Italian cuisine has, by and large, become an integral part of America’s culinary melting pot.

Napa Valley College’s Napa Valley Cooking School Professional Pastry Intensive presents a Boulangerie, Pâtisserie, and Confiserie Tasting and Bake Sale Wednesday, June 24 from noon to 2 p.m. The public is invited to come to the Upper Valley Campus, 1088 College Ave., St. Helena, for an opportunity to see the inner workings of a bake shop, showcasing the skills acquired by the students of the Professional Pastry Intensive under the tutelage of Chef Krista Garcia, said Executive Chef Barbara Alexander. “Taste samples, with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea and purchase gorgeous pastries, tarts, croissants, confections and more at prices you won’t be able to resist! All bakeshop items are freshly baked and prepared with the highest quality organic flour, butter and cream, fresh berries, European chocolate and gorgeous summer fruits,” she said.

Serves 4

A number of Napa Valley chefs, plus a local sommelier, received “Rising Star” tributes at a gala hosted by Charles Krug Winery last week.

When I called my dad last week, he was busy noshing — and kvetching.