On a chilly January night, eight of us met with Gina Nasson, co-owner of Farfalle Italian Market in Concord. We were there to learn how to make some rustic, family-style, Italian dishes from Calabria.

After a brief introduction of the three dishes we would be making, we checked out the recipes and put on our aprons. Several of us jumped in and began opening cans of rich Italian tomatoes or slicing and chopping the wonderful assortment of vegetables laid out for us. Gina cut up the chicken. All of this was added to the huge pots already on the stove, and we began taking turns stirring. Bottles of wine appeared, and we were soon enjoying these along with the conversation, laughter and wonderful aromas that surrounded us. By now our stomachs were growling!

After about an hour, Gina announced it was time to eat! We sat around a long table and dipped chunks of crusty bread into bowls of Tomato Tortellini Soup, the thick vegetable stew, and a delicious Ligurian Chicken dish. More wine was brought out, and the room grew very quiet!

During the evening we noted the variety of Italian wines, vinegars, olive oil and canned tomatoes on the shelves in the shop. The cold case was stocked with several types of good Italian cheese, prepared take-away food and a few deserts. Once our stomachs were happy, we investigated the shop further and discovered many items that our pantries needed.

Farfalle Italian Market is a gem, hidden away at 26 Concord Crossing, by the railroad tracks. Now that we've discovered this wonderful destination, we're sure to drop by again!