Have you watched Season 3 of Dream of Italy yet? If you have, You already known the magic of Modena. If not, you are in for a treat meeting 3-Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore and exploring their Modena in not just one but two episodes. I have fallen in love with this city! And I can’t wait to go back…but this time I hope to be traveling with one of the companies that made Season 3 possible. All of our funding comes from incredible sponsors…
Italian Culinary Adventures is a small woman-owned business that offers travelers who love Italy the chance to attend a weeklong immersive experience in a small group setting. Each moment has been carefully curated for this 6-night, 7-day itinerary in gorgeous Modena. The guests always have the full attention of two hosts with them, assuring all details are taken care of. If you want an exclusive vacation offering great food, community engagement and the opportunity to bond with like-minded Italian-loving people, this is the trip for you.
I’d love you to get to know the woman behind ICA who I think might have one of the best jobs in the world because she gets to spend so much time in my new favorite city! I’ll let Rhonda take it from here! —Kathy
Meet Rhonda
Ciao Amici,
I’ve been busy, cooking up many of my favorite dishes from the beautiful restaurants we visit in Modena, plating delicious memories for family and friends, building eager anticipation for my return to Modena this spring.
Spring or fall in Emilia Romagna? This delightful dilemma is yours to savor. Prospective guests often ask which is better, but it’s impossible to answer. It’s like asking us to name our favorite child. There is always something new and exciting to explore before and after your week with us. Of course, there are the popular options, iconic Italian cities, an easy train ride from Modena. But if you’re looking for true local pride, you must explore the array of festivals that are proudly held throughout our region. There’s something for everyone as you’ll see below.
I am thrilled to announce that Italian Culinary Adventures is a 2024 Sponsor of Dream of Italy, PBS television’s most popular travel series. Read more about this exciting series below. To celebrate, I am offering all viewers who book before March 15th a 20% discount on 2024 ICA bookings! Click HERE to begin planning your most delicious 2024–25 vacation.
Grazie Mille,
Rhonda
Grateful Owner, Italian Culinary Adventures
A Festival of Options
In May, classical music fans will flock to the Ravenna Music Festival, a UNESCO World Heritage site where symphonies by Mozart and Schubert will be conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti.
Opera aficionados will be gathering in Verona for the 101st Verona Opera Festival that runs from June 8th through September 7th. Franco Zeffirelli will be serving as both director and set designer for several of the featured operas.
Film buffs will find fall an ideal time to travel to Venice for the 81st Venice Film Festival August 28th through September 7th.
Fall travel will also seduce foodies with the heady scent of truffles in Alba for the White Truffle Festival that begins the first week in October.
The Modena train station, an easy walk from your Italian Culinary Adventures hotel will offer perfect passage via Trenitalia.com
Giusti‘s Pasta: Chef Daniele Visits New York
The incomparable Daniele Morandi, the premier pasta chef at Hosteria Giusti, traveled all the way from Modena to Roscioli in NYC to prepare special menus highlighting the best dishes from Emilia Romagna. He also taught an afternoon tortellini class that ICA’s Claire Berger attended. Her irregular results that bear no resemblance to Venus’ belly button are displayed in the photo on the right. Claire agrees that perhaps it’s time to return to Tortellante for a refresher course!
February Recipe: Corzetti Pasta with Dried Mushroom Ragu
Just when we think we’ve tried every shape of pasta, here comes one that’s new to us. We are enchanted by corzetti pasta, silky al dente disks that can be easily rolled out, cut (use the lip of a juice glass!) and bathed with a ragu made with the best seasonal winter veggies. This recipe features mushrooms, both dried and fresh. We love the umami deliciousness of this dish, a perfect winter entree. Enjoy!
Here’s the recipe LINK
ICA Mystery Trips
Our 2024 Mystery trip has sold out but we are excitedly finalizing details on our 2025 Mystery Adventure where you will be savoring the finest Tuscan wines in a breathtaking locale. Click HERE for more info!
