Pio had a friend join him to help translate in English for us and both were so knowledgeable and fun. Pio has a slab that was made just for pasta and rolled it all out by hand. We learned the tricky business of tortelloni as well as tagliatelle. There were several dishes Pio made to show us local favorites- and we had dinner on his patio.
Meal
Cooking Experience
I had a great dinner with Anna. It was a very fine dinner with great food that tasted wonderful and I loved talking to Anna.
Meal
Cooking Experience
Market Tour
We booked with Travelling Spoon and had an excellent time with our host Giovanna. We booked the combined experience - to see the markets and hear some local insight and history, and then return with Giovanna to her home to cook and eat together. It really was the highlight of our long weekend in Bologna. Giovanna and her daughters were a delight - funny, interesting, kind, and they made us feel very welcome. Giovanna taught us several dishes and showed us the best places to get food in Bologna. She was thoughtful about constructing a menu around the dietary needs of my friend and made sure we could all experience some traditional cooking. We had a great time drinking, cooking and talking together and learnt a few skills at the same time. We were so stuffed with food we could have rolled ourselves home, and there was enough leftovers for us to take home. For us this was the perfect experience, to cook with Italians in an Italian home, and afterwards we knew which shops and market stalls to return to. Brilliant.
Meal
Cooking Experience
Market Tour
Imagine staying in a restored medieval farmhouse cooking traditional Italian food from grandma’s recipies. Now add ingredients like ancient grains grown in Chiara’s fields, honey from her hives, jam from her peaches and melons, seasonal herbs and veggies from her garden. This was our amazing experience cooking with Chiara all while drinking deliscious wine from her vineyard. Chiara shared her love of food and exceptional ingredients to create an unforgettable experience for my son and I in her families ancient and lovely home. I highly recommend Casa Vallona and look forward to my next visit! Seth
Meal
Cooking Experience
Join Paolo for a 3-hour guided walking tour of Bologna. During this tour, you will explore the historic center of Bologna and taste delicious Bolognese food and wine. Bologna stands as the crown jewel for art, cuisine and incredible history. Walk around the city center while Paolo explains how the city came to be the way it is today - from Pre-Roman civilizations to Medieval battles to Modern-day. After the walking tour, he will take you to a local Bolognese osteria, where you can fulfill your food cravings with either a curated meat and cheese platter tasting (parmigiano reggiano, pecorino cheese and curated meats such as mortadella, culatello and prosciutto) or a comforting pasta dish (lasagna or tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini in brodo). Enjoy your meal with a glass of local red wine - you can choose between Lambrusco (fizzy) or Sangiovese (smooth). End your tour with a cup of Italian coffee! This tour will be nothing short of exciting, as you immerse yourself in the food, art, and culture of the magical city of Bologna.
Food Tour
Market Tour
Luca took us to a number of places to try various types of local food. He included a lot of sightseeing and historic context during our walk, which was greatly appreciated. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Food Tour
Let me start by saying how moved and taken away we were by our experience. Gio is an Italian treasure and we absolutely adored our experience with her. She is kind and knowledgeable and patient. The finished product of whatever yummy meal you cook with her guidance will reflect that. Absolutely strongly recommend a cooking class with her. Only disclaimer is I advice you make sure whatever third party company you use to book gives you her contact info upfront. We had a hard time reaching out to the company but as soon as they gave me her contact she responded immediately and was so kind and so helpful. We made a risotto amongst other delicious dishes, I will never forget it. I can’t recommend this experience enough, book a cooking class with Gio you will not regret it! Also she has the cutest Jack Russell named Nemo and I miss him already!
Meal
Cooking Experience
Market Tour
Pio was a great host and teacher... he obviously loves cooking and sharing it with others. My husband is a novice to the cooking... considering toast a huge culinary victory. I understand cooking and enjoy it but am by no means a master. Pio worked well with both of us. We took time to watch his demonstration and then both mixed our own dough... we kneaded, rolled and stretched all with conversation and paced for our learning. I loved watching my husband learn to roll the tortellini around his fingers. We also made tagliatelle. We learned about other pasta shapes and sizes. While we cooked we learned more about Pio and the town. He showed us the ragu he had cooked prior to our arrival and explained the simple sauce of sage and olive oil he would use for our other dish. Dinner was a nice time with a simple starter and our pastas... we were surprised by a main protein entree and then a great dessert. Pio sat and shared with us as our wine and conversation continued. All in all it was one of my favorite memories in Italy... I hope to see Pio again and I hope to share the pasta and sauces with friends here in Arizona. Thanks Pio!!!
Meal
Cooking Experience
Wonderful experience. Margherita was a fantastic host, explaining all the history of Bologna, taking us to a wonderful food market and showing us how to cook amazing Italian food. We would 100% recommend this wonderful experience with such a warm and welcoming lady. Thanks once again Margherita.
Meal
Cooking Experience
Market Tour
Join Laura and Antonella, two experienced Italian language teachers, for a unique market tour and hands-on cooking class in the heart of Bologna. The experience begins at the iconic Fontana del Nettuno and continues with a guided walk to the historic Mercato di Mezzo. As native Italian teachers, Laura and Antonella focus on teaching beginner-level Italian throughout the tour - helping you learn food vocabulary, practice simple conversations, and interact with local vendors. <br><br>After the market visit, the experience continues in a cozy home kitchen nearby, where you’ll take part in a 2-hour cooking class. in your hands-on Bologna cooking class, learn to cook a traditional Bolognese appetizer, main course, and dessert, all with guidance from your hosts. Finally, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve helped prepare, paired with local wine, while practicing the new Italian words you've picked up. <br><br>This cooking class in Bologna is ideal for food lovers and language enthusiasts, a memorable experience where you’ll learn Italian words and phrases, discover traditional cooking techniques, and enjoy an authentic Bolognese meal.
Meal
Cooking Experience
Market Tour
