Vin Santo-Apple Sauce
- Mediterranean Sea Bass in Saffron-White Wine Glaze
- Sicilian-Style Mediterranean Sea Bass with Pine Nuts, Olives, & Raisins
- Stuffed & Rolled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Fragrant Three-Herb Pesto
- Red Snapper in Parchment Paper with Olives, Capers, & Herbs
- Roasted Red Snapper with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, & White Wine
- Striped Bass with Ginger, Leeks, & Shiitake Mushrooms
SIDE #1 (choose one):
- Caramelized Baby Carrots with Tarragon & Garlic
- Fennel Gratin with Shaved Parmigiano
- Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini, & Peppers in Tarragon-Infused Oil
- Roasted Artichokes with White Wine, Garlic, & Parsley
- Slow-Cooked Spinach with Nutmeg & Parmigiano
- Marinated Zucchini "Carpaccio" in Mint-Lemon Vinaigrette
- Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella & Bacon
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmigiano
- Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Chili
- Roasted Baby Carrots & Fennel with Sage & Nutmeg
- Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Garlic
- Roasted Sweet Pepper Medley with Basil, Tomatoes, & Ricotta Salata
- Roman-Style Peas with Prosciutto & Onions
- String Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic & Thyme
- Slow-Roasted Savoy Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic
SIDE #2 (choose one):
- Pea, Saffron, & Pine Nut Risotto
- Five-Herb Risotto
- Lemon & Chive Risotto
- Risotto with Butternut Squash & Leeks
- Roasted Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Roman-Style Semolina "Gnocchi" with Parmigiano
- Braised Chickpeas with Spinach & Garlic
- Tuscan-Style Cannellini Beans with Sage & Rosemary
- Chive-Scented Ricotta Gnocchi in Aromatic Herb Butter
- Old-Fashioned Polenta with Mascarpone & Chives
- Crispy Polenta "Fries" with Cayenne & Saffron Aioli
- Wild Mushroom & Three-Cheese Bread Pudding
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- "Smashed" Red-Skinned Baby Potatoes with Chives & Paprika
- Savory Spinach & Artichoke Bread Pudding
DESSERT (choose one):
- Pecan & Brown Sugar Cake with Cinnamon-Scented Whipped Cream
- Hazelnut-Chocolate Cakes with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream & Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
- Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla-Scented Whipped Cream & Warm Strawberry Sauce
- Fudgy Date & Walnut Cake with Caramel-Coconut Topping
- Amaretto & Dark Chocolate Semifreddo in White Chocolate Glaze
- Maple Syrup & Apple Cakes with Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- The Ultimate Tiramisu
- Double Chocolate-Chunk Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce & Vanilla Whipped Cream
- Crispy Fruit- and Chocolate-Stuffed Phyllo Triangles with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Light-as-Air Limoncello Mousse with Fresh Berries
- Miniature Cheesecake with Brown Sugar-Almond Crust in Warm Blueberry Sauce
- Marzipan & Pine Nut Cakes with Orange Glaze
- Dark Chocolate-Almond Cake with Raspberry Hearts & Almond-Scented Whipped Cream
- Decadent Strawberry & Mascarpone Mousse
- Miniature Apple Puff Pastry Pie with Almond Paste Crumble, Caramel Sauce, & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Click for printer-friendly version of the private party menus
Gifts & Add-ons
Gourmet Gifts: Make your culinary event even more memorable for guests by purchasing copies of Micol's cookbook The Italian Grill) at a special discounted price for groups of 12 or more ($20 per signed copy). You can also purchase handsome embroidered RUSTICO COOKING aprons for guests as a special souvenir (quantity discount: $15 per apron).
DVD of your cooking experience: We can videotape your private cooking event and send you a professionally rendered DVD. You'll feel like you're on your very own cooking show! The cost is $350 for this unique memory. Please inquire upon booking your event.
"On behalf of everyone, a special thank you goes out to you for making our holiday party a unique event. Everything from the wine tasting to the delicious food made for a very special evening. Your signed award-winning cookbook was also exceptional. Thanks again. We hope to do it again next year." Iris, NMA Entertainment & Marketing
Our Staff
Micol Negrin
RUSTICO COOKING was launched in 2002 by Milan-born Micol Negrin. After obtaining a Psychology Degree at McGill University despite gnawing doubts that what she really wanted to do was to cook, Micol decided to take the plunge and enrolled in culinary school. With a degree from Canada’s premier culinary academy, L'Institut du Tourisme et de l'Hotellerie du Quebec, Micol moved to New York City and became the Editor and chief writer for The Magazine of La Cucina Italiana. For six years, until she resigned, Micol wrote and edited full-time... but in her heart, she knew she wanted to be back behind the stove, cooking for people who wanted to experience a true taste of Italy and teaching Italian cooking to anyone eager to roll up their sleeves.
