Come Join Us!

The Canadian Club of Rome is a private, not-for-profit organization ("associazione culturale" in Italian law) which brings Canadians and their friends together. We organize several events monthly of a social and cultural nature for our club members, their family and friends. We don't hold regular meetings but communicate with our members through our blog and weekly e-mail newsletters.

We offer a variety of activities such as:

• guided walks
• lunch or dinners in various settings
• wine tastings with a professional sommelier
• book club
• theatre nights
• lectures
• old-fashioned get-togethers for potluck or simply a drink
  

We try to cater to a range of tastes, interests and schedules by having some events during the day and others in the evenings or on weekends. Some of our activities are for members only, while others are open to guests as well. We also strive for a mixture of free member events and events at a reasonable cost.

Annual membership dues -- unchanged since 2008! -- are payable in euros:

€40 individual 
€100 for family rate (3 or more members of the same family aged 18 and over)

(children under 18 of adult members are automatically members)

Dues entitle members to significantly reduced prices at all of our events.

Membership runs for the club season, which is September to July.

Please note that non-Canadians member applicants may be put on a waiting list, as our club constitution requires total membership to be at least 60% Canadians. (The spouses of Canadian citizens are considered honorary Canadians!)

To join us or inquire about membership please contact canadarome@gmail.com.

Official Season Opening - September 18, 2019

Join us for our traditional club season opening cocktail party. This year we'll be back in the gorgeous gardens of the Official Residence of H.E. Alexandra Bugailiskis, Canada's Ambassador to the Italian Republic.

Appetizer Buffet

Stuffed artichoke hearts
Trio of mini hamburgers with Angus beef on turmeric, ash and beet bread buns
Pistachio buttons with salmon, arugula and lime mayonnaise
Chicken salad with lettuce, green apples, celery and chive yogurt
Black rice with arugula pesto, corn, carrots and mozzarella di bufala foam
Avocado soup with steamed prawns
Anchovy fillets -- pizza-style

Cheesecake

Pastry cream and sour cherry tart

Bubbly, Spritz, flavoured water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch, soft drinks,
DOC red and white wines from Lazio

When: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The gardens of Villa Grandi, the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Italian Republic, Via di Porta Latina (exact address will be sent to confirmed participants only).
Cost: CCR members €30 each, guests €40 each, including all food and drinks (open bar). Advance payment required.
N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.
Security: Mandatory registration of all participants. Please note that due to security requirements we will need the full name of each person attending at the time of booking. Also, you are required to have photo ID on the evening of the event. Anyone not on the list will be denied admission.
RSVP and payment to canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

Now You’re Cooking Syrian! - October 30, 2018

It’s time for a new session of our “Now You’re Cooking” series and we're delighted to bring a new twist to this popular event. We'll will be cooking and eating for charity!

Local Roman charity Hummustown is kind enough to come and teach us some of the secrets of Syrian our cooking, while also telling us more about their efforts to provide relief and work opportunities for Syrian and other refugees.

The evening's menu will include:
Falafel
Fatayer (meat and veg)
Burak (meat and veg)
Fattoush salad

And excellent wines donated by boutique Tuscan winery "La Chimera d'Albegna" from Manciano, Grossetto

Proceeds from the evening will go to both our charities for the 2018-2019 season, Rome-based Hummustown and Canada-based Feed It Forward.

When: Oct. 30th, 2018.
Time: 7 p.m. sharp
Donation: CCR members €25 euro, guests €35
Where: Trastevere area (exact address to be sent to confirmed participants)
RSVP and payment by Oct. 27th, ATTN Diana at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note you are financially responsible for your booking.

CCR 2018-2019 Official Season Opening - September 26, 2018

NB: Change of date!

Welcome to our customary cocktail party to officially open the new Canadian Club of Rome season. H.E. Dennis A. Savoie, Canada's Ambassador to the Holy See, and Mme Claudette Savoie, CCR Patrons of Honour, have graciously offered the lovely garden of their Official Residence as the venue for our party.

