Author Talk + Demo: Stuart Lane, Spinasse

We are thrilled to welcome local chef and author Stuart Lane to the shop on Thursday, October 22nd, for an author talk and cooking demo to celebrate his debut cookbook Spinasse: An American Love Letter to Piemonte Cuisine! Celebrating Seattle’s beloved restaurant Cascina Spinasse, this cookbook brings the cuisine and traditions of Northern Italy into your home kitchen with over 75 seasonal recipes, from signature handmade tajarin pasta to elegant desserts and regional classics. Join us as Stuart cooks a recipe from the book, followed by Q&A, and book signing/personalizing!

Reservations are non-refundable and can include a signed copy of the $35.00 book. Applicable sales tax and a $2.50 transaction fee are also included. Can't attend but still want a signed book? Order here for shipping or in-store pickup.

About the book: 

Bring the flavors of Northern Italy into your kitchen with the Cascina Spinasse cookbook, which celebrates Piemonte’s rich culinary traditions through the vision of Seattle’s acclaimed and beloved Piemonte restaurant, Spinasse. This beautifully curated collection explores the heart of Italian cooking through over 75 authentic, seasonally driven recipes. From their famous handmade tajarin pasta to the elegance of delicate semifreddo, each dish reflects the soulful cuisine of the region, blending time-honored techniques with modern refinement.

Organized into six inviting chapters—Bevande (cocktails), Antipasti, Primi (pastas and risottos), Secondi (meat, seafood, and vegetables), Contorni (sides), and Dolci (desserts)—the book offers step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and evocative stories behind the dishes. Whether you're crafting agnolotti from scratch or pairing local wines with your meal, this cookbook captures the warmth, hospitality, and craftsmanship that define Piemonte’s food culture. It's a must-have for home cooks, Italian food lovers, and anyone seeking to elevate their culinary skills with regional Italian fare.

Written by Executive Chef Stuart Lane, who trained at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Costigliole d’Asti and now leads Spinasse and Artusi in Seattle, this cookbook bridges Italian tradition with Pacific Northwest passion. Chef Lane’s deep respect for Piemonte’s foodways and his expertise in handmade pasta shine through every page. The Cascina Spinasse cookbook is more than a recipe collection—it’s an invitation to cook with intention, savor every season, and experience the enduring beauty of Italian cuisine.

About the author: 

Stuart Lane is the executive chef of Spinasse and Artusi in Seattle, where he honors Piemonte’s enduring cuisine. Trained at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Costigliole d’Asti, Lane refined his craft in Italy before returning to work alongside James Beard Award–winning chef Holly Smith at Café Juanita. At Spinasse, he is known for handmade pastas, seasonally driven menus, and a philosophy that blends tradition with innovation. His deep respect for regional Italian cooking is matched by his commitment to local Pacific Northwest ingredients, creating a dining experience that is both authentic and original. Lane’s leadership has helped cement Spinasse as one of Seattle’s most celebrated Italian restaurants.