Spice Up Holiday Gatherings with Cooking Classes and Parties at The Hotel at Auburn University

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. October 06, 2010

AUBURN, AL - October 5, 2010 - This holiday season, party outside of the box at The Hotel at Auburn University. With exciting events such as cocktails under the stars, hands-on cooking classes, or an evening filled with dining and dancing, the hotel can host 10 to 1,000 guests and offers a new twist on holiday gatherings. To reserve a space for a festive celebration, please call Whitney Phillips (334) 321-3175.

New to Ariccia Trattoria & Bar are the Tour d'Italia cooking classes on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Led by Executive Chef Andrew Litherland and Chef de Cuisine Miguel Figueroa, the classes will highlight traditional Italian holiday foods. Attendees will get hands-on experience working with the chefs and will learn how to prepare a variety of festive Italian dishes. Revelers will receive a take-away basket containing fresh pasta, basil pesto (made with basil from the Ariccia herb garden), Ariccia's traditional tomato sauce, a small block of cheese from the featured region, and a signature Ariccia apron. For $100 per person for groups of up to 14, planners can reserve these events as a unique holiday party. Attendees will be able to sample their creations, which will be paired with select wines. To reserve a cooking class for a holiday party, please call Hayley Grimes at (334) 321-3179.

The hotel's Terrace Room is downtown Auburn's only indoor/outdoor venue for special gatherings and is the perfect place to host a party for up to 300 people. This pool-side terrace and room offer views of the Auburn University campus. The exterior patio overlooks the pool and is surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful flowing fountain that provides a cozy ambiance.

Piccolo's cozy atmosphere featuring banquette seating and large overstuffed sofas is the perfect setting for a medium-sized gathering. Guests can sip creative cocktails and nosh on delicious small plates while gathering around the space's stunning fireplace. Ariccia's Private Dining Room can seat 24 comfortably and is a wonderful option for a more formal sit-down dinner party. Larger groups are invited to reserve one of the festively decorated ballrooms, which can accommodate guests for dinner and dancing.

The culinary staff at The Hotel at Auburn University will work with each group to design a menu that will fit the mood of the gathering. From elegant plated dinners to family-style dinners and scrumptious buffets, the hotel offers something for every group, large or small.

Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar is located in The Hotel at Auburn University, 241 S. College Street in Auburn. An open kitchen and outdoor terrace seating add character to this restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, Sunday Brunch, and offers take-out service. Ariccia features an espresso bar and unique wine list, and has a private dining room for special events. Located next to Ariccia, Piccolo is Auburn's newest gathering place for specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The menu features a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, refreshing cocktails, and piccolo bottles of champagne. Live jazz performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays (except on home football game weekends). Reservations may also be made through www.OpenTable.com.