Buffet menu
Drinks:
Welcome cocktail
Prosecco
Spritz cocktail
Water flavoured with the "scents of the season"
Red & white wines
Still and sparkling water
Savouries:
Lentil and mussel pots
Octopus in citrus dressing with fennel and julienne carrots
Crisp bread rounds with mushroom, Pecorino Romano cheese and calamint ragout
Sardinian granulous pasta with a red sauce, chickpeas and bacon
"Earth Mix" (brown rice, oats and wheat) with bacon and cabbage
Curried meatballs
Sweet and sour red onions
Sweets:
Panna cotta (cream) with peaches sauteed in white wine and mint
Coffee and cumin mousse

When: Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The gardens of the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Holy See, Via di Porta San Sebastiano (exact address and parking details will be sent to confirmed participants only).
Cost: Current season (Sept.-June) CCR members €35 each, guests €40 each, including all food and drinks. Advance payment required.
N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.
Security: Mandatory registration of all participants. Please note that due to security requirements we will need the full name of each person attending at the time of booking. Also, you are required to have photo ID on the evening of the event. Anyone not on the list will be denied admission.
RSVP and payment no later than 5 p.m. Sept. 24th to canadarome@gmail.com, or until sold out. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Space is limited, so pre-pay a.s.a.p. to Account name:Marielle Lacroix, Bank:Intesa San Paolo, IBAN: IT22U0306967684510329915862, specifying name(s) of guest(s) and event name. (You may also pay for your 2018-2019 club dues with the same bank transfer but please specify which costs are included and send proof of payment to the club address.)

CCR Official 2017-2018 Season Opening Party - September 26, 2017

Our traditional cocktail party to officially open the new Canadian Club of Rome season will be returning to one of our favourite locations! H.E. Dennis A. Savoie, Canada's Ambassador to the Holy See, and Mme Claudette Savoie, CCR Patrons of Honour, have now moved to Villa Laurier, the official Canadian residence near Porta San Sebastiano, and, ever gracious with the CCR, they will be opening this gorgeous location overlooking the ancient Aurelian Walls to our members and guests.

CCR member Sylvie Gagnon's "Around You" catering will provide delicious, creative finger food and an open bar.

Buffet menu

Drinks:
Welcome cocktail
Prosecco
Spritz cocktail
Water flavoured with the "scents of the season"
Red & white wines "DOC Casale Vallechiesa"
Still and sparkling water

Savouries:

Mini pastry croissants with salmon
Cracker crisps with leak & speck julienne
Duchess potato boats with herb robiola cream cheese
Omelette strips with truffle cream
Caponata eggplant mix
Carrot and mint velouté
Rosemary potato cubes and chickpeas
Charcuterie boards with assorted DOP-quality coldcuts (Susianella Viterbese salami; salamis flavoured with coriander/red onion/honey)
"Slow Food"-certified herb beef fillet strips
Canapés with Mojito-scented cured lard paté/with raspberries/with garden vegetables
Fried truffle croquettes
Paccheri pasta with tomato, mozzarella and basil/with ricotta cheese and salmon
Gnocchetti Sardi pasta with cirtrus & ginger
Moroccan cous-cous with vegetables

Sweet endings:
"Birramisù" cups with hemp
Puff pastry flakes with caramelized apples and cinnamon

When: Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The gardens of the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Holy See, Via di Porta San Sebastiano (exact address and parking details will be sent to confirmed participants only).
Cost: Current season (Sept.-June) CCR members €25 each, guests €35 each, including all food and drinks. Advance payment required.
N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.
Security: Mandatory registration of all participants. Please note that due to security requirements we will need the full name of each person attending at the time of booking. Also, you are required to have photo ID on the evening of the event. Anyone not on the list will be denied admission.
RSVP and payment no later than 5 p.m. September 24th to canadarome@gmail.com, or until sold out. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Space is limited, so pre-pay a.s.a.p.

CCR Walks: Cavallini & St Crisogonus - February 19, 2017

Researchers have gradually shed light on the mysterious Roman painter Cavallini, active in Rome in the 1290s and responsible for a spate of paintings and mosaics in the churches of the Medieval Trastevere quarter. Come learn his story and that of other interesting residents of this picturesque neighbourhood!

