Naugatuck Valley Community College’s Hospitality Management Program kicked off its regional Italian cooking luncheon series on September 30 with a Tuscan menu designed by Foodservice Management student Maria Elena Engle. A signature dessert of tiramisu, biscotti and fruit tart—all made by NVCC Hospitality Management students—topped off the meal of crostini with assorted toppings, fresh arugula salad with shaved parmesan cheese, braised pork loin with white beans, roasted cauliflower, lemon-rosemary potatoes and sautéed escarole with oil and garlic.

Engle, who completed a B.S. degree in Culinary Studies at the Culinary Institute of Mexico, was the owner of Galeria del Pastel Bakery in Mexico City, and is a certified instructor for Wilton Cake. Her daughter, Erika Salgado, holds two associate degrees from NVCC and is currently working in her chosen profession of foodservice management.

The regional Italian cooking series has three remaining luncheons this semester: on Oct. 14, Oct. 28 and Nov. 11. For additional information or reservations, please contact Hospitality Management Program Coordinator Karen Rotella at 203-596-8739 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..