Ravioli Class

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Instructor: Charlene Dutka, Ciesco Catering

Charlene Goodman Dutka lives in Goshen with her husband Ed, youngest son Matthew, and three rescue dogs. She was born and raised in Torrington in an Italian-American family. Her grandmother prepared food with love, often using ingredients from her grandfather’s garden.

Charlene started collecting cookbooks and reading them like novels at a young age. When time allowed, she continually experimented in the kitchen while pursuing her corporate career and raising four children.

Over ten years ago, Charlene took a leap of faith to open Ciesco Catering, which was named in honor of her maternal grandparents. Like her grandmother, Charlene prepares food with love.

Denise Pastore Ciesco lives in North Granby with her husband, Gary, and their two horses. She was born in Torrington and raised in an Italian-American family, relocating to Italy with her family as a teenager. Denise immersed herself in Italian culture while celebrating traditional American Holidays with family and friends. The consummate hostess, Denise’s dinners were always famous among anyone who knew her.

When Denise’s two children were grown, she and her former spouse, who was in the construction business, built and owned a resort with two restaurants. Denise would ask her world-renowned chefs for tips and ideas and continues incorporating this knowledge into her recipes.

Denise and Charlene met shortly after the catering company opened through Charlene’s cousin, Denise’s husband. They are cousins in every way possible. Together, they create unique menu items while having fun—sometimes too much fun with a dash of mischief.