Cookbook Club: 'The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' at Ciao Down

Cookbook Club: ‘The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook’ at Ciao Down

April 14, 2025

By Matt Sterner

Attention Bookworms: The Tucson Foodie Cookbook Club is a real page-turner.

The next Cookbook Club is from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at Ciao Down, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., Suite E., featuring Ina Garten’s very first cookbook, “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.”

Over the past few months, we’ve been planning these meet-ups on the last Wednesday of the month. We gather at a different local brewery or bar (wherever we’re allowed to bring in outside food) to share dishes inspired by a featured cookbook (cookbooks not included).

This month’s meet-up is once again in the style of a potluck — bring your favorite dish inspired by a recipe in the book.

Tickets are $15 per person.

"The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook" by Ina Garten (Photo courtesy of Cassandra's Kitchen) — “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” by Ina Garten (Photo courtesy of Cassandra’s Kitchen)

Throughout the event, you’ll eat some grub, meet new people, and explore different recipes. Complimentary desserts will be included, courtesy of Ciao Down, as well as one beverage from Tucson Hop Shop.

Also, don’t forget to purchase the cookbook ahead of time!

We recommend checking out these local bookstores:

Mostly Books at 6208 E. Speedway Blvd.
Antigone Books at 411 N. Fourth Ave.
Stacks Book Club at 1880 E. Tangerine Rd. #140

Space is limited, so snag your seat ASAP! Also, if you’re a Tucson Foodie member, check the app for discounted tickets (it’s just $10 for members).

Have cookbook suggestions? Please reach out to addie@tucsonfoodie.com.

This month’s Cookbook Club is at Ciao Down, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., Suite E. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit tkt.page.

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Article By

Matt Sterner

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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