Enjoy an intimate evening of tantalizing Italian cuisine and authentic Austin Music with chef and recording artist Michael Fracasso. In addition to performing a few songs throughout the evening, Michael will show you how to make an rustic Italian dish that is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal or a feast with friends; how to grill salmon to perfection; and introduce you to one of his favorite desserts. You'll sit back, pick up a few tips from an expert, and enjoy an evening of great food, wine, and music.
ABOUT MICHAEL FRACASSO
In 1952, Michael became the first member of his Italian family born in the United States, and was raised in the hardscrabble steel town of Steubenville, Ohio. He worked, uncomfortably, for a spell in the mills, studied environmental science at Ohio State and entered grad school at Washington State University. In order to turn his songwriting habit into more frequent live performances and perhaps an actual career in music, he left grad school early and headed to New York City.
In New York, Fracasso took part in the influential songwriters’ scene that coalesced around the Cornelia Street Café in Greenwich Village. There, he refined his material among wordsmiths like his friend Suzanne Vega, Jack Hardy, Lucy Kaplansky and Steve Forbert. One night a fan—who also happened to be employed as a major-label A&R rep—gave it to him straight: He was brilliant, but New York wasn’t the place where his rootsier sound could gain a foothold. In 1990, Fracasso moved to Austin.
It didn’t take long before the move proved fruitful. That lithe rock-and-roll voice and those brainy yet bar-friendly tunes earned Fracasso buzz around town straight away. In 1993, through the respected Austin-based indie Dejadisc, he made a belated but auspicious debut with Love & Trust, featuring a duet with Lucinda Williams. More name-making successes would follow in the years ahead: a tune co-written with Alejandro Escovedo; spots in all-star tributes to Woody Guthrie, Mickey Newbury and Townes Van Zandt; and five additional critically worshipped albums, including the more recent triumphs Saint Monday—one of the two Fracasso records boasting a duet with Patty Griffin—and Here Come the Savages.
Indeed, Fracasso’s life today is transformed. He’s a proud father with a thriving cooking career that dovetails comfortably with his music including innovative combined cooking/singing performances. In 2013, he released a book, Artist in the Kitchen: A Brief Autobiography in Food, detailing this lifelong passion, and his late-night feasts, prepared after gigs for an exclusive coterie of musicians and pals, have entered Austin’s lore.
Menu
Saltimbocca (Chicken Breast with Prosciutto, Sage & Breadcrumbs in a White Wine Reduction)
Grilled Salmon in a Honey-Orange-Thyme Dressing with Buttery "Smashed" Potatoes & Baby Broccoli
Baked Lemon Tart with Roasted Pine Nuts & Whipped Cream
Safety & Precautions
At check-in, you will be asked to sign a waiver before entering the Cooking School.
For that reason, we ask that all attendees arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the confirmed start time of the class.
FAQs
Find FAQs about CM in-store classes here.
