Paola
Cesarina from 2018My speciality: Tagliatelle with pesto / Ligurian-style ravioli
I live in: La Spezia
Spoken languages: Italian, English, French
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Hi from Paola!
San Venerio, a small village in the hills of La Spezia that borders the gulf and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, is located in a splendid position for both climate and view. In this corner of paradise, we can enjoy the delicacies that Cesarina Paola has prepared with a typically Ligurian flavor. Ligurian cuisine has an ancient tradition that reflects the unique characteristics of the geographical area. Being close to both the sea and the mountains has created a combination of land and sea dishes. This is what we will find seated around Paola's table: a very varied gastronomic repertoire, where not only the origins of the ingredients vary, but also the tradition from which the dishes derive.
My specialities
- Salt cod fritters, fried anchovies
- Trofie (Ligurian pasta) with potatoes and pesto
- 'Cima ripiena' (veal filled with vegetables, meat and cheese)
Experiences
Cooking classes (3)
Reviews
4.9
36 reviews
- An exemplary cooking class with marvelous, kind, and wonderful hosts! Paola is a patient teacher with her students, carefully showing each step before letting me try for myself and explaining each step. It was also wonderful to share a meal with them after the class so we could enjoy what we made. In addition, they very kindly helped direct me both to their house and back to my accommodation -- if you're coming from the historical area of La Spezia by bus, take the 18, not the 21!!! In short, I recommend this course for an enriching and powerful experience. If I could, Paola and Massimo, I would give you 100 stars. Thank you!
- EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE! Paola and her wonderful family welcomed us warmly and made us part of their family for the evening. We prepared our meal and then sat together to enjoy it in the outdoor dining area, chatting about our lives. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an authentic experience in La Spezia. Thank you again Paola!
- This was a highlight of our vacation. Paola and Massimo were great hosts and teachers. We felt more like family than customers. And the fresh pesto, pasta, and tiramisu were AMAZING.
- We loved Paola's cooking class in La Spezia Italy. It was the one of the best memories from our two weeks in Italy. Her husband Massimo picked us up from our Airbnb in downtown La Spezia and took us to their home. First thing we did was make strawberry tiramisu and refrigerate it for dessert. Next up we made pesto. Finally, we learned how to make pasta. We had dinner on their patio which overlooks the coast. We all had dinner together with wine and appetizers. They treated us like friends and we had a wonderful time visiting with them during dinner. After dinner while Massimo was driving us back to our Airbnb, we Saw two wild boars as an unexpected treat. We highly recommend Paola. If you’re looking for an authentic cooking class, you found it.
- Paola's cooking class in La Spezia Italy was fantastic! It was the best decision and one of the best excursions during our cruise. We took a taxi from the cruise port. Her home is absolutely lovely with views of the coast that are spectacular! We started with homemade focaccia bread, salami and local cheese. She even brought out homemade pesto! We made our own home made pasta and sauces. I had only made pasta once before and wow, it was so delicious! I am ordering a pasta maker when I get home. We made the best fruit tiramisu. It was refreshing and fabulous addition to the meal. Paola brought out home made limoncello. I am so excited to try to make this at home!! We absolutely adored Paola and her husband, who was able to join us for lunch on the patio. They made us feel at home and like we were their friends. Don't hesitate to book this class. One thing I would add is to ask them to call a taxi to pick you up and take you back to the cruise port. It worked out perfectly.
Allie McCarron - November 2024
Aaron and Emma - November 2024
Jeremy Huston - November 2024
Larry & Jacqui - September 2024
Kathryn & Jon - September 2024