Skruodys Travels: Verenna–May 5, 2014–Cookery Class

Varenna–May 5, 2014–Ristorante Il Caminetto–Cookery Class

Rick Steves says “If you love Lake Como, you know Bellagio is the pearl…….but Varenna is the diamond.”
Today we have made reservations to take a cooking course with Chef Moreno. We were to meet him in the town square, where he would pick us up and bring us to his restaurant, Ristorante il Caminetto.   The restaurant was about a 10 minute drive up the mountain in a town called Gittana where his family has lived for over 700 years.   This was to be an all day affair. We were greeted with cappuccino and cookies while Chef M explained what we would be cooking (and eating).

Chef Moreno and his wife (and daughter) run this cooking class 4 times a week and had dinner service 6 nights a week.   After picking us up and bringing us to the restaurant, he proceeded to explain our menu.   Veal Roast, tortelloni, porcini mushroom risotto and fresh tomato sauce.

Midway through our lesson, we took a break for salami, cheese, bread and wine.   I think I love this guy!   We also walked around outside of the restaurant to take some photos of this little village, with an amazing view of the Italian Alps.   Back for our hands on lesson, we watched as he carefully made the dough and filling for the tortelloni.   Here’s where Chef Kos participated.

We ended the meal with homemade lemoncello and raspberry liquor.   Fantastic day!   Afterwards, he called a taxi to bring us back into town. We were eating all day, so no need for dinner.   Made another stop in town for our usual snack….salami and cheese!   My pants are getting tight.
Later, back at the hotel, we noticed people walking further up the hill and decided to investigate.   Low and behold, a cemetery that would rival any botanical garden.