And so, once again, Micol followed her dreams. In April 2002, she started teaching Italian cooking in NYC. Then, in January 2005, she opened Rustico Cooking, a state-of-the-art cooking loft in Midtown Manhattan, where she hosts cooking lessons, wine tastings, team-building events, and private cooking parties.
Author of two highly acclaimed cookbooks - the James Beard-nominated Rustico: Regional Italian Country Cooking and The Italian Grill, both published by Clarkson Potter - Micol has taught Italian cooking across North America and writes for major publications (including Cooking Light and Bon Appetit).
Dino De Angelis
Dino De Angelis - Micol's husband - earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from McGill University in Montreal. The couple moved to NYC in 1995, when Dino was hired to do cutting-edge biomedical research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
During the summers, Dino took time off from research to photograph Italian food and landscapes for Micol's cookbooks and magazine articles. He also designed the Rustico Cooking web site and is the webmaster. In 2006, Dino decided to take a plunge himself, and went into the family business full time. Dino occasionally teaches at RUSTICO COOKING and, with Micol, leads the couple's week-long cooking tours to Italy.
Gerry Biordi
Gerry Biordi developed a passion for feeding people when living in Bologna, where she learned authentic Italian cooking from the best cooks imaginable: Italian grandmothers! She learned all their coveted recipes, their techniques and tricks that make Italian home cooking so special. Upon her return to New York, Gerry started Sarabella Catering, and enjoyed planning parties and events for several years. She graduated from the Culinary Management Program at the Institute of Culinary Education, and interned at The Magazine of La Cucina Italiana, working in the kitchen and on magazine photo shoots, and at Indiana Market and Catering. Gerry has always believed that people who don’t have time to cook need a better option than take-out or expensive restaurants; that's the idea behind her personal home chef service, Sarabella Cooks, a meal delivery program that delivers fresh, homemade food for the week right to your door.
Sydney Schwarz
After completing the Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, Sydney immersed herself in the world of European cheese by heading up the New York outpost of well known cheese and gourmet foods retailer Formaggio Cambridge. Missing the kitchen, she decided to apply her culinary knowledge to launching a personal chef business focused on weight management cooking: www.pointschef.citymax.com.
Elizabeth Simms
Having worked in four NYC restaurants, Elizabeth M. Simms is now a personal chef, caterer, culinary writer and teacher. Though cooking had always interested her (culinary shows on PBS were some of the few tv programs her mom allowed her to watch growing up), she attended and graduated from Brandeis University. However, sending away for a culinary school brochure during her senior year cultivated the idea that maybe neither academia or a desk were meant to be. Following a half-year stint working in offices post-graduation, it is now five years later, and one finds Elizabeth happily ensconced in her right place.
Melissa Ricketts
While working professionally for several years in the corporate arena, Melissa decided to focus on her true passions: food and travel. After graduating with highest honors from the Institute of Culinary Education and externing at Gramercy Tavern, she launched Dynamic Cuisines, a personal chef service. Melissa also launched Dynamic Destinations, a travel planning service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Raquel Rivera-Pablo
After obtaining a BA in Political Science from Fordham University, and working for an accounting firm for the last 10 years, Raquel realized that she really enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Her desire to learn of all things culinary was so intense that she enrolled at The Institute of Culinary Education and graduated with Highest Honors. Upon completing her externship at Le Bernardin Raquel began doing freelance catering work, and now works part-time as a children's chef instructor. Although Raquel is very grateful for her fortune thus far, she believes her biggest accomplishment came after a friend referred her to Rustico Cooking, where she feels she was warmly welcomed aboard. Raquel looks forward to meeting you and would take great pleasure in cooking with you in hopes of making your experience as special as it is to her.
Costas Mouzouras
RUSTICO COOKING's Wine Director was born and raised in Cyprus. From a childhood pruning, harvesting and stomping grapes in the family vineyard, Costas was fascinated with how wine is made and develops, and how it brings people together. Costas moved to NYC when he was 19, where he began working full-time on his BA.
