NOW IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!
Women of Fearrington Epicurean Experiences
2026 Winter / Spring Series
Supporting the Women and Children of Chatham County
Epicurean Experiences is open to residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge and their guests. This year we are expanding our selections to include a variety of options and venues, as well as increasing the number of participants. This successful fundraiser includes a charitable donation to our Wonderful Options Fund in the price of the experience ($35 per class).
Registration
Online registration is easy. The registration process this year will be staggered to allow more of our members and residents to sign up for classes. All classes are advertised at once so that you have a preview even before registration opens. The registration date is provided for each class along with the link.
Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive an email confirmation of your completed registration. However, you are not guaranteed a spot until your payment has been received. If the class is already filled, you may request to be put on the wait list by email and someone will contact you if space becomes available.
To Pay by Credit Card
During registration online, you can simply select Credit Card from the payment options and you will be automatically directed to PayPal after you click Submit. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use your credit card.
To Pay by Check
After registering online, write a check to Women of Fearrington noting the class name(s) and date(s) (e.g.,Bread Baking, 2/13) on the memo line as well as on the outside of the envelope. Please place your payment in the Women of Fearrington mailbox in the Swim & Croquet kiosk (adjacent to the Gathering Place)
Refund Policy
We regret that we are unable to make refunds. However, you may have someone who lives in Fearrington or Galloway take your place.
Passage to India
Saturday, March 7, 4:00PM-8:00PM
Instructor: Sharmila Udyavar
10 Participants
Price: $65 (includes $35 donation to Wonderful Options)
Location: A home in Fearrington, address to be provided to those registered and paid
Enjoy classic Indian dishes that are both flavorful and aromatic. You will first engage in watching Sharmila teaching and preparing an assortment of dishes. The main event is chicken tawa masala (marinated chicken cooked with spices on a griddle) accompanied by baingan bharta, lentils masala curry, Jeera (cumin flavored) rice, garlic naan, and vegetable raita. Then all will sit down for dinner and enjoy this stunning and bountiful spread. The evening will be topped off by a special dessert prepared in advance. Recipes will be provided for all dishes including those prepared in advance.
Sharmila, a busy, multi-lingual professional (in global affairs at UNC) delights in sharing her love for cuisines she explores around the world. In the past, she owned and operated an Indian restaurant, and today she loves to teach others how to cook Indian cuisine.
Registration is closed. Check out our other offerings
The Sweet Side of Brunch
Saturday March 28, 11:00AM-2:30PM
Instructors: Alex Buie
10 Participants
Price: $65 (includes $35 donation to Wonderful Options)
Location: A home in Fearrington, address to be provided to those registered and paid
Alex Buie returns to provide this hands-on class focused on the sweet side of brunch food. In this class we will be discussing liquid batters and how to make and store them. We will be making an assortment of seasonal muffins, crepes, and bread puddings that are easy to cook, as well as prepare ahead of time. You will walk away from this class knowing basic knife skills, how to make an assortment of batters, how to flip a crepe, and bread pudding.
A complimentary glass of French 75 (gin, pear, prosecco) will be offered as well as water, coffee and fresh pear juice.
Alex Buie is a professional chef and has traveled the world. He currently works at Galloway Ridge as their plated dessert chef but has worked in a variety of restaurants and event venues, creating menus that fit perfectly for each event. He uses seasonal and local ingredients to make food nutritional and support local community sustainability practices.
Registration is Open! Click Here
Mangia! Handmade Pastas and Homemade Sauces
Tuesday, March 31, 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Instructor: Maria Ferraro Driver
20 Participants
Price: $85 (includes $35 donation to Wonderful Options)
Location: The Gathering Place
You are in for a treat with this pasta making course. Maria will guide you in making traditional egg based pasta along with hand rolled gnocchi, through demonstration and hands-on experience. Two sauces will be prepared with a focus on quick weeknight cooking but good enough for company: carbonara and cacio e pepe. Wine, still and sparkling water will be provided. Additional recipes will be included to further your culinary experience when you get home.
