A Culinary Excursion to Tuscany Closer Than You Think

Heart healthy eating and flavorful, appetizing meals are not polar opposites!

The Stead Heart and Vascular Center at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center(PVHMC) is hosting a “Culinary Excursion to Tuscany” to demonstrate the art of cooking a tempting and heart healthy meal on Wed., Sept. 19.

“Heart healthy meals can be tasty and easily prepared so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle,” states Debbie Keasler, RN, director of cardiac services at PVHMC.“We’re offering a “Culinary Excursion to Tuscany” with Chef Henry Gonzalez, owner of Spaggi’s in Upland, to help educate people on various ways to cut fat and calories, and still prepare excellent meals.”

In order to fulfill his dream to become a chef, Chef Henrybegan his training when he was just a nine-year-old boy.  He began by washing dishes but by age 16 he was cooking in professional kitchens.  He attended the Los Angeles Culinary Institute as a “fellowship chef” and over time found himself at the prestigious Melvyn’s Restaurant in Palm Springs where diners have included presidents and celebrities including Gerald Ford, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Gonzalez’s unique cooking style will delight you while helping you learn heart healthy cooking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  He refers to cooking as not a job or a career but his calling.

“Culinary Excursion to Tuscany”will be held at the DoubleTree in Claremont at 555 West Foothill Blvd., Claremont.  Registration will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a cooking demonstration, dinner, and questions and answers from 6:30 – 9 p.m.  Cost is $30.00 per guest.

Seating is limited.  Please register early by calling PVHMC’s Family Education and Resource Center at (909) 865-9858.  Further information is available at www.pvhmc.org.