Two experts coping with an enthusiastic amateur

During January we have attended a very intimate cooking school. In fact it is so exclusive that it is not featured in any of the Rome guide books. It was conducted by one of our favorite ladies, Adriana Monoscalco. Our cooking day commenced with cappuccini and cornetti at different local cafes followed by a tour through the market to assess what was fresh and what would be on our menu at the end of the day. Once the shopping was done, Roger and I walked 10,000 steps to make sure we were ready for the end of day activities.

We have had a range of dishes with the focus being on simplicity of the menus. Her expert student was taking a break and a new junior chef was introduced to her kitchen. Adriana enlisted the help of her mother Linda to tutor me through making carciofi romana (artichokes Roman style). Linda was very patient and we managed quite well together.

Last evening we had sole with 3 different sauces to try a variety of recipes – sole meuniere, sole with lemon and capers, sole with pomegranate sauce. They were all delicious but I think we each had our own favorite. The best part of the experience was sharing the meal with lots of laughter, conversation and an occasional glass of wine.

Proof of the pudding....very happy diners!

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