When: Sunday, February 19, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m. for coffee; 9:45 for the walk; special entrance to the archeological area arranged for 10:00 sharp.
Meeting point:  area, exact location to be provided to those registered for this walk.
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members. There is also an additional entrance fee of €5.50 for both sites.
RSVP required by Thu. Feb. 16, ATTN Joe at canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NB: Please bring correct change.

CCR Aperitivo Competition - June 4, 2016

With so many great cooks in our CCR community, what better way to showcase our culinary ability than through some healthy -- and scrumptious -- rivalry? So here's our "aperitivo competition"!

With a partner, prepare and bring your favourite appetizer (savoury or sweet) and an accompanying drink (wine, beer, liquor or non-alcoholic) for a tasting for 16. Participants will vote on the best aperitivo in two categories: best overall; and presentation/innovation. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

To top it off, all entry fees will go towards supporting this yea'rs CCR charity, Frontier College’s Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps.

Where: Residence of CCR member (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele area) -- exact address sent to confirmed participants by email.
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €5 for members and €10 for non-members, plus your food and drink entries.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Sangita by Wed. June 1, 2016. Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.

CCR Walks: The Santa Croce Neighbourhood - March 19, 2016

Join us on a walk through a neighbourhood which lies outside the usual tourist routes -- that of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, or Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. Along the way we'll explore well preserved sections of the Aurelian Walls, the remains of a Roman circus, and the history of one of Europe's most enduring legends, the so-called Golden Legend, which turned this church into an important focus of worship for Medieval Christian pilgrims.

When: Saturday, Mar. 19, 2016
Time: 9:45 a.m. departure, 9:30 for coffee beforehand.
Meeting point: Exact location to be provided to those registered for this walk.
Cost: €10 for CCR members, €15 non-members.
RSVP required by Thu. Mar. 18th, ATTN Joe at canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NOTE: Please bring correct change. 
NB: Should it be a rainy day, the walk will include the fascinating and little-known Museum of Musical Instruments (separate €5 admission ticket).

CCR Walks: Garibaldi on the Janiculum - February 21, 2016

February 1849 marks the declaration of the ill-fated Roman Republic (February to July 1849). Today, on the leafy Janiculum hill overlooking Trastevere, we can still follow the desperate charge of Garibaldi's impetuous young men as they blazed their path to death and glory from Porta San Pancrazio, and learn the story of the men and women from all walks of life and from many different countries who fought for Italian unity on the Janiculum and in Trastevere against overwhelming odds.

When: Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016
Time: 9:45 a.m. departure, 9:30 for coffee beforehand.
Meeting point: Exact location to be provided to those registered for this walk.
Cost: €10 for CCR members, €15 non-members.
RVSP required by Thu., Feb. 18th, ATTN Peter at canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NOTE: Please bring correct change.

It's Never Too Late to Learn: Knitwits - February 11, 2016

Our members come up with the best ideas! Our "Never Too Late to Learn" series is on a roll. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but... hey, who are you calling old? All joking aside, this series will prove it's never too late and bring out the hidden talents of our members and friends. The tricks of artisans, tradespeople, technicians and everyday people are all ready to spark our creative minds.

The first session of the series is "Knitwits" -- for both neophytes and experts. We will be teaching and sharing the lost art of knitting, crocheting, needlework and any other handiwork that comes to mind!

Those attending are asked to bring snacks, tea or wine to share. Numbers will be limited due to space.

When: Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Private residence, Monte Mario area (near the Cavalieri Hotel) -- exact address sent to confirmed participants.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Diana, specifying what you will be bringing.
Note: Participants are asked to bring light snacks and wine or specialty teas, etc. to share with others.

CCR Market Visit: Mercato Esquilino - January 9, 2016

To market, to market... to buy a penny bun? To buy a fat pig? To buy yams! Okra! Exotic fruit! Fresh dill, coriander and spices! Off to a market where the world is your oyster... and where you could also order a tailored shirt.

Sangita will be guiding us on a walkabout in the Mercato Esquilino, the large public market in her adopted neighbourhood of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This multi-ethnic area of Rome hosts one of the most colourful, diverse and enticing food markets you can find in the city. 

For those who wish, after the visit we will be going for lunch at a good Chinese restaurant in the area.

