CULINARY ADVENTURES

ìAs the Romans Doî was in Bon Appetit, May 2005 issue, featured as the ìbest cooking classes in Romeî. Learn the art of creative cooking all'italiana during a personalized day (or two) in Rome. Immerse yourself in authentic Italian cuisine under the creative culinary direction of Diane Epstein.

In picturesque, historic Rome you'll shop the morning markets for artesian delicacies, local produce, cheeses, meats, and fantastic Italian wines. Shop and prepare a meal as only the Italians can. Then dine on the fruits of your efforts and enjoy a most satisfying authentic Italian feast.

Dining is not only about food. While conversing throughout the day with a life coach you may get the added benefit of learning about integrating the Italian way into your life and priorities.

Begin your morning at a characteristic cafe As the Romans Do, indulging in a cappuccino and pastry while we discuss what's in season and plan the day's menu, tailor-made to suit your individual tastes. We will visit a homemade pasta store, shop at the an array of colorful shops and markets, visit a delicatessen, bakery and wine store to pick up the remaining ingredients and Roman specialties. Your cooking lesson will then take place at a beautiful private residence in the heart of ancient Rome, right behind the Roman Forum.

Depending upon the season, specialties from a broad range of Italian regions may include a large array of antipasti including various bruschette, fresh mozzarella di bufala and ricotta cheeses, as well as mint-scented artichokes or eggplant caponata; and for the first course you may have pasta such as tonnarelli caccio e pepe or ricotta-filled ravioli with sweet baby tomatoes and basil, or risotto with asparagus and peas or porcini mushrooms.

For a second course: chicken alla romana with red and yellow peppers or veal saltimbocca with prosciutto and sage, with just the right wine to go with the meal. And for dolce: fresh baked figs or peaches in season and biscotti with limoncello or strawberry liquore.

If you desire a photographic record of your culinary day in Rome for lasting memories, let us know and we can arrange that, as well. This is, after all, your Roman holiday.

Diane Epstein, M.A., is the creative and culinary director of the As the Romans Do. She also has a life coaching practice, specializing in the art of living and eating well. Diane has been fully immersed in Italian life, culture, and cooking, working with some remarkable Italian chefs since she moved to Rome in 1995. She has been passionate about the culinary arts for 30 years, and began her career developing and running a cooking school in Northern California in 1978. She and her family have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey show about "Choosing Your Life", As the Romans Do.

We would be delighted to receive your inquiries, travel itinerary and/or interest from your own private party about As the Romans Do Culinary Adventures. Please contact Diane Epstein: Diane@AsTheRomansDo.com

Once you arrive in Rome and have set up a culinary or creative day with Diane you can call her at: tel. & fax: (+39) 06-578-0144, (+39) 340-563-5993