FOR IMMEADATE RELEASE
Contact:
Craig Neubecker
(617) 252-8343 office
(508) 359-4100 restaurant
(508) 954-6195 cell
Popular Colonial Holiday Tradition
Alive in Boston with
a Modern Twist
The popular holiday tradition of decorative gingerbread
houses from the colonial days is alive and well in the 21st century New England. But rather
than taking over the kitchen for a weekend with grandma, today’s children are learning the tradition from a professional
pastry chef.
It’s not too common to see children in upscale restaurants but at one metro west restaurant kids
and candy are everywhere for these classes. Now in its 8th year, the annual gingerbread house
classes at Zebra’s Bistro in Medfield have become a Boston area tradition. Under the watchful eye
of Pastry Chef Aimee Clarke each parent and child team is instructed on how to assemble their homes, then the children let
their creativity take over as they decorate their creations with icing and candy. The classes last about
1½ hours long and are held on each Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
When the children are done they not only have a centerpiece for the holidays but they also
have a memory that will last a lifetime and they have learned an age-old tradition that perhaps they will share with their
own children some day.
Question & Answer Sheet and Bio Sheet below
Photos Available
Gingerbread
House Class (Q&A)
Q &
A Sheet
Q -
What is the history of Gingerbread Houses
A - The
history of gingerbread can be traced back to the 13th century, and became “especially popular in colonial
America. Mary Washington, George Washington's mother, was said to have served her special gingerbread to her son's
friend, General Lafayette, at her home in Fredericksburg.”(1)
(1) From: http://www.kidspoint.org/columns2.asp?column_type=kpfun&column_id=87
(2)
History research also from: http://www.ga.k12.pa.us/academics/ls/2/ginger/Index.html
Q - Is
this, the first time Zebra’s Bistro has had a gingerbread class for kids?
A -
No. The gingerbread class is a tradition for Zebra’s Bistro, and has become a Boston area
tradition for many families. This is now our 8th annual class, the gingerbread house class is
the biggest series of events at Zebra’s Bistro for both the restaurant, and these children. The houses
the children build and decorate become the holiday centerpieces for their families.
Q - What age are the children?
A -
The class is recommended for children ages 6 and up. In the past we have had a good range of children
from five to fourteen years old.
Q - How many children will be taking the class this year?
A -
Over 500 children from all over the Boston area will participate in these classes this year. They
will come from towns between the north shore to Rhode Island, not just the metro west.
Q - Are
the children completely on their own to build these houses?
A - The children
are working in a team with a parent, and working with the experience and direction of Zebra’s Pastry Chef Aimee Clarke
and a few helpers.
Q - What day are the classes?
A - Parents
may select any of the classes to attend:
Saturdays, November 29, and December 6, 12, and 20 at 9:00am, 11:00am or 2pm
Sundays, November
30, and December 7,13, and 21 at 11:00am or 1:30pm
Q - How much are tickets?
A -
$45 covers both the parent and child working together on the same house.
Q - Are the classes only for children or
do adults take the class as well?
A - In the Saturday classes, each child works
together with a parent to build and decorate their house. But in the past we have had many “children”
in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s bring their parent in their 60’s, or 70’s
Q -
Are spaces available for additional children?
A - Yes, although some classes have already
sold out there are still plenty of more tickets available.
Q - Where
are tickets sold?
A - Online only at www.zebrasbistro.com
Bio Sheet
Q - What is Zebra’s
Bistro & Wine Bar?
A - Zebra’s Bistro & Wine Bar is an upscale
‘New American’ restaurant.
Zebra’s Bistro won the Best Independent Restaurant Association’s
2006 Platinum Plate Award
for “Best Upscale Dining”.
Zebra’s Bistro also won six first place 2006 and six first place 2007 Best of Citysearch
– Boston awards for Boston’s Best Seafood, Boston’s Best Group Dining and several others
Q -
Where is Zebra’s Bistro & Wine Bar?
A - 21 North Street in Medfield, Massachusetts
Q - What
is Zebra’s web site address?
A - www.ZebrasBistro.com
Q - When
is Zebra’s Bistro open?
A - Zebra’s Bistro is open seven days
a week. The wine bar opens at 4:30 PM, the dining room opens at 5:30 PM. For information,
reservations or ticket sales visit www.zebrasbistro.com
The restaurant
phone number is (508)359-4100.
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