Photo by Janita Ardis-Sharum
Helen Amelsberg
Members of the Brit Club were treated to a truly special evening on April 13 as 17 members gathered at Nonna Maria’s in Oracle for a private pizza-making experience filled with laughter, learning, and delicious food.
What made the evening especially memorable was that the restaurant is normally closed on Mondays. Chef and owner Frank graciously opened Nonna Maria’s exclusively for the club, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere for the event.
Originally from Sicily, Chef Frank brought authentic Italian passion and expertise to the evening—and as everyone quickly discovered, he truly knows his pizza. He entertained the group with fascinating stories about the origins and traditions of pizza in Italy while sharing insights from his own Italian heritage and culinary experience.
Members enjoyed a huge freshly made pizza that was shared by the group while everyone prepared their own personal pizzas to be baked in the restaurant’s ovens. Guests had the option to enjoy their homemade pizzas fresh from the oven at the restaurant or take them home to enjoy later.
The hands-on pizza-making class quickly became the highlight of the evening, with members enthusiastically crafting their pizzas, exchanging ideas, and enjoying plenty of laughter along the way. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and full of camaraderie.
Adding to the fun, Mary Ann organized a lively Italian trivia session that kept everyone smiling and engaged throughout the evening.
To finish the night on a sweet note, guests enjoyed cookies, brownies, and candy for dessert while relaxing together after a wonderful meal and memorable experience.
The evening perfectly captured the spirit of friendship, fun, and community that makes Brit Club gatherings so enjoyable. A heartfelt thank you goes to Chef Frank and the team at Nonna Maria’s for creating such a unique and unforgettable evening for the club.