Today Costas runs Gotham Wines & Liquors in Manhattan, where he has set many new trends. He lectures on wine to food industry professionals and amateurs, and is a regular radio show guest wine expert (every Monday in season on WSNR Radio). He has been quoted in the Wine Spectator and the New York Sun among other publications.
To keep in touch with what's new, what to stock, and what to recommend to his loyal following, Costas tastes 25 to 30 wines per week. Costas believes that wine should be enjoyed in moderation, but definitely imbibed! Costas hosts RUSTICO COOKING's private wine tastings for such diverse clients as AmEx, Victoria's Secret, Roche, Unilever, Nestle Waters, KPMG, Arts & Entertainment Television Network, and more.
Client Testimonials
The event last night was amazing and I could not begin to know where to thank you, so I will just dive right in. The menu was fantastic and the wine complemented the food perfectly. You and your staff were tremendously helpful and kept our Googlers very busy and happy. As you know our group is diverse but equally enthusiastic. You and your staff were attentive to our every need and created a great evening for everyone. Thank you once again for such a good time! Steve R., Google
Thank you so much for orchestrating a wonderful evening!! We were having so much fun that the night flew by so quickly. The food was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try my hand at some of those recipes at home. Thank you again for a fantastic and very memorable party. Pam K., NYC
Our team wanted to extend our thanks to all of you for your help in our event!! We had a wonderful time and it was, by far, the highlight of our 3 day meeting. The team couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had and what a great time it was cooking with their colleagues. It definitely helped us get to know our teammates as people and see their "out of work" personalities and talents. You were fantastic hostesses and really helped us put together a great meal. We found it to be so tasty and all of us cleaned our plates!!! Thanks again for all your help in coordinating the logistics, determining the menu, and ensuring a seamless, wonderful, fun, delicious time for my team. We hope to see you again soon!!! Jennifer, NYC
Micol, it was definitely an AWESOME event last night... Thanks for hosting a kickass event. You guys ROCK! Edward, IUG Business Solutions
THANK YOU for the lovely event. Our entire team was so impressed with Rustico's staff, food, elegant atmosphere and venue. We were truly pleased with the way the event worked out, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely (our CIO even called it the "best" holiday event our company has ever had)! I also want to point out how terrific your sommelier was-he was truly a professional and even some our wine experts learned some things from him! Thanks again! Dianne & Katrina, Aviva Investors, NYC
I just wanted to write to say thank you for a wonderful afternoon on our Team Building Cooking Event. The entire process from first making contact with you to the final event was wonderfully organized and seamless... The relaxing atmosphere and the welcome was very much appreciated. The teamwork that you & your staff showed set the tone for the event and made the event even more enjoyable and memorable. Discussing the experience whilst we were eating the fruits of our labor, every member of the UKTI Team said that they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I can say now a few were apprehensive about their cooking skills. Mainly me. As you saw the lunch was extremely popular from the number of my colleagues that came back for seconds. The menu that you provided and the dishes that we eventually chose complemented each other very well. It is obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into the menus. I cannot praise your efforts enough. Once again it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and spend time with you. I will gladly recommend your services to colleagues and friends for future teambuilding events. Harjit, British Consulate-General NY
Our group had the best time Monday evening. They were still talking about the experience yesterday morning. We are fondly remembering the flavors of the risotto and wishing we could have it every day. The team-building experience held great value for us... Many thanks for taking such great care of us and for keeping to your word that it would be a memorable experience. Karen, American Cancer Society, Eastern Division
Thanks for everything last night - Krista and her friends were saying that this was the best Sweet Sixteen event they have ever been to! Sydney and Melissa were fantastic, and the food was unbelievable. We all had a wonderful time. I have a feeling you will be seeing us again in the future! Allan, Hackettstown, NJ
