Bologna’s traditional recipes have long captivated foodies around the world. Now, you can dive into this culinary treasure trove with a hands-on cooking class that promises an immersive experience. Learn to prepare iconic Emilian dishes, savor local wines, and enjoy the company of POL, the instructor’s charming feline companion. This class offers a unique opportunity to explore authentic flavors and uncover the heart of Bologna’s gastronomic heritage.
Key Points
- A 3-hour culinary experience that focuses on teaching traditional Emilian recipes, including classic pasta dishes and regional specialties.
- The class is limited to 10 participants and offers instruction in both English and Italian.
- Guests can expect a multi-course menu with wine pairings, homemade bread, and rice cake served post-meal.
- The class covers a selection of Emilian appetizers, such as Parmesan, balsamic, and mortadella, to prepare guests for the pasta dishes.
- The dessert portion of the class features instruction on classic Bolognese trifle and tiramisu, emphasizing quality ingredients and flavor balance.
Class Overview
The "Bologna: Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines" is a 3-hour culinary experience that costs $86.29 per person.
It’s limited to 10 participants and offered in English and Italian. The class is wheelchair accessible, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests can reserve now and pay later. The class covers traditional Emilian recipes and wine pairing, with a menu including appetizers, pasta dishes, and desserts.
Vegetarian options are available, and attendees enjoy homemade bread and rice cake after the meal.
Feeling inspired to cook? Check out these other hands-on experiences in Bologna
Experiencing Authentic Emilian Cuisine
Though the class covers traditional Emilian recipes, it provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic regional cuisine in an intimate setting.
Guests learn to prepare a multi-course menu, including staples like tagliatelle with meat sauce, tortellini in broth, and lasagne alla bolognese.
Beyond the cooking, the class features:
-
Wine pairings expertly explained by the certified sommelier instructor.
-
Homemade bread and rice cake served post-meal.
-
Occasional guest appearances by the instructor’s cat, POL, who judges the dishes.
This hands-on, immersive experience allows participants to savor the flavors of Bologna.
Appetizers: Parmesan, Balsamic, and Mortadella
Kicking off the multi-course menu, the cooking class features a selection of classic Emilian appetizers. Guests will savor Parmesan cheese drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, providing a harmonious blend of salty and sweet. Alongside this, they’ll sample slices of rich, aromatic mortadella – a beloved cured pork sausage from the Bologna region.
| Appetizer | Description |
|———–|————-|
| Parmesan | Aged cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar |
| Mortadella | Classic cured pork sausage from Bologna |
| Paired Wines | Regional wines to complement the flavors |
These starters set the stage for the culinary journey ahead, whetting the appetite for the delectable pasta dishes to come.
First Course Delights: Pasta and Beyond
As the class progresses, participants dive into a delectable array of first course options.
The menu showcases traditional Emilian pastas, including:
-
Tagliatelle with meat sauce, a classic bolognese dish.
-
Tortellini in broth, a comforting favorite.
-
Lasagne alla bolognese, a layered delight.
Beyond pasta, the class also explores other regional specialties like passatelli in broth and tortelloni with butter and sage.
The instructor provides expert guidance on the intricacies of each dish, ensuring participants gain a deep appreciation for the local culinary heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyDessert Indulgence: Trifle and Tiramisu
After exploring the savory delights of Emilian pasta, the class turns its attention to the sweet indulgences of the region.
For dessert, participants savor classic Bolognese trifle and tiramisu. The trifle features layers of custard, ladyfingers soaked in coffee, and whipped cream, while the tiramisu combines mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa.
Guests learn the techniques for preparing these decadent treats, including the importance of using quality ingredients and striking the right balance of flavors.
With each bite, the class discovers how these desserts embody the rich culinary heritage of Bologna.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Bologna
- Cesarine: Private Pasta Class & Meal at Locals Home in Bologna
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Locals Home in Bologna
- Bologna on the Plate, Cooking Class With Alessia
- Cesarine: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Bologna
- Lesson With Chef of Traditional Bolognese Cuisine
- Cesarine: Small Group Tortellini Class at Locals Home in Bologna
Instructor’s Expertise: Wine and Food Pairing
The class is led by a certified sommelier and cook, who brings their expertise in wine and food pairing to the experience.
