Italian Cooking School Team & Chef-Instructors

In 2024, after two years on the ICCA Board of Directors, Jeff accepted the challenge to restart the Cooking School for the ICCA. That summer, planning began with forming a committee, engaging potential chefs and together, determining a path forward. The first term of classes started in January 2025, and many classes sold out within hours.  

People want to learn about Italian Cooking and the ICCA is happy to continue to offer classes with Jeff leading the planning of the Italian Cooking School. He often steps in to help out the Chefs for some of our classes. 

Jeff began cooking at an early age and quickly learned how enjoyable it is. He loves cooking Italian dishes and took a number of the courses offered by the ICCA back in the 1990s. Jeff is well-travelled in Italy, and from his love of everything Italian, he has gained a solid knowledge of Italian food and wine.  Jeff has an Adult Education Certification, which has helped shape class structures.  

“Mi piace tutti italiano: il cibo, il vino, la gente e viaggiare in Italia.”

Welcome to my Italian cooking class! I come from the heart of Italy, Rome, in the beautiful Lazio region. Growing up, my kitchen was more than just a place to cook; it was a sanctuary where the rich aromas of homemade sauces and fresh pasta filled the air, and the love of family was always on the menu.

I had the privilege of learning the secrets of homemade fettuccine and gnocchi-making from my nonna, a wise and passionate woman from the Marche region. Her hands, weathered by years of cooking, taught me the true art of making simple, yet extraordinary, dishes.

It is this heritage, this blend of Lazio’s elegance and Marche’s rustic charm, that I bring to you in these classes, sharing not just recipes but the soul of Italian home cooking.

I was born and raised in Rome, Italy. I moved to Canada with my parents, but my passion for cooking has always been a constant in my life.

What started as a necessity to feed myself after school quickly grew into a deep love for the culinary arts. I became fascinated with the dishes I saw on TV and began asking my mom about her Italian cooking roots.

Growing up, Italian cuisine was always at the heart of our home, and I learned many traditional recipes passed down from my grandparents and from the region we come from.

Over the years, I’ve worked in various restaurants, constantly learning and refining my skills. I’m excited to take on the role of assistant cooking instructor and share my culinary skills with others.

Born in Italy, Roberto Manazza has always had a passion for food that transcends borders. His Grandma had a very famous bar in that town, and her passion was passed on to Roberto. With a rich culinary heritage and a deep appreciation for fine dining, he embarked on a journey that would take him around the world, ultimately leading to Canada, where he has spent the last 30 years.

Over the span of 23 years, Roberto honed his culinary skills in some of the best restaurants across Italy, Australia, and Canada, immersing himself in diverse culinary traditions and techniques. This extensive experience has not only deepened his love for food but also equipped him with the expertise to create exquisite dining experiences.

Three years ago, Roberto relocated to Halifax from Vancouver, BC, and has embraced the vibrant food scene of Nova Scotia. With an eagerness to share his knowledge, he currently works at Nova Scotia Community College and is working toward becoming an instructor. Roberto is excited about the opportunity to inspire and educate aspiring chefs, passing on valuable culinary wisdom.

As he continues on this culinary journey, Roberto looks forward to contributing to the local food culture and nurturing the next generation of culinary talent.

Brandi Babando’s family comes from the Piedmonte region of Northern Italy. Though she was born in Canada, a large portion of her family still resides in Italy.

Brandi learned Italian cooking from her parents and grandparents starting at a young age. This early teaching caused a love of being in the kitchen and sharing food.  She also has a catering diploma.

As part of the ICCA cooking school, she is looking forward to sharing food and stories; the kitchen is such a wonderful place to share – whether it be in Italy or Nova Scotia. There is always something to be learned in the kitchen!