I would like to thank you very much for all of your help in setting up the event for me and my team. Everything really went beautifully. The timing of the whole event was perfect. We all enjoyed working with your extremely friendly and informative staff. I think a few of us even learned a few things! Many people on my team remarked on how this was the most creative and fun team building event that they have ever participated in. I would certainly recommend it to other people within our organization. Jen, Accenture
We cannot thank you enough for our time spent at Rustico. You were successful at helping everyone feel like a master chef and you could not have taught the classes with more charisma or poise. Your level of professionalism is impressive and it was our pleasure to have shared the evenings with you. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Katie & Michael, Chilton Investment Company
Micol, I must tell you that they had a wonderful time! I was told the food was not good -- it was EXCELLENT! They really needed that break last night and thank you for making it so enjoyable for them. Vita, Mercer
Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. Everyone absolutely loved the cooking lesson and dinner. We are all very eager to try out the recipes. It was the best holiday party we've had! Morgan, Fourth Wall Events, NYC
THANK YOU both so very much! Everyone is raving about the wonderful time they all had. You did such a good job of involving EVERYONE (including my father who I have never seen cooking in all of my 49 years!). Your studio/kitchen is beautiful, the food was just delicious and the experience you provided was outstanding. Terry & John, Warren, NJ
Let me thank you for the scrumptious meal and Micol's gracious, gentle presence. It was a wonderful experience, precisely what we were looking for. Anne, Weight Watchers
I just wanted to thank you for a FABULOUS evening. The event couldn't have gone smoother if we tried. ALL of my girlfriends were shocked and thought the place was great. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for some of them :) I really appreciate all of your help with picking out what I thought was a perfect menu. I know that I asked a ton of questions, but you guys worked with me every step of the way and for that I am grateful. Gerry and Raqel were both extremely knowledgeable about the food they prepared. I am sure all of your staff are wonderful, but I felt very lucky to have these special 2. This was a 25th birthday celebration I will always remember. Michelle, NY
Our group had a wonderful time last night. We had been in a meeting room all day so it was such a pleasure to come and relax, laugh and have fun that such a great team building event! We certainly did not need any ice breakers at the table last night as your chefs might mention there was alot of laughter and noise throughout the evening. The food and service (and wine) was fabulous. I will certainly recommend to all my friends and hope to come back with a group of friends myself too in the near future. Kathy, GE
We had a ball last night. Gerry was wonderful - not only did she manage to keep everyone in line (which is no small task), but she also did it with grace AND got everyone involved - including Grandma!!! We enjoyed every minute of the cooking class and would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and unique idea for a party or gift. My mom had the time of her life - and is going to be talking about it for a looooong time! Casey, West New York, NJ
Everyone had a blast. Thank you for an amazing experience and a great lesson in cooking. We loved the wine and chocolate tastings so please thank Costas for me as well. Christine, L'Oreal
Everyone had such a great time. To be honest with you, I'm not very fond of cooking myself so I was a little intimidated but, it was so much fun! The staff was very friendly (our chef Raquel was awesome). Hopefully, we'll get to have another fun event at RUSTICO COOKING. Veronica, Ann Taylor
Micol: I just had to thank you for the most fabulous day we had today. I was very excited when my friends had decided that a cooking class would be a perfect birthday present for me. They were so right. I have taken several classes before but this one was hands down the best. You were terrific and patient Even my friends who never cook had a great time. The menu was all my favorite foods. The food that we prepared was perfect. We had so much fun cooking, eating and drinking. This is something I will never forget and made my 60th birthday a very special one. Jill, NJ
Thank you for an incredible evening! You made my planning easy – I got rave reviews as Maid of Honor for taking everyone to your loft! I will certainly pass on my recommendations to other groups looking for something unique and fun to do. We’re all very impressed. Much thanks for your time and expertise! Ali, Boston, MA
Thank you all for a truly spectacular dinner party. We had such an amazing time and so did all our friends. Everyone is still telling us what a creative idea the party was, how much fun they had, how much they learned, and how delicious all the food was! I loved seeing everyone so into the cooking preparation. The evening surpassed my expectations and was a wonderful way to celebrate Ben's birthday. We will continue to recommend Rustico Cooking to all our friends and colleagues. Thanks for everything! Hillary, NYC