Students are asked to bring their favorite knife (chef size preferred), cutting board (large enough to knead dough such as 18x12 or 14x10), and an apron to participate fully in this class.
Maria Ferraro Driver moved to the area with her husband and young family in early 2023. Her background in culinary arts, along with strong Italian roots, led her to start Paccheri (pah-cuh-ree), offering online meal delivery, as well as personal chef and private catering services. Her dishes and menus reflect cuisine from all around the world, with a strong focus on Italian flavors, French techniques, and a farm to table approach. Maria believes food is a beautiful way to bring everyone together during many different seasons in life. It not only feeds the body, but feeds the heart and soul. Mangia!
Registration is Open! Click Here
A Taste of Turkish Traditions
Saturday, April 18, 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Instructor: Refika Yousefi
15 Participants
Price: $75 (includes $35 donation to Wonderful Options)
Location: Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center
1609 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Join us for a hands-on class featuring light and flavorful dishes from Turkish cuisine. We will prepare and enjoy four Turkish favorites, perfect for serving as a healthy meal. Participants are welcome to take part actively - chopping, stirring and shaping dishes - or simply observe if you prefer.
Experience the authentic flavors of Turkey with a well-balanced menu that celebrates both comfort and culture. From the creamy richness of Circassian Chicken to the zesty freshness of Shephard's Salad, each dish is prepared with care and presented in harmony. enjoy the wholesome textures of Red lentil patties and finish with our tender, yoghurt-based Apple Cake - a sweet, light ending to a memorable meal. And of course, you will be served Turkish Cay (tea).
Rafika leads the Turkish Cooking Classes at the Sancar Center in Chapel Hill. She has a strong passion for sharing traditional Turkish cuisine in a welcoming and interactive environment that allows participants to experience the job of authentic home-style cooking. Rafika's cooking journey began at a young age in Turkey. Over the years, cooking became a creative and joyful way to connect with others.
Registration is Open! Click Here
March 26th to 28th
Need to declutter?
Help yourself pare down and benefit Chatham County women and children through an in-kind donation!
An estate sale will be held at a home in the Village from Thursday, March 26th through Saturday, March 28th with NET proceeds going to the Women of Fearrington “Wonderful Options” fund. A professional estate sale company will be conducting the sale.
Please consider donating items in the categories listed below. Items will be accepted at the site of the sale beginning on March 11th through March 14th, by appointment. In the meantime, please photograph the item(s) you wish to donate (a group photo is fine) and forward it as an attachment to jobolig@gmail.com. Please, do not text photos.
Direct your questions via email or phone call to
KATE WEST
713-203-1358
Items are desired from these categories:
FURNITURE
KITCHEN MISCELLANEOUS
GARAGE MISCELLANEOUS (e.g., tools, gardening supplies)
OUTDOOR MISCELLAEOUS (e.g., yard art, sculptures)
LINENS OF ALL KINDS (in good condition)
CHINA & GLASSWARE
ART
OUTDOOR MISCELLANEOUS
SPORTING EQUIPMENT
RUGS (any style or color but must be clean, unstained)
JEWELRY
KNICKKNACKS
NO: books, clothing, treadmills, or anything broken, torn, dirty, or stained.
*If you donate art & other higher value items, please include a description with dates or provenance; typed or neatly written on a card nd attached to the item.*
Our fundraising events for the 2025-26 year are well underway! The money raised from these events goes directly to the Wonderful Options Fund. To date we have raised over $10,900 from these events and we underway with the Epicurean Experiences.
Thank you all for your generous participation.
Bluegrass Battleship Concert
Delightful music was provided by the band BLUEGRASS BATTLESHIP, with special guest John Bailey.
Over $4000 was raised, which includes the Extravaganza of Experiences raffle
Holiday Bakery & Market
A wide selection of baked goods, and hand crafted items were available. This has become a holiday tradition and favorite of residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge. Over $6900 was raised.
Epicurean Experiences
These classes are underway. Don't miss out! Register now.
Funds raised will be updated shortly.