Central Italy Cooking Class- Winter Edition Thurs Feb 4
Hands on cooking class & 3-course seated mealAbout this experience
Stretching along the spine of Italy, the Apennines connect four regions with much in common: Umbria, Le Marche, Abruzzo and Molise. Their landscapes of wooded hills, mountain pastures and medieval villages have shaped a winter cuisine rooted in the cucina contadina: handmade pasta, legumes, wild greens, cheeses and the resourceful use of simple ingredients.
But despite their shared geography, each region has its own distinct character. Landlocked Umbria is known for its farming and norcineria traditions; Le Marche stretches from the mountains to the Adriatic, bringing together inland and coastal influences; while Abruzzo and Molise share a long pastoral history shaped by ancient shepherding routes. Different historical influences, from the Papal States to the southern Kingdom of Naples, have also left their mark on local food traditions, giving us a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape to explore.
In this hands-on winter class, Cucinato partner Gaia Massai will be joined by Chef Marco Marani to explore the flavours and traditions of these lesser-known regions. Together, we'll prepare a hearty seasonal meal, learn a few traditional techniques and discover the stories behind the dishes before gathering around our communal harvest table to enjoy the meal together.
MENU
ANTIPASTO | Abruzzo & Molise
Pallotte Cac'e Ove
Traditional fried pecorino, egg and bread balls simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
PRIMO | Le Marche
Pincinelle al Ragù di Salsiccia e Tarassaco
Handmade rustic pasta with a savoury sausage ragù and slightly bitter dandelion greens.
SECONDO | Le Marche
Coniglio in Porchetta
Herb-roasted rabbit with wild fennel, garlic and rosemary. Chicken substitute available upon request*.
CONTORNI | Umbria & Le Marche
Lenticchie di Castelluccio alle Erbe — Umbria
Slow-cooked mountain lentils with aromatic herbs and extra virgin olive oil.
Cavolo Nero e Bietola Ripassati — Umbria & Le Marche
Winter greens sautéed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil and a touch of chili.
DOLCE | Abruzzo
Parrozzo
Traditional dome-shaped almond and semolina cake covered in dark chocolate.
BEVERAGES
A selection of wines, beers and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Our wine list can be viewed here: https://cucinato.ca/collections/wines
We also offer corkage, the fee is $15 per bottle (750 ml).
TERMS & CONDITIONS
* Please confirm dietary needs and choice of chicken in the notes at time of purchase or via email at least ONE WEEK in advance
. No refunds after purchase
• Exchanges (one per ticket) permitted up to 5 days prior to the event.
• Tickets to Cucinato events are transferable - you can give them to someone else if you can’t attend (but please notify Cucinato in advance!)
• We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs – please contact us before booking
Your Host
Marco Marani
Originally from Fabriano, in the Marche region of Italy, Marco Marani has called Toronto home since 2012. After a solid tenure in the kitchens of the Terroni family (Sud Forno, Spaccio), he felt the need to create something of his own: and Intellectual Honesty Private Chef was born. The project stems from his desire for creative autonomy and his ability to deliver an experience that is, above all, real: Marco isn’t the kind of chef who’s going to tell you "grandma’s fairytales" in the kitchen.