Tradition Shared: Italian Culinary Experiences
Step into a world where recipes are more than just instructions—they are stories told through generations. When you Cook with Stefano, you to go beyond the typical meal and immerse yourself in the art of the Italian table.
Whether you are gathering a group for a hands-on pasta workshop or hosting an intimate private chef dinner in the comfort of your home, each experience is crafted to honor traditional techniques passed down through my family. From the sun-drenched flavors of the coast to the rustic heart of the countryside, we bring the soul of Italy to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and discover the joy of creating—and sharing—tradition on a plate.
Spotlight ExperiencesSourdough Focaccia: A Taste of Italy’s Best!
📅 Sunday, September 13 | 🕓 4:30 PM
Step into the timeless tradition of Italian cooking with my Sourdough Focaccia class, where ancient techniques meet seasonal flavor.
In this hands-on class, you'll learn to build and maintain a sourdough starter, mix and stretch-fold a high-hydration dough, and master the dimpling technique that gives focaccia its iconic texture. We'll top our loaves with the best of the season — think cherry tomatoes, fresh rosemary, and olives, echoing the flavors of early autumn's last summer bounty.
Once our focaccia comes out of the oven, we'll bring it to the table as part of a simple, rustic Italian meal — paired with a seasonal antipasto, a light salad, and a wine selected to complement the bread's flavors (a crisp Vermentino for herb-and-olive focaccia, or a light Chianti for something heartier).
You'll leave with the recipe, your own active starter to take home (bring your own small container), and a deeper appreciation for how this humble bread has nourished Italian communities for generations.
Focaccia has graced Italian tables for centuries — from its roots in ancient Rome as panis focacius (bread baked on the hearth) to its beloved place today in kitchens across Liguria and beyond. Made with a naturally leavened sourdough starter, this bread carries forward generations of patience and craft, relying on wild fermentation rather than commercial yeast for its deep flavor, airy crumb, and signature golden crust.
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