Host offerings
Margherita grew up in Bologna and learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She loves learning about the history of cuisine in general and Italian cuisine in particular. As a Bolognese, she has a passion for local ingredients, food, cooking and sharing stories of the origin of various dishes she serves. Margherita would also love for travelers to try the real ‘spaghetti alla Bolognese’! Join her on this journey into Italian history and traditions while you share a traditional Bolognese meal. Margherita is excited to meet people who are curious about Italian culinary traditions and exchange stories and culture with them. It is also a great way for her to practice speaking in English!
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal (1 - 10 guests) Margherita, a Bolognese, lives with her husband, Filippo, and my their son, Ferraù, in a beautiful home that has belonged to her family for a long time. She lives in the historical center of Bologna, and is excited to share her love for the history of the city and its culinary traditions. You can expect to try recipes from her city - dishes that are typically eaten in people’s homes in Bologna and also from her family recipe book – which has been passed down through generations. Through this experience you will learn about the history, cuisine and culture of Bologna. A few dishes that you might try are frittata di cipolle (eggs and onions), spaghetti alla Bolognese (Spaghetti served with a rich and flavorful meat sauce), Pollo alla cacciatora (chicken stew) and tiramisu. On the days Filippo is available, end your meal with some traditional music, as he would love to play the cello for you!
Cooking experience (1 - 10 guests) In your 2 hour hands-on Bolognese cooking class learn to make pasta from scratch. Margherita will take you through the step-by-step process of making the dough, shaping it, cooking it and also preparing the sauce to go with it. You can choose one from these different pasta options - tortellini burro e salvia or strichetti al sugo di tonno or pasta e fagioli or spaghetti alla Bolognese. After cooking, sit down to share the dish you helped prepare along with a few dishes that were pre prepared.
Market visit (1 - 10 guests) Meet Margherita in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi and walk to the ancient market of Quadrilatero, a mecca for foodies and historic architecture buffs. The 'Quadrilateral' is a bustling area in Bologna’s city center with craft and trading traditions dating back to the middle ages. Here you will find stalls selling everything from fresh fish to local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, regional wines, homemade tortellini pasta and fresh Italian breads. A walk down the narrow streets lined with shops, vendors, and places to eat while Margherita introduces you to the local produce and how it is used in traditional Italian cooking. Enjoy a cup of coffee before you walk back to Margherita's apartment to cook with the ingredients you bought at the market (if you've selected the cooking class option).
Notes: Margherita's apartment is on the 1st floor and there is no elevator, so you need to walk up 39 steps. She can accommodate a lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diet, on request. Perfect Bolognese cooking class for beginners, families and food lovers.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007f75d7586868>
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | $50 | $40 | $40 |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | $60 | $50 | $50 |
| Market Tour | $50 | $40 | $35 |
| Market Tour + Meal | $60 | $50 | $50 |
| Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal | $70 | $60 | $60 |
| Alcohol | $7 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | 12:00pm - 02:00pm | 7:00pm - 09:00pm |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 9:30am - 12:30pm | 4:30pm - 07:30pm |
| Market Tour | 10:00am - 12:00pm | 5:00pm - 07:00pm |
| Market Tour + Meal | 10:00am - 12:00pm | 5:00pm - 07:00pm |
| Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal | 10:00am - 02:00pm | 4:00pm - 08:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
