food workshops {rome}

As many of you know, I’ve started leading Food Tours around Rome. I’ve been doing it informally for years, with visiting colleagues, food importers, restaurant owners and chefs who make their way to Rome. After getting so many requests I decided to start offering the tours on a more regular basis, and it’s turned out to be not only enormous fun, but very popular. So thank you all for that!

But one thing I’ve come to realize is that while wandering around Rome may be a fabulous way to learn about the food and culture of Italy, there are still some subjects that remain beyond the scope of normal itineraries.

That’s why I’ve decided to start leading Food Workshops. The 2-hour workshops are fun, food- and drink-filled, in-depth explorations of some of my favorite Italian obsessions.

Here are some of the delicious topics I’ll be offering:

• Olive Oil and Olives – You know you like Olive Oil, but do you know why? Together we will taste five different olive oils, learning to tell the difference between oils from different regions. We’ll also discuss issues like terroir, production,  and agriculture methods, as well as how to buy, store and use olive oil. You will also learn how to taste olive oil like an expert (Yes. I”ll have you sipping it out of a little cup.)

• Balsamic Vinegar– Have you ever tasted real Balsamic vinegar? The kind that costs up to 300 euros for a small bottle? Did you know that true Aceto Balsamico only comes from two regions in Italy? We’ll explore all of the issues, while tasting some extraordinary Balsamic Vinegars. We’ll discuss how Balsamic Vinegar is made, as well as how to use the different types. True balsamico is not  for salads, you know.

• Grappa – If you think you don’t like grappa, chances are you’ve never actually had a truly great one. In this workshop we will not only taste several extraordinary grappe, but also learn how the good stuff is made. In addition to tasting grappa, we will also explore various pairings such as cheese, chocolate and fruit.

• Italian Cocktails – Yes, really. This is a ‘workshop’ dealing with Italian cocktails. I’ll teach you how to whip up your own Negroni, Americano and Bellini as well as explaining the various ingredients that go into them. Yes. It’s as much fun as it sounds.

All of the Workshops take place in my ground floor studio, located in the Monti neighborhood. Each Workshop is private and arranged upon request. I schedule most Workshops from 5-7pm, since this is usually a time of day when you might feel like doing something more relaxed? Most museums are closed by that hour so it provides a fun activity in the late afternoon/early evening. But if you are interested in arranging a Workshop for a different time of day, just let me know.

Although I’m starting out with just four topics, I’m happy to expand. Is there another Italian food you’d like to explore? Cheese, cured meats, craft beers, amari, or regional specialties? I’m happy to develop a specialized Workshop to suit any appetite or thirst.

I hope you can come over to play sometime soon!







To book a Food Workshop, and for more details, please send me an email