You’ll learn to make fresh pasta and gelato from scratch with a Roman chef near the Vatican, tasting local olive oil and sipping wine as you go. Expect laughs over floury hands, stories behind every recipe, and a shared meal where you eat everything you create. It’s hands-on but never intimidating — you’ll leave full of food and ideas for your next dinner party.
I thought I knew pasta — but standing in this bright kitchen just a few blocks from the Vatican, flour stuck to my fingers and tomato sauce bubbling somewhere behind me, I realized I’d never actually made it. Our chef (Marco, with a laugh that fills the room) started us off with bruschetta and stories about his grandmother’s recipes. The olive oil tasted grassy and sharp — he said it was pressed just outside Rome. Someone’s kid tried to sneak extra bread; nobody minded.
We rolled out fettuccine dough together, my hands clumsy at first, but Marco didn’t let anyone feel awkward. He kept saying “piano, piano” — slow down — and somehow the rhythm of it made sense after a while. The sauce was inspired by Dolce & Gabbana (I still don’t totally get how fashion connects to tomatoes, but it tasted sweet and bright). There was wine for adults, water or soda for everyone else. I spilled some flour on my shirt and Marco just grinned like it happens every day.
Making gelato felt almost meditative — cold cream, vanilla scent in the air, everyone leaning over the bowls trying to guess flavors. By then we were all laughing about whose pasta looked most “creative.” We ate everything at a big table together; honestly, I wasn’t expecting to feel so relaxed with strangers. Walking out into the Roman evening with new recipes tucked in my bag (and maybe a little wine glow), I caught myself thinking about my own kitchen back home.
Yes, anyone from beginner to seasoned cook can join the class.
You’ll eat everything you prepare during the class as your meal.
Yes, wine or beer is provided for adults; soft drinks and water are available too.
Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.
The lesson is open to all ages; infants and small children can attend with a pram or stroller.
Yes, you’ll prepare handmade fettuccine (with sauce) and homemade gelato.
The menu focuses on vegetarian-friendly dishes like tomato-based pasta sauce and bruschetta.
Yes, service animals are allowed at this activity.
Your experience includes all ingredients for making handmade fettuccine pasta with sauce and fresh gelato near the Vatican. You’ll enjoy appetizers like bruschetta plus wine or beer for adults (soft drinks or water for others), eating everything you prepare together before heading out into Rome again.
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