When the acclaimed Café Terra Cotta closed in 2009, chef/owner Donna Nordin decided to share her considerable talents directly with her adoring public with exclusive annual culinary adventures to the South of France.

She has since expanded these trips to include regions in Spain and Italy.

In 2011, armed with a significant culinary repertoire from her 23 years as a restaurateur, Nordin began teaching classes featuring her signature Southwestern Terra Cotta dishes as well as French classics in her home and other residences in Tucson.  

Read our November 2022 article “Catching Up With The Queen of Southwestern Cuisine.”

Guest Pop-Up Dinner

In recent years, she has shared the stage with some notable Chefs from around the world including chef, sommelier, and ambassador of Argentine Wines, Pablo Ranea of Mendoza Argentina who returns for a second series of pop-up dinners with Donna and friends. 

The multi-course wine-paired events will take place Thursday, March 7 through Saturday, March 16 at various locations and will feature Renea’s signature cuisine and the exquisite wines of Argentina.

The price per person is $225.

Guest Teacher

Celebrated cookbook author and teacher Joyce Jue returns Thursday, March 21 – Saturday, March 23 to share her favorite dishes from Southeast Asia. 

Jue is regarded as an expert on Asian food and culture throughout the U.S. and Asia. Her classes will feature classic Asian favorites including Thai Meatballs with Satay Peanut Sauce, Vietnamese Shaking Beef, and Woon Sen, Thai Glass Noodle Salad with Shrimp. 

The price per person is $95.

New Season of Classes

Nordin’s recently released spring class schedule features many of the iconic Terra Cotta dishes including Tortilla Soup, Goat Cheese Stuffed Prawns, B’stilla, Parmesan Pudding, Chocolate Mousse Pie, and more.

The price per person is $90.

Special Deal for Tucson Foodie Insiders

If you’re an Insider, two bottles of wine will be given to the first four people who register and mention they’re a Tucson Foodie Insider (just show your app when you show up for the classes). Head over to insiders.tucsonfoodie.com to learn more about joining.

Reservations for dinners and classes and information on upcoming culinary tours can be made at donnanordincooks.com or by contacting Nordin at donnanordincooks@gmail.com.

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