Italy Connoisseurs
Services

Cooking Classes with a Special Guest

Taste and Opera

Be a guest in the beautiful Trastevere residence of Tito Schipa Jr. and his wife Adriana.

 

Adriana Ruvolo is a well-known custom designer and gastronomist who reached the heights of success with her talent for gourmet food when the specialist magazine “Gambero Rosso” ran a feature on her. She was subsequently asked to host a hugely successful series of cookery lessons on the Gambero Rosso satellite TV channel.
Tito Schipa Jr. is the youngest son of the great tenor Tito Schipa, considered to be the best "Tenore di Grazia" that has ever existed. Tito Jr. is a producer, composer, director and performer who invented the "Rock Opera" genre in the 60s. He is also the main Italian translator of the lyrics of Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison. Tito’s Lecture-Recitals, designed to introduce spectators from all walks of life to the magical world of opera, have been continuously successful all over Italy.
Adriana and Tito’s house is frequently filled with artists from various fields. Don’t miss this chance to be one of their guests.
You will be offered an aperitif and then a gourmet lunch or dinner on their lovely terrace which overlooks the 16th century Fountain of Pope Paul V, known as the Fontanone del Gianicolo. If you want, you can actually be the one to cook the food that you’ll then be eating, together with Adriana, who will teach you a few secrets of gourmet cooking.
Tito Jr. will entertain you with short samples of his acclaimed introductions to the treasures of classic Italian musical theatre, opera arias and songs sung by his famous father and other performers and preserved in Tito’s collection of very rare recorded editions. You will learn surprising details, hear fascinating anecdotes about Italian showbusiness and come away with a new point of view. All in all, an unforgettable opportunity!

 

 

Half-day "full immersion" Italian cookery class

Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 1pm
Conducted by the famous Italian chef Stephen Cirillo.

 

If you’re passionate about cooking, then this is for you! You will be picked up from the Hotel De Russie at 9am and taken to Stephen Cirillo’s beautiful villa on the famous Appia Antica.
In this half-day cookery class you will be taught how to make various types of bread, homemade pasta, pizza, true culinary treasures that Italy prides itself on. Stephen will reveal the secrets and history of traditional Italian recipes. Stephen is constantly researching new methods and his skill combines tradition and modern techniques.
Once the class is over, you will be treated to a delicious gourmet lunch accompanied by fine wines on Stephen’s gorgeous veranda. The unique atmosphere that Stephen creates thanks to his talent, knowledge and sense of humour will give you an experience that you won’t easily forget!