If learning the basics of Italian cooking is your goal, try your hands at “cooking classes in Rome” on http://www.cookingclassesinrome.com/. The course, held by chef Andrea Consoli at his family restaurant La Feta in the eastern Trastevere part of town, introduces participants to the culture and importance of home-style cooking through a variety of well-known dishes: zucchini parmigiana, pasta carbonara and strawberry tiramisu. Classes are held Monday to Saturday and for 65 Euros per person you get to prepare a four-courses meal all Italian style with the help of an experienced chef by the name of Andrea Consoli. This concept of cooking classes is in my opinion a well worked out, pedagogic way of having fun while learning to prepare festive meals and meeting new people, possibly new friends!
Second on the list is Convivio Rome. Convivio Rome is actually not located in Rome, but rather far away in Toffia, Sabina. Their concept is to offer customers a 1, 3 or 6-day cooking experience in the Italian countryside. The two main chefs are experienced and language barriers don’t really exist as one of the chefs is of Australian origin while the other one is an 8th generation Roman. Moreover, except for cooking and having fun, seeing the nature and enjoying life the accommodation consists of old restored houses which “let you live like a native”. If you have some spare time, definitely check this place out. Experiencing the hidden gems of Italy this way is truly an amazing experience. More information available on http://www.conviviorome.com/Convivio_Rome/Home.html.
Another interesting company providing both cooking courses and “culinary tours” of Rome is blu aubergine on Largo Arenula 16 a few blocks north of Isola Tiberina. The company is founded and run by an American woman with over 20 years of experience in cooking, having spent a considerable amount of time in Rome and Italy; she really knows what she is doing. If you want to reserve a place you must reserve for minimum two people and the price starts at 140 Euros. For more information on blu aubergine go to http://www.bluaubergine.com/rome_cooking_classes.html.
Another interesting establishment focusing mainly on vegetarian dishes, of course though with its own Roman twist is http://www.cookitaly.it/, held in a small place called Fontana del Papa. Just like Convivio Rome, this establishment incorporates cooking with other activities such as outdoor hiking, wellness and health and just plain relaxing in their Bed & Breakfast. I personally like this concept of going away to somewhere much calmer as it enhances the cooking experience and the environment lets you connect with all the elements of the regional nature. Also, as mentioned this establishment puts emphasis on meat-free meals, thus letting you experience more of the vegetarian side of the Roman cuisine. And trust me, the vegetarian Roman cuisine is surprisingly good and exciting, it just tends to be forgotten in the ever so present meat jungle. And, don’t hesitate to rent a car for this journey as the Italian countryside has plenty to offer that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Aimed primarily to US customers, http://www.contexttravel.com/city/Rome/all_walking_tours/cuisine offers a wide variety of walking tours and classes for as quoted on their website “Walking tours for the intellectually curious”. I personally didn’t try this one but they do look very serious with what they offer. The walking tours for instance are held by Ph. D or MA level scholars. Moreover, they seem to be more of an upscale establishment judging by prices and content. Go on their website and read more about them, I’m sure that if the other alternatives on this list don’t seem to satisfy your demands, this one maybe will. But at a higher cost of course.
Lastly there is actually a private tour company organizing cooking classes, cooking classes combined with market experience or just a regular food tour (restaurant hopping I’d presume). Founded in 1997, Nancy Aiello Tours operate in many cities throughout Italy and offers aforementioned activities amongst other in Rome. There is also a pizza making class for the ones interested and it seems to me that this particular company is very customer oriented, so if you have any particular wishes I suggest you go on http://www.nancyaiellotours.com/hands_on_rome_cooking_class.html and contact them. Minimum party of two people are invited into a genuine Roman apartment, there is wine tasting (on request), market and food tours and then of course the cooking with experienced professionals. Their location within the city is also advantageous compared to many other alternatives where you have to spend a few days to get the proper experience.
The majority of aforementioned establishments offer not only cooking courses per se, but also walking tours, food market experiences, wine tastings and even outdoor hiking! Take a moment to carefully consider what you want to get out of your cooking endeavor in this culinary corner of the world. Either way, you’ll have wonderful experiences, meet new people and bring some very savory know-how home with you.