Description
A Course That Tells Italy’s Story
Unlike most pasta-making classes, this exclusive SiChef experience focuses on the heart of Italian cuisine — the sauce. Of course, you’ll also prepare the pasta itself, choosing a format that best suits your creations. But the real magic lies in exploring the stories and techniques behind these famous recipes, learning how each one reflects the landscape, ingredients, and culture of its region.
CARBONARA — The Roman Icon
We begin in Rome, where Carbonara reigns supreme. A dish that has sparked debates for generations — cream or no cream? (Hint: never!) — Carbonara is the perfect example of Italian simplicity turned into perfection. Using just a handful of ingredients — eggs, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper — you’ll learn how to balance textures and temperatures to achieve that creamy, golden sauce that clings to the pasta like velvet.
Our chef will reveal the secrets behind the perfect emulsion, explain how this dish evolved after World War II, and teach you how to recognize and choose quality ingredients to make a truly authentic Roman Carbonara.
NERANO — The Green Heart of the Amalfi Coast
Next, we head south to the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast, where the humble zucchini takes center stage. Spaghetti alla Nerano is a dish that feels like summer in a bowl — delicate, aromatic, and full of soul. You’ll discover how fried zucchini, melted Provolone del Monaco cheese, and fresh basil come together in a creamy, irresistible sauce.
As you cook, you’ll learn about the village of Nerano and the women who first created this recipe in the 1950s, using what they had from their gardens and transforming it into a culinary legend that now graces fine dining menus worldwide.
NORMA — A Love Letter from Sicily
Finally, the class takes you to Sicily, the land of sun, sea, and fiery passion. Pasta alla Norma is a tribute to the opera Norma by Vincenzo Bellini — a dish so beautiful and dramatic that it was named after a masterpiece. You’ll prepare this rich, tomato-based sauce with fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and fresh basil, learning why each ingredient tells a story of the island’s unique mix of cultures and climates.
The combination of sweetness from the eggplant, acidity from the tomato, and saltiness from the ricotta creates a harmony of flavors that defines Sicilian cuisine.
Learn, Cook, Taste — and Take a Piece of Italy Home
The experience concludes as every good Italian story does — at the table. Together with your fellow travelers, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your work, paired with a good glass of local wine. It’s the perfect way to end a hands-on culinary adventure that connects culture, technique, and flavor.
By the end of this 2-hour class, you’ll not only have mastered the steps behind Italy’s most beloved sauces but also gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of its cuisine. With your new skills and recipes, you’ll be ready to recreate these dishes back home — sharing the warmth, color, and passion of Italian cooking with your own friends and family.
Course Details
Price: €120 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Group size: Maximum 10 participants
Location: SiChef Cooking Experience, Florence
Come and discover the stories, aromas, and secrets behind Italy’s most iconic sauces — from Rome to Sicily, from tradition to your own kitchen.
Because at SiChef, cooking isn’t just about food. It’s about feeling Italy, one sauce at a time.