When: Saturday, January 9, 2016
Time and Meeting Place: 10:30 a.m., "Nuovo Mercato Esquilino," Via Principe Amedeo 188. Please be prompt; since we aren't taking bookings, we won't be waiting for latecomers! However, for the early birds, we'll be meeting for coffee beforehand at "Bar Roma Città Aperta" at Via Principe Amedeo 295 at 10.
Cost: free

Ortona Wine Evening - October 30, 2015

The Embassy of Canada has extended an invitation to CCR members to join embassy staff for a tasting of wines from the area of Ortona in Abruzzo. This invitation applies exclusively to current, paid CCR members.

Two wineries will bring samples of every sort of wine made in Abruzzo -- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Trebbiano, Pecorino, and Passerina, in various vintages and blends, as well as several sparkling wines.

The cost of participation includes a contribution to the embassy's charity campaign. This event requires advance payment. Full names (as on ID) must also be provided at time of booking for the embassy security list.

When: Friday, October 30, 2015
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Embassy of Canada, Via Salaria 243
Cost: €10 -- advance payment required. Only CCR members in good standing.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Oct. 14th, with full name for Security List; ID must be shown at entrance.

Yoga for our CCR Charity - April 15, 2015

A special yoga session will be offered to CCR members and friends by two yoga masters visiting from Canada as part of fund-raising efforts for our charity this year, the Lieutenant Governor's Summer Reading Camps for Aboriginal Children. Shanta and Raj Dubey have been practicing yoga for almost 40 years and teaching for over 30 to people of all ages (children to seniors) and at different levels of health and flexibility (including recovering accident/surgery patients). Shanta also teaches Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese health care approach that incorporates postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Our session will focus on yoga (breathing and some light moves/stretches), Qi Gong and meditation. Light Indian snacks will be provided by our kind hosts. An informal potluck will follow the lesson for those who wish to stay on.

Space is limited to 10 participants so book right away! 

When: Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Time: Session 6 to 8 p.m.; potluck 8 to 9 p.m.
Where: CCR member's private residence in the Vittorio Emanuele area. Exact address will be sent to confirmed participants. 
Cost: By donation (minimum suggested €10 -- all funds will be donated to this year's charity), includes light snacks during the session; for those staying for the potluck, please bring a sweet or savoury dish. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com by Saturday, April 11.

CCR Wine-Tasting: Wines from Veneto - April 25, 2015

From elegance to block-buster! We have a special tasting lined up of wines from the Veneto, located in the north eastern corner of Italy and one of the largest wine-producing regions of the country. We’ll be tasting both whites and reds and, as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Corso Trieste area -- details will be sent to registered participants) When: Saturday April 25, 2015
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation. 

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme related to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Bibenda – Vini d’Italia” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation.

Concert & Jazz Ensemble from Canada - March 23, 2015

The Panorama Ridge Secondary School Concert & Jazz Ensemble from Surrey, in the Vancouver BC area, will be in Europe for the first time and they'll be at Rome's All Saints Church for a free concert. And we're looking forward to hearing and meeting them! 

The purpose of their journey in Italy and other parts of Europe is mainly to share their music and meet people. The ‘Panorama Ridge Secondary School Concert & Jazz Ensemble’ is directed by Ronald Davis and consists of 51 young musicians ranging in age from 14 to 18. Their repertoire includes a mix of sacred, classical and modern music. Pieces in their programme at the beautiful neo-Gothic All Saints Church will include these and others: Ubi Caritas, Les Misérables Medley, O' Occhi Manza Mia, Fields of Gold, Lascia Ch’io Pianga - Handel, Little Big Gumbo -- Lopez, Afternoon in Paris, St. Louis Blues - Handy, Amazing Grace, I've Got You Under My Skin, etc. 

When: Monday, March 23, 2015 
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: All Saints Church, Via del Babuino 153 (Metro: Spagna)
Cost: Free
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Anna to have a seat in our reserved area.

CCR Mini Escapes: Cooking Weekend in Umbria - November 29-30, 2014

Here's another of the CCR's Mini Escapes, this time on the last weekend in November.