Thanks for the wonderful experience. Everything went flawlessly and beyond our expectations. We look forward to another event with Rustico in the future. Please send our thanks to the Chefs who assisted as well. They were also awesome. Rachel, Unilever
Thanks for giving us such an enjoyable evening... everyone had a good time and loved the meal. Your doing some of the preparations certainly made the cooking a breeze for us; yet fooled us into thinking we were responsible for the delicious results... The convenience of your facility and the beautiful room and equipment added to our enthusiasm. Janet, Skadden Arps
You're the best... I have received nothing but compliments on your Friday cooking class... everyone really enjoyed themselves. Thank you for making "me look good"!! Linda, NYC
Your focus to every detail is amazing and you have helped orchestrate what we have now come to know as a fabulous evening to remember and the absolute right choice for our firm's networking Dinner Series... I will encourage any and all I know to consider Rustico Cooking for an event rather then a typical sit down meal at a typical fine Restaurant. We will be back again, and look forward to it! Kevin, Graybar
Micol - I can't thank you enough for an amazing night of fabulous wine, sumptuous food, and most importantly - FUN! We have a fairly new group and it was such a great team building experience for everyone involved. From start to finish, you proved to be a warm and gracious Italian hostess who not only located a great space to hold the event but who coordinated the menu, wines, food, and social atmosphere. My group can be hard to please at times, as they have done it all, however, I received such positive kudos the next day - I was speechless. Thank you again for an amazing night of food, cooking and fun. I would recommend your classes to one and all. Andrea, Ladies' Home Journal
I must thank you for a sensational, memorable evening!! Gary was on cloud nine the whole time, and beyond. And all the guests seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. I've had effusive notes of thanks from all over. I thought the menu was exceptionally well-organized and executed down to the very last detail, and yet it all appeared spontaneous and fun for everyone involved. Your invisible talents at doing all this are extraordinary. My only fear now is "How do I top this for next year?" You are the best!!! Richard, NYC
Everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for your hospitality. The professionalism of you and your team combined with the wonderful menu and lovely setting made our afternoon a rousing success. Paula, Personnel Decisions International
We had a wonderful evening at the Rustico Cooking Studio. You made the class a fun learning experience and the dinner was delicious. Thank you again for creating such a memorable culinary experience for me, my colleagues and our guests. Michael, Cooking Pleasures Magazine
Micol, thank you for a fabulous time. My team loved it. The secret to slicing an onion was the water cooler conversation of the morning. And you have inspired us to start our own cookbook. I think that your style and the recipes are spot on... I am a raving fan of Rustico Cooking! Mary M., Women & Co.
Micol, a great team building was had by all! Our department is still talking about it!!! Dr. Toni (who just happens to be our company's infectious disease doctor) was very impressed over how sanitary everything in your facility was... Both you and your staff's professionalism was outstanding. Thank you for making our event a success!!! I will definitely recommend you to other departments in our company for their team building day. Arlene, Eisai
We cannot thank you enough for everything! From our first moment there, you put us at total ease. The whole team had a wonderful time and could not stop talking about it the next day! More importantly, it gave us a chance to get to know new team members in a relaxing and informative environment. Jodi, LexisNexis
Thank you. It was a wonderful space and you are a great host. If I could ever act as a reference to you and your company please feel free to call on me. Thank you again for a wonderful evening. Nick, NYC
Thanks so much for being such wonderful hosts and instructors. My group had a wonderful time and we're looking forward to coming back and trying more things on your menu! It was a great bonding experience and you were wonderfully patient with us. Lisa, Prefer Network
From start to finish, the event was terrific! We loved how we were able to collaborate with you to plan the menu, taking into account dietary restrictions and personal preferences. Your responsiveness to our suggestions and your expertise made the event run seamlessly. Everyone enjoyed the environment– being in a professional kitchen with such great equipment to learn and experiment with was exciting. Your skill in coordinating everyone to work together and accomplish the seemingly complicated task of preparing a gourmet meal is impressive. The event was so collaborative and fun that not only did we learn new things about cooking technique, Italian cuisine and wine but also about each other. At the end of the evening, it was so fun to sit down and enjoy our wonderful meal. The night ended to rave reviews from everyone involved – we cannot wait to do it again. Jennifer, Update Legal
