There’s something special about sharing food with a group—not just eating it, but making it, discussing it, and celebrating it together. Whether it’s a pizza tasting, a wine blending class, or a hands-on bread workshop, the experience is amplified when more people are involved.

I see this firsthand when I run pizza tastings for wine blending classes at WineUDesign in Hicksville, NY. The difference between a small, intimate group and a larger, engaged crowd is night and day—and not just for the participants, but for me as a chef.

Why Communal Food Events Are More Fun for Everyone

1. Energy & Atmosphere
   There’s an undeniable buzz when a room is filled with people excited to try something new. Conversations flow, people swap tasting notes, and the communal energy turns the event into a celebration rather than just a class. When you blend wine with a small group, it can feel like a private project. Add a larger group and suddenly, you’re part of a shared experience, tasting and comparing flavors together. 
2. More Palates, More Perspectives
   Food and wine aren’t just about individual taste—they’re about interpretation. When more people are involved, you get a wider range of opinions. One person might notice the smoky notes in a pizza crust, while another points out how a certain topping brings out the oak in the wine. These shared insights deepen everyone’s appreciation for the craft. 
3. More Laughter, More Fun
   There’s something about communal cooking and tasting that naturally leads to storytelling and laughter. Whether it’s a friendly debate over the best pizza toppings or a shared surprise at how a wine changes after blending, the social element makes the experience memorable. 

Why It’s Better for the Chef

1. Engagement & Excitement
   As a pizzaiolo and bread maker, I feed off the energy of the crowd. The more people, the more interactions, questions, and enthusiasm. A small, quiet group might appreciate the flavors, but a larger group creates an environment where I can tell stories, share techniques, and truly engage with the audience. 
2. Real-Time Feedback
   When you’re serving a big crowd, you get instant reactions. I can watch how people react to different styles of pizza—what they love, what surprises them, and how their tasting experience evolves as they sip their wine. This feedback isn’t just enjoyable—it’s valuable for refining my craft. 
3. A Sense of Community
   Cooking isn’t just about making food—it’s about bringing people together. Larger events create a true sense of community, something that’s harder to achieve in a small setting. Seeing a room full of people bonding over handmade pizza and wine reminds me why I do this in the first place. 

Join the Experience

If you haven’t experienced a pizza tasting at WineUDesign, you’re missing out. It’s more than just food and drink—it’s a social event, a learning experience, and a chance to connect with people who share your passion for great flavors.

So, the next time you think about taking a food or wine class, go for the bigger crowd. The more, the merrier—and the better the experience for everyone, including the chef.

See you at the next tasting. 🍕🍷