There is a new cooking class in town – if you enjoy pizza and want to wow your loved ones with an authentic Italian pizza made lovingly by yourself then check out La Veranda’s new pizza class which runs every Saturday.

Invited by the lovely folks at Sheraton Doha I learned the centuries-old art of making pizza under the expert tutelage of Executive Chef Federico Carsili, along with his colleagues Chef Marco and Chef Shaam.

Chef Federico joins the Sheraton Doha from the rolling hills and verdant green pastures of his home province of Terni in Umbria, Italy. His warm personality shines through, influenced as he is by home-cooked Italian food, fresh quality ingredients and his love for feeding people - it was a real pleasure to attend his cooking class.

It is the type of class you can attend with fellow friends and family members or you can come on your own and make some new friends. It is also a perfect gift for the foodies in your life.

It is important to book in advance for the pizza class as the Chef prefers to teach in small groups. I was able to learn directly from Chef Federico with two other fellow attendees – so you are getting real hands-on teaching here.

This is a class that lets you get stuck in – so roll up your sleeves, put on your Chef’s hat and get ready to get your aprons messy. You will learn how to make and shape the dough for your pizza base.

You will also use good quality ingredients including a herby Italian tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, prepared artichokes, Kalamata olives and turkey ham.

If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions please let the reservations staff know at the time of booking your class, and Manager Francisco and his Chef team will do their best to accommodate.

The best thing about the class was the warmth received from the Chef and his team in teaching and helping us to prepare fresh Italian pizzas. Although there were many tricky steps along the way the Chefs made it appear easy, and answered our questions with knowledge and humour.

We were even treated to some freestyle pizza throwing from Chef Marco!

If you want to learn the art of pizza-making from Italian Chefs, using traditional methods, then join in at La Veranda’s weekly pizza classes every Saturday from 3-5pm.

Chef Federico’s class was good fun and full of humour and it is definitely recommended for those looking for something a little special. Come, enjoy learning and make some authentic Italian pizza that you can easily replicate in your home kitchen.

Check out Qatar Eating for a fuller review of the class with more pictures and further information.

The first class starts on Saturday 21^st February 3-5pm and there are limited places available. It costs QR 150 per person and bookings can be made by calling +974 4485 3000 or emailing F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.