We thoroughly enjoyed last night... everyone is talking about how great the food turned out! Thank you for your wonderful instruction and amazing recipes. I will be sure to use them when I have company over. Anisha, Deutsche Bank
Micol, thanks for everything. The evening was more successful than I even hoped it would be. It will be the benchmark for all of our future gatherings. Lisa, Houston, TX
It is quite fair to say our event was better than we anticipated. As you know it is not often that our expectations are exceeded. We received calls the very next day thanking us for such a perfectly executed elegant event. Our clients were quite impressed. You and Costas were the perfect team and I really liked his laid back style. It was just the right touch of wine and education and fine drinking... the wines were excellent as well. Futhermore, your staff was warm and kind... JJ, JJ Burns & Co
Thank you so much to you and your staff for showing us a wonderful time on Saturday afternoon! Everyone raved about the cooking class. What a great way for everyone to get together and have fun! We were all impressed at how good everything tasted... not bad for a bunch of first-timers. I'll be trying out a few of your recipes this week from your cookbook; I'm sure they will be great as well. Thank you again for your hospitality and for a wonderful day! I will definitely be back to cook with you soon. Nikki
On behalf of our team, I would like to express our sincerest thanks for your help with our team building event. Everything was fantastic!! Our team is still talking about how much fun they had and how wonderful the entire meal tasted. I will certainly pass along this experience to other teams within our organization. Once again, thank you for a memorable event and we look forward to cooking with you again in the future. Cathie, General Motors Asset Management
Micol - thank you SO much! We all had a GREAT time! The food was excellent and the wine was a great complement!! Mark (and the rest of us!) really enjoyed ourselves!! We will definitely do it again!! Jenn, NYC
We all had a fantastic time. What a great group experience! Cooking definitely is a team bonding experience. Thanks again. Lois, NBC
Thank you for a truly enjoyable evening. You and your staff were wonderful. You provided a very fun atmosphere for us to simply show up, get right into the action, and then relax and enjoy the benefits of our hard work. The next day, my team members could not stop talking about the evening. The wine tasting was very educational, and the wine selection was a perfect match to the evening’s menu. Everyone raved how fantastic the meal was... Andrew, Pfizer
Micol, thanks again for the class last night. It was so much fun - and I really learned a lot. The food (and wine) were wonderful. Thanks again for a great evening. Sharon, American Express
Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the night, and I'm still getting thank yous in my in-box from people at the client's. I've already heard comments from my management that we might be able to do a class with other clients as well, and if so you can be sure where we'll call - the decision is an easy one. I know I'll be back and can't wait until then. Ben, First Health
Thank you for a wonderful evening! We had an absolutely fabulous time, it was really beyond our expectations. I can only hope that with time I can duplicate tonight's results at home. Everyone enjoyed your instruction, the food, and the wine. Margaret, Saddle River, NJ
Corporate Clients
- A&E Television Networks
- Accenture
- Adelphi
- ADP
- Aeropostale
- AIG
- Air Liquide
- Akin Gump
- Alcoa
- Alliance Bernstein
- American Cancer Society
- American Express
- Ameriprise Financial
- Apple Computers
- APS Healthcare
- Arcade
- Architectural Digest
- Aventis
- Aviva Investors
- Avon
- Axis Interactive Media
- Baccarat
- Bain & Co.
- Bank of America
- Barnes & Noble
- Bayer
- BBDO
- Bessemer
- Better Homes & Gardens
- Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC
- Blackstone Group
- BMO Capital Markets
- Bootstrap Software
- Bressler, Amery, & Ross, P.C.
- British Consulate-General NY
- Bryant Park Hotel
- Buchanan Ingersoll
- CableScope
- Carmel Gourmet Club
- CDM World Agency
- CelGene
- Chase Merchant Services
- Chilton Investment Company
- Christies
- Cisco
- CIT
- Citigroup
- CNN
- Coach
- Cohn & Wolfe
- Colgate Palmolive
- Continental Airlines
- Cooking Pleasures Magazine
- Cornerstone Search Group
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore
- Credit Suisse
- Crowell & Moring
- Cyrus Capital
- Darby & Darby
- DDB
- Dell
- Deloitte
- Deutsche Bank
- Diageo
- Disney
- DLT
- Dressbarn
- Eisai
- Equaterra
- Estee Lauder
- First Health
- First Rain
