A nationwide network of Italian mothers and grandmothers has come together to offer visitors from all over a new way to experience Italy‘s delicious cuisine.
Members of the public have been opening their homes and their kitchens to tourists since 2004 to educate them on the wonders of the specialities of their cities and towns.
The Cesarine community, which brings together hundreds of men and women wishing to share their love for food, has slowly expanded across the whole country in recent years.
Tourists have the chance to book a homemade lunch or dinner at the home of a resident, sharing the special meal with their hosts and other visitors seeking to explore the full taste of Italy.
Top destinations include Rome, Venice and Florence but a Cesarina eager to share the secrets of Italian recipes can be found in the remotest parts of the country.
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Cesarines are available in big cities, in small towns and the countryside, in the Trulli of Apulia, in the countryside of Perugia, and even in ancient castles and monasteries.
An “AirBnB of Italian cooking”, the Cesarine experience aimed at safeguarding home cooking by offering traditional recipes in an atmosphere of typically Italian hospitality.
An estimated 80 percent of Cesarines are women but empty-nester dads and grandfathers have also been slowly opening their doors to share their wisdom with those willing to listen.
Members of the community are on average aged 45 and 50 years old and this percentage also includes couples, husband and wife, as well as friends trying new experiences together.
Annamaria Chiapetti, a Cesarina from Milan, has been guiding tourists on this innovative experience for two years – showing her guests around the local markets to pick the best ingredients to use for their dishes.
She said: “I make suggestions on the recipes that can be prepared with what we find and I teach about seasonality.
“It’s important to remember that strawberries shouldn’t be bought around Christmas but in the spring: they taste better and are less expensive.”
Discussing what she normally brings to the table, she added: “I usually prepare fresh past and deserts, avoiding time-consuming recipes.
“And while we prepare, we have an aperitif with cured hams and cheeses we bought at the market.”
In addition to preparing mouthwatering food for eager visitors, Cesarine and Cesarini also offer cooking classes for those seeking a more hands-on experience.
The hosts, who take bookings on their website Cesarine.com, can teach a wide range of recipes as well as focus on visitors’ favourites like pasta, tiramisu and dozens of other specialities.
Source: express.co.uk