RAVENOUS FOR RAVELLO

Get a true taste of Ravello on this enlightening cooking demonstration. Your host will open the doors of her private home, introduce you to her family and spill her culinary secrets.

Food has always been central to the hearts of Campanians to such an extent that hundreds of popular proverbs and sayings in common use are inspired by gastronomy and the act of cooking. A carne ‘a sotto e ‘e maccarune ‘ncoppa (“Meat goes underneath and macaroni on the top”) means that things don’t always turn out the way they should as sauce and meat are usually on the top of the macaroni and not the other way round. A cervella è ‘na sfoglia ‘e cipolle (“The brain is the skin of the onion”) is a way to say that somebody can go mad easily since the human mind is as delicate and flaky as the outer skin of the onion. A meglia mericina: vino e campagna e purpette e cucina (“The best medicine: wine, the countryside, meatballs and cooking”) is a tribute to the therapeutic properties of exquisite cuisine.

Look after your hearts, souls and stomachs on this restorative cooking tutorial. Gourmands will get the chance to see a local cook at work in the kitchen, savour the finest Mediterranean flavours and share their passion with like-minded food lovers.

With her delicious creations your host has pleased the palates of a long list of Hollywood celebrities including Pierce Brosnan, Woody Harrelson and Sela Ward, as well international journalists, writers and politicians. Pick up precious recommendations and discover traditional Italian recipes as you watch her prepare simple, nutritious, but truly mouth-watering dishes. Many of the ingredients used to create the meals for her family, friends and guests, such as lemons, potatoes, onions, capers, tomatoes and herbs, are home-grown in her lovingly tended gardens. Depending on the season and day of the week her dishes might be gnocchi alla sorrentina, pasta with zucchini, fried pizza, meatballs with tomato sauce, eggplant parmigiana, traditional marmalade and the most cherished triumph of the house, the fabled lemon cake.

After the cooking demonstration take a seat on the outdoor terrace, offering splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea. Together with her family and the other participants enjoy a delectable meal accompanied with local wine – indeed Na tavula senza vino è comme ‘na jurnata senza sole (“A table prepared for a meal without wine looks like a day without sunshine”). A generous helping of conversation, a serving of shared anecdotes and experiences and a final dollop of laughter will be the topping on your memorable dining experience.