We'll be travelling to “La Chiusa Organic Farm” in Umbria, near Umbertide. Mascia, our talented hostess, will initiate us into the secrets of her cuisine by way of cooking lessons using fresh products from the agriturismo’s production. There will be plenty of hands-on experience in a delightful setting and our accommodations will be in a truly peaceful country setting.

The price for the week-end includes transportation, cooking classes, one night of lodgings, lunch and dinner on November 29, and breakfast and lunch on November 30. We will be back in Rome by 5 p.m. on the Sunday. 

Book now, as the number of participants is limited.

When: Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday Nov. 39, 2014
Where: La Chiusa, Umbertide in the Umbria region
Meeting point: 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 29, in central Rome (further information sent to confirmed participants)
Cost: €175 per person for CCR members, €200 for non-members.
RSVP: by Nov. 24, 204 to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle

CCR Wine-Tasting: Wines from Piemonte - "La Forza di ‘bogia-nen’" - November 22, 2014

Get ready -- the CCR wine-tasting season is about to begin! For our first tasting of the season we are heading to Piemonte (Piedmont) in the north-western part of Italy. We’ll taste a great selection of wines, discover the region and find out why the Piemontese are called ‘bogia-nen’ which comes from the local dialect, close to French, meaning ‘bouge pas’. And as always, we will share a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’ at the end of the tasting.

Each CCR Wine-Tasting session is given in French and Italian (with questions answered in English, too) and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele is one of the editors of “Due Mila Vini” -- a guide to Italian wines produced by the Italian Sommelier Association. 

Where: Residence of CCR members (Corso Trieste area -- details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Saturday, November 22, 2014 
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members) 
RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Body, Mind & Soul Series: the Limo Charity Event - April 9, 2014

Here's another fantastic opportunity to party for CHARITY in the second part of CCR's Body, Mind and Soul series!

Get out your onesies, your baby dolls, your flannels, your house coats, your Chanel No. 5 and come on out to THE PROGRESSIVE PAJAMA PARTY. 

What's a progressive party? It means you'll be moving around the city in a stretch limousine and stopping in various iconic locations in Rome for photos, snacks and drinks, and enjoying fun and games on board the limo in between! 

And, as you may have guessed, our theme is a Glamour Pajama Party!

CCR IS PROUD to hold this event for you and Andos! Proceeds will go to our charity for this year. 

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 

Where: starting point is Piazza del Colosseo -- further details sent with RSVP
Time: meeting at 7 p.m. and leaving promptly at 7:30 p.m.! Cruising until 9:30 p.m.

Cost: €30 Members, €40 Non-members. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com

FREE YOUR SOULS and come on out!

Aperitivo at Buccone - April 2, 2014

We're continuing our exploration of aperitivo spots as we head to the historic "Buccone" on Via di Ripetta. What started as storage space for the Marquis Cavalcabò's carriages later became a tavern and, finally, an enoteca (wine cellar and shop) in 1969. It has been continuously operated by the Buccone family since then.

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Where: Enoteca Buccone, Via di Ripetta 19-20, 00186 Rome (near Piazza del Popolo)

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Members €10, including one glass of wine and a "misto enoteca" (cheese board and coldcuts). A CCR executive member will be collecting the contribution and then paying the enoteca.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Membership Renewal Japanese Aperitivo - September 16, 2013

A great opportunity for ongoing CCR members to renew their membership for 2013-2014 and catch up after the summer break. We'll have a glass of prosecco, a cocktail and Japanese appetizers -- and it's on the CCR for all last year's members coming to renew AND for all those starting new memberships. But feel free to bring any of your curious friends who just want to met some veritable Canadians! The more the merrier.

This is also an ideal time to pay for the official grand opening luncheon set for September 29, 2013.

Date: Monday, September 16, 2013
 Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
 Where: Rokko Japanese Restaurant, Passeggiata di Ripetta, 15 (Rome centre, near Piazza del Popolo), tel. (+39) 06 3223414
 Cost: No cost to renewing and new CCR members; €6 for Non-members
RSVP canadarome@gmail.com by noon on the 15th
CCR membership fees still frozen in 2013-2014! Details here.