My day class begins with a visit to the oldest street market in Bologna!
What? The class is hands-on so you will yourself do all (or most) of the food preparation and cooking, and if / when necessary I will demonstrate a technique. We cook traditional Italian home food, keeping an eye on attractive plating and presentation. The classes are perfect for people who are passionate about food, and are suitable for beginners as well as for experienced cooks and food professionals.
When? The cooking classes are offered year round every day except Sunday and National Holidays, when food shops and the food market are shut. They are held mornings only, (finishing mid-afternoon), for very small groups as below. Classes are not offered in the middle two weeks of August, when much of the city shuts down as people go the coast for their midsummer beach holiday.
How many people on a class? These custom classes are for just 1 to max. 4 participants, but I make an exception and take up to 6 people if you are family or friends travelling together. Children are very welcome on closed family groups! You may also choose to keep the class private.
How long? Each class lasts about 7 hours between time at the market and shopping, and then making and eating a three course meal. And is, I hope, a memorable Bologna culinary experience! Usually the class ends sometimebe between 4 and 4.30 pm but if you have trains to catch I can make sure we finish in time!
How does the day go?
9.00 am meeting time for the start with a market tour and shopping (tastings and cost of ingredients included). At about 11.30 am, a hands-on class at my apartment making a traditional or contemporary 3 course Italian meal. For this I draw up the menu a day or two before your class, keeping your preferences and any food allergies in mind, and making sure you get a well balanced and delicious meal that you can put together in the time available. The meal can be a Bologna or Emilia-Romagna lunch, including if you wish, making egg pasta from scratch, or a meal from another region like Lombardy, Tuscany, Sicily etc., or a contemporary style Italian lunch, as you prefer. Always using local food in season.
You choose whether to make / eat:
Starter / Primo / Sweet OR
Primo / Main course / Sweet OR
Starter / Primo / Main course OR
Starter / Main Course / Sweet
The Primo is the carbohydrate course – if you choose this course you get to choose between pasta (either bought fresh or made by you), risotto, soup or in colder weather, potato gnocchi or polenta.
*Please note that if you join a previously booked class you need to go along with the menu choices made by those who booked first.
What’s included?
The class fee includes a gourmet snack to nibble on while preparing the meal and a very good bottle of wine for every two guests, selected by a Sommelier to match the dishes you make. The cost of ingredients, with the exception of fish, seafood and wild mushrooms and truffles when in season, is also included. Be warned you are unlikely to want to eat dinner on the evening of the cooking class!
How do I book?
To book a date firmly you need to send your home mailing address and make a down payment. Discounts are available for taking more than one class, for children aged 13 or under, and for family or friend groups of 4, 5 or 6 booking together.
Please send an email to check availability and for current prices and additional information.
