Discover the Old Market and Make Fresh Pasta

Venture into the heart of Venetian culinary culture with this immersive 4-hour experience. Explore the vibrant Villafranca market, selecting fresh ingredients under the guidance of a local expert. Then, step into a cozy kitchen and learn the art of pasta-making, culminating in a wine-paired lunch featuring your homemade creations. While the chef’s expertise shines, the experience may benefit from improved organization. Uncover the secrets of authentic Venetian cuisine and discover why this hands-on adventure has captured the attention of foodies.

Key Points

• Participants shop for fresh ingredients at the local Villafranca market and learn about traditional Venetian culinary items.
• Participants receive hands-on instruction in a Venetian kitchen on how to make various types of fresh pasta, including tortellini, pappardelle, and tortelli.
• The pasta-making experience culminates in a wine-paired lunch featuring the homemade dishes and a classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu.
• The activity lasts 4 hours and is limited to 10 participants, with both Italian and English offerings available.
• Customer reviews indicate positive feedback on the chef’s guidance and hands-on pasta-making, but concerns about unclear directions and mixed opinions on value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

Discover the old market and make fresh pasta, an engaging 4-hour activity limited to 10 participants.

Offered in both Italian and English, this experience costs $92.49 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants meet at the Scaliger Castle in Villafranca, where they’ll stroll through the local market to purchase fresh ingredients.

Then, in a traditional Venetian kitchen overlooking the Castle, they’ll learn techniques for kneading dough and making pasta varieties like tortellini and pappardelle.

The experience culminates with a wine-paired lunch showcasing the homemade dishes.

Itinerary Details

Participants meet at the Scaliger Castle in Villafranca, where they embark on a stroll through the local market to purchase fresh ingredients for their pasta-making lesson.

Once in the kitchen, they’ll learn techniques like kneading dough by hand and shaping tortellini "Nodo d’amore," pappardelle, and tortelli stuffed with seasonal veggies.

In the kitchen, participants master techniques like hand-kneading dough and crafting tortellini, pappardelle, and tortelli filled with seasonal vegetables.

The cooking class takes place in a typical Venetian kitchen overlooking the castle.

After the lesson, you will savor the dishes they prepared, including fresh pasta and Tiramisu, paired with local wines.

Visiting the Old Market

The group begins their culinary adventure by strolling through the lively Villafranca market.

They weave between stalls overflowing with vibrant produce, fragrant herbs, and artisanal cheeses.

The guide points out traditional Venetian ingredients, encouraging participants to interact with the friendly vendors.

Together, they carefully select the freshest seasonal items to bring back to the kitchen.

The market visit provides a hands-on opportunity to immerse in the local food culture and gather the necessary ingredients for the upcoming cooking lesson.

Cooking Lesson in a Venetian Kitchen

After returning from the vibrant market, the group steps into a cozy Venetian kitchen overlooking the Scaliger Castle.

Under the guidance of the skilled chef, they learn:

1. How to knead dough by hand to create the perfect texture for tortellini "Nodo d’amore."

2. Techniques for making pappardelle and tortelli stuffed with seasonal vegetables.

3. The art of preparing a classic Tiramisu, layering the creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

4. Tips for pairing local wines to complement the homemade dishes.

Soon, the aromas of freshly made pasta and the rich Tiramisu fill the air, whetting the participants’ appetites before they savor the fruits of their labor.

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Learning Pasta-Making Techniques

Skillfully, the chef guides the group through the art of pasta-making, sharing techniques honed over years of experience.

Participants learn to knead dough by hand, shaping it into tortellini "Nodo d’amore" and pappardelle. The chef demonstrates filling tortelli with seasonal vegetables, imparting the secrets to creating the perfect pasta texture.

As the group watches, mesmerized, the chef’s hands move with practiced precision, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Participants eagerly await their turn, eager to put their newfound skills to the test.

Throughout the lesson, the chef offers tips and encouragement, ensuring everyone leaves with a deeper appreciation for handmade pasta.

Culinary Highlights

As the culmination of their pasta-making journey, participants eagerly taste the fresh dishes they’ve prepared.

The culinary highlights include:

• Handmade fresh pasta, including tortellini "Nodo d’amore," pappardelle, and tortelli stuffed with seasonal vegetables.

• A classic Tiramisu, featuring the perfect balance of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa.

• Local wines expertly paired with the homemade pasta and Tiramisu.

• A shared lunch where participants savor the fruits of their labor, appreciating the flavors and textures they’ve created.

The cooking lesson not only imparts invaluable pasta-making skills but also allows participants to indulge in the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Important Considerations

Two key considerations for participants to keep in mind are the market day schedule and prohibited items.

The Villafranca market is only open on Wednesdays, so on other days, the ingredients are sourced from selected local shops. Plus, alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the experience. This is an important safety precaution to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking lesson.

Participants should plan their transportation and arrive at the meeting point in front of the Scaliger Castle on time to make the most of the 4-hour activity.

Customer Feedback

The reviews for the "Discover the Old Market and Make Fresh Pasta" experience present a mixed picture.

While some participants praised the chef’s attentiveness, others noted unclear instructions and customer service issues.

The key takeaways from the customer feedback include:

The key takeaways from the customer feedback include concerns about unclear directions and mixed reviews on the overall value for money.

1. Positive experiences with the chef’s guidance and hands-on pasta-making.

2. Concerns about unclear directions during the cooking lesson.

3. Mixed reviews on the overall value for money.

4. Suggestions for improving the organization and communication from the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This Venetian culinary experience provides a delightful immersion in local food culture. Guests explore the vibrant Villafranca market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to craft pasta from a skilled chef. The hands-on lesson culminates in a wine-paired lunch featuring their homemade creations. While feedback suggests some organizational refinements, participants highlight the chef’s expertise and the overall cultural authenticity of this engaging gastronomic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: