Perfetto!
Can’t remember how many years ago we met in your kitchen, Paulette. But I know the connection was Italian Notebook where you’d read my stories of life in Italy. I’m still writing rural memories for Italian Notebook – and still cooking in your kitchen! Thanks to both you and Jim for inviting me once again to share Umbrian rural goodness – and not only! – at cooking classes in your home. My recipe sets keep growing – for those hosting my U.S. cooking classes multiple times. Like you.
Although the rural cuisine of Umbria, “Italy’s green heart”, stars in my recipe sets, Sicilian favorites as well as Neapolitan and Roman dishes enrich the menus, too. Like yours this year.
Paulette’s culinary team
As Pino will be doing stone restoration work in L’Aquila this year, I think I’ll be adding Abruzzo flavors to my next menu set – a tribute to your own Italian heritage, Paulette.
About time, don’t you think?
…and mille grazie for the note you sent to me: “Thanks again for a great day – everybody has been singing your praises and saying how much fun they had and what amazing food. Our friendship was born with a connection of Italy and continues through our love and sharing of food, Italian culture and relationships. Until next year…..”
(and Paulette, thanks for your photos!)
A few comments from some of the guests:
An antipasto duo!
“Delightful food, good company and controlled chaos that somehow always works!” Cam
“Such fun, such food, great company – the way cooking should always be! Let’s do it again!” Edlu and Warren
“Fun conversation, wonderful for and splendid fellowship. What an enchanting time!” Jo
“Every year is a joy of good food, good conversation – and garlic!” Diane
“This is such a fun food-filled experience. Hope we can introduce this to Savannah next year.” Brenda
“Thank you for your energy and for sharing your vast knowledge of Italian food and traditions. Most of all, thank you for your blog which keeps me vicariously in Italy!” Lynne
Read about my first cooking class with Paulette
Anne – I love your write-up and the photos!!! You are so multi-talented….writer/tour guide extraordinaire/chef and one of the best spokespeople for Italy!!! I am filled with gratitude for reaching out to you 4 years ago – our friendship has joined us both in Italy and in the US. YOU are the best!!!
Please be sure to meet Padre Marco while Pino is working in our beloved L’Aquila. I will send you his address via e-mail. Grazie mille!!
Anne —
I wasn’t able to attend the dinner because I was sick, but it looks like I missed a wonderful evening at Paulette’s. Paulette was good enough to introduce me to your website some time ago. I discovered Umbria 14 years ago on my first trip to Italy and have returned 8 times since. Every time I go to Italy, I always make a side trip to my very favorite province. I’m in love with the wonderful small towns of Umbria — Spello, Montefalco, Trevi, Bevagna, and of course, most of all Assisi. I’ve spent way too much time and money in Deruta, but my home is more beautiful as a result. I’ll get in touch with before my next journey to Umbria.