They provide technical explanations, guiding participants through wine and dish pairings.
The instructor’s unique approach includes:
-
Analyzing the flavor profiles of the dishes.
-
Recommending complementary wines to enhance the meal.
-
Encouraging participants to experiment and discover their own preferences.
The personal touch is further elevated by the presence of the instructor’s cat, POL, who serves as a judge during the class, adding a playful element to the educational experience.
Instructor’s Unique Touch: POL the Cat Judge
An intriguing aspect of this cooking class is the instructor’s unique touch – the presence of their cat, POL, who serves as a judge during the experience.
POL’s role is to evaluate the dishes, offering his feline perspective on the flavors and presentation. Students delight in watching the cat’s reactions, wondering if he’ll approve of their culinary creations.
The instructor explains that POL’s input adds a playful and lighthearted element to the class, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where participants can enjoy learning traditional Bolognese recipes without feeling too much pressure.
POL’s involvement makes this an unforgettably memorable experience.
Practical Details and Booking Information
This cooking class offers a convenient reservation system, allowing participants to easily secure their spot.
The class is accessible to wheelchair users, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Accessible to wheelchair users with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To attend, guests must meet at a specific location – in front of a gray gate and ring the bell with the name Fiocchi.
Plus, the class has limited capacity, so it’s recommended to check availability for desired start times.
Ask Away
Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?
There is no mention of a dress code for this cooking class. The focus appears to be on the culinary experience and learning traditional Emilian recipes, rather than specifying any dress requirements for participants.
Can the Menu Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
The menu can be customized for dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options are available, and the instructor is accommodating of other dietary needs such as allergies or intolerances. Guests should communicate any requirements when booking the class.
What Is the Best Way to Get to the Cooking Class Location?
The best way to get to the cooking class location is to meet at the specified meeting point – stand in front of a gray gate and ring the bell with the name Fiocchi. The class provides clear instructions on how to find the venue.
Will There Be Any Hands-On Cooking Activities During the Class?
Yes, the cooking class includes hands-on activities where you will learn to prepare traditional Emilian dishes like tagliatelle with meat sauce, tortellini in broth, and lasagne alla bolognese. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance throughout the cooking process.
Can the Class Be Booked for Private Events or Larger Groups?
According to the information provided, the cooking class can accommodate larger groups. The class is limited to 10 participants, but it can be booked for private events. Reservations are available and paid for in advance.
Final Words
This cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience that allows participants to learn traditional Emilian recipes and savor regional wines. With a hands-on approach and the presence of the instructor’s charming cat, POL, the class provides a warm and personalized atmosphere to explore the rich flavors of Bologna. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Emilian cuisine.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in Bologna
- Bologna: Guided tour of the Basilica and Porticoes of San Luca
- Unusual guided visit of San Petronio and the King’s Astronomer
- Guided Tour of Palazzo D’Accursio
- Guided E-bike Tour in Bologna with aperitif
- Private Bologna Gastronomic Tour with Local Guide
- Bologna Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Hidden Gems Adventure
More Tours in Bologna
- Bologna: Guided tour of the Basilica and Porticoes of San Luca
- Guided Tour of Palazzo D’Accursio
- Bologna: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Bologna Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Bologna with Giovanna C
- Guided E-bike Tour in Bologna with aperitif
More Tour Reviews in Bologna
- Bologna: Guided tour of the Basilica and Porticoes of San Luca
- Unusual guided visit of San Petronio and the King’s Astronomer
- Organic Winery Visit with Wine & Food Tasting in Bologna
- Guided Tour of Palazzo D’Accursio
- Bologna: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta Making with Meal
Still browsing? Here are more Bologna experiences we've covered recently
- Bologna: Guided tour of the Basilica and Porticoes of San Luca
- Unusual guided visit of San Petronio and the King’s Astronomer
- Organic Winery Visit with Wine & Food Tasting in Bologna
- Guided Tour of Palazzo D’Accursio
- Bologna: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta Making with Meal
- Wine experience Bologna hills
- Wine Degustation Ebrezze
- Bologna Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Bologna with Giovanna C
- Guided E-bike Tour in Bologna with aperitif
- Private Bologna Gastronomic Tour with Local Guide