- Fairmont Hotels & Resorts International
- Fourth Wall Events
- FTI Consulting
- GE
- Givaudan
- GlaxoSmithKline
- GM
- Goldman, Sachs, & Co
- Graybar
- Halcrow
- Halogen Network
- Harrison and Star
- Healthworld
- Herman Miller
- Hess
- Hodgson Russ
- Horngroup
- HPCANYS
- Huron Consulting Group
- ING
- Interfaceflor
- International Technology Solutions
- IUG
- Jones Lang Lasalle
- J.P. Morgan
- Jackson Lewis
- Jefferies
- Jet Blue
- JJ Burns & Co
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kiehl's
- KLM
- KPMG
- Kroll OnTrack
- Lacoste USA
- Ladies' Home Journal
- LA Times
- Lawyers for Civil Justice
- Legg Mason
- Leviton
- LexisNexis
- Lilly
- Liquid Net
- Liz Claiborne
- L'Oreal
- Luxottica
- Macy's
- M & M Mars
- Marsh
- Marymount Manhattan College
- McGraw Hill
- Mercer
- Merrill Lynch
- Metlife
- Morgan Stanley
- NBC
- Nestle Waters
- Newsweek Magazine
- NMA Entertainment & Marketing
- Nokia
- Novartis
- Nycomed
- NYSE, New York Stock Exchange
- Ogilvy
- Ogilvy Healthworld
- Organon
- Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical
- OSI Pharmaceuticals
- Panerai
- Pepsi
- Personnel Decisions International
- Pfizer
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
- Piper Jaffray
- Prefer Network
- PR Newswire
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers
- Primary Care Development Corporation
- Prudential
- RCI
- Real Simple Magazine
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Redbook Magazine
- Reputation Institute
- Resolute Corp
- Reuters
- Revolution Health
- Roche
- RRDonnelley
- Shearman & Sterling LLP
- Schroders
- Sika Corp
- Skadden Arps
- Sony
- Spike TV
- Standard and Poor's
- St. Vincent's Hospital
- Star Magazine
- Starwood Hotels
- Stryker Orthopedics
- Swatch
- TBS
- Tenor Capital
- The Capital Group Companies
- The Systems Group
- Thomson Reuters
- 3i Group
- Topcon Medical
- T. Rowe Price
- TV Guide
- UBS
- Unilever
- United Business Media
- United States Liability Insurance
- Update Legal
- US MAgazine
- Valdese Weavers
- Van Cleef & Arpels
- Vertellus
- Vibe Magazine
- Vistage Group
- Weight Watchers
- Westlb
- White & Case
- Winston & Strawn LLP
- Women & Co.
Sauteing our way to a fabulous dinner.
Plating chicken with forty cloves of garlic, roasted garlic risotto, and eggplant with garlic confetti.
A recent seafood cooking class featured wine-poached shrimp over baby greens.
Everyone is busy cooking.
Molten chocolate cake ready to be devoured.
Wolf ranges - You'll only cook on the best appliances at Rustico Cooking.
Knife skills are essential to good cooking.
General Information
Private Cooking Parties
Details on our parties are available in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rustico Cooking is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible by subway, bus, or car, steps from the Empire State Building.
PHOTOS: Take a look at our state-of-the-art cooking loft here.
WHEN: We offer both daytime and evening events... Let us know when you want your party!
WHERE: Our address is
Rustico Cooking
40 West 39th Street
Third Floor
New York, NY 10018. We are between 5th & 6th avenues.
GETTING THERE: You can take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Grand Central, or the F or V trains to Bryant Park-42nd Street. If you prefer the bus, take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 along Fifth and Madison Avenues, or the M6 and M7 along Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
PARKING: If you are coming by car, there is a parking lot on West 39th street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, on the north side of the street (closer to Fifth).
WHAT TO WEAR: Flat shoes and comfortable clothing are required for your safety and comfort. Please avoid high heels and loose sleeves.
COST: Standard Private Parties cost $125 per person, plus a 20% gratuity. This includes a finger food and wine reception at the beginning of the event, followed by hands-on cooking, and a three-course meal (one appetizer, one main course with two side dishes, and one dessert) served with two wines. Minimum group size is 12 guests.
CONTACTING US: The best way to reach us is by email at micol@rusticocooking.com or dino@rusticocooking.com. We can also be reached by phone at (917) 602-1519.
VISITING US: We run events and classes in the morning and the evening, so all visits are strictly by appointment - no walk-ins... Please email us or call us ahead if you wish to schedule a visit, and we will gladly find a mutually convenient time.
We are located at 40 West 39th Street, Third Floor, New York NY 10018
Reservation Deposit
Ready to book a particular date and time for your cooking event? In order for us to hold the date for you we require a deposit which covers you for 12 guests at $125 pp plus 20% gratuity (total $1,800). You can do so by calling us at 917-602-1519 or by using the secure payment link provided here. All major credit cards are accepted, as well as Paypal if you have an account.
Please note the payment is not refundable or transferable to another date, since we will be refusing parties for that same date.