It is hard to describe in words how special my stay at this culinary school and B&B was back in the summer of July, 2011. For those of you who are not familiar with, Fontana del Papa is a 16th century restored farmhouse located in Tolfa, about an hour and a half away from Rome. This is where my first culinary school adventure took place.
Assuntina the owner, picked me up at the train station in Civitavecchia, and we made several lovely stops in the town of Tolfa, while she was filling me in on the plans for the upcoming days, before we arrived at Fontana del Papa. I was traveling by myself, and I immediately felt welcome. She treated me like family, although we had never met before.
Turning into the driveway of Fontana del Papa I had to take a gasp. I have never seen something so ancient and so beautiful. The house was absolutely stunning with the dogs running up to greet the car, the rustic Italian style, the ivy-covered patio overlooking the rolling hills and the beautiful nature surrounding the property.
After a most needed rest my culinary adventure began. I went straight into the kitchen and we started prepping for dinner. The kitchen was warm, and whether a beginner or someone with cooking experience, you come away having learned something.
I learned how to make my favorite Italian dishes and desserts like tiramisu.
Spaghetti alla Carbonara.
Ragu meat sauce.
Grilled vegetables and other traditional Italian dishes.
After the lesson we sat down with the other students and guests and we enjoyed our food creations.
One of the guests proceeded to entertain us by playing his guitar.
In between cooking we took a break and went to the town of Tolfa, for some sightseeing and shopping at the local markets.
Back at Fontana I took my camera and went for a walk in order to explore the beautiful groundings around the property.
Some of their vegetables and fruit grown on the premises.
A bird house made by hand.
Their own natural spring water fountain which Fontana del Papa was named after.
Fontana del Papa supports the local artists in the community by showcasing their paintings.
My amazing italian hosting family. To my right Assuntina the owner, and to my left her husband Claudio, our wine sommelier. With their staff members Adriana and Matilda, our cook and teacher.
I will never forget my stay at this beautiful farm house, and I hope to comeback again sometime in the near future.
Leave a Reply