2023-2024 Official CCR Season Opening Reception - September 21, 2023

Join us for the party to launch our 2023-2024 club season! We're once again delighted that the Official Residence of Canada's Ambassador to Italy will be opening its gates for this event. Many thanks to H.E. Elissa Golberg for welcoming the Canadian community and guests.

Our caterer, fellow Canadian Sylvie Gagnon, will provide a drinks table and servers will circulate with the following culinary delights:

Beef meatballs in tomato sauce

Bresaola (cured beef) with soft robiola cheese and fresh herbs

Salmon pockets with creamy citrus filling

Creamy rosemary chickpeas with sautéed porcini mushrooms and crispy carasau bread

Cherry tomato cream with basil, soft burrata cheese and EVO

Freshly fried:

Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and sage leaves

Mini supplì in 3 styles: amatriciana, cacio & pepe, and ragout

Fruit skewers

Tiramisù

Selection of traditional Italian sweets

Beverages:

Soft drinks

Spritz

Prosecco

Seasonal infused water

Still and sparkling mineral water

“Cantina San Marco” DOC red and white wines

Special thanks to our Silver Maple Leaf sponsor, Air Canada Italy, for their contribution to this event.

When: Thursday, September 21, 2023

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 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). Street parking only.
Cost: CCR members €45 each, guests €50 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: Please note that due to embassy 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 ATTN Anna by noon Sept. 19th (attach proof of payment). You are financially responsible for your reservation.

2022-2023 Official CCR Season Opening Reception - September 29, 2022

We all love going back to the gorgeous gardens of  the Official Residence of Canada's Ambassador to Italy for our traditional season opening party. Many thanks to H.E. Elissa Golberg for opening the doors of Villa Grandi to the Canadian community and guests once again.

Our Canadian-Italian caterer's wait staff will provide tray service with a delicious array of finger food and drinks.

Mini bufala mozzarellas stuffed with salmon

Shrimp and guacamole cups

Gorgonzola and radicchio bundles

Mini savoury pastry pies

Mini hamburgers

Bacon-wrapped California prunes

Chicken and pineapple brochettes

Fruit skewers

Assorted sweets

Soft drinks

Spritz

Prosecco

Seasonal infused water

Still and sparkling mineral water

“Cantina San Marco” DOC red and white wines

Special thanks to our Silver Maple Leaf sponsor, Air Canada Italy, for their contribution to this event.

When: Thursday, September 29, 2022

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). Street parking only.
Cost: CCR members €40 each, guests €45 each, including all food and drinks. The cost of participation for members has been kept low thanks to our sponsor, Air Canada Italy! Advance payment required.
N.B. This event is open to guests only if accompanied by fully paid and registered CCR members.
Security: Please note that due to embassy 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.

COVID-19 Preventive Measures: Please do not attend if you have symptoms of any kind. Maintain a safe distance from others (unless they are members of the same household) when in attendance.
RSVP and payment to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Anna by Sept. 24th (attach proof of payment). You are financially responsible for your reservation.

Canada-Italy Thanksgiving Lunch - October 7, 2018

Our traditional Thanksgiving lunch is on Sunday, the 7th of October this year. It's your opportunity to relax with family and friends in a warm, welcoming environment. As usual, we'll be having both delicious Italian dishes and classic Thanksgiving food!

Menu
appetizers of bruschetta, assorted salami, mini beef meatballs and deep fried vegetables
homemade ravioli filled with ricotta, served with tomato sauce
main course of oven-roasted turkeywith stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce
oven-roasted potatoes
salad
red and white house wine
water
pumpkin tarte with whipped cream
coffee

When: Sunday, October 7, 2018
Time: 12:30 p.m. Mingling & Prosecco Aperitif; 1 p.m. Lunch service begins.
Where: Trattoria “Ai Due Ponti” – via Flaminia 858, Rome, tel: 06 3332518, see here for directions.
Note: parking available on premises; the trattoria can be reached by a train ride from Piazzale Flaminio and/or public transportation. From Flaminio, take the old Roma-Viterbo commuter rail (if exiting the Flaminio metro A-line station, go to your right after the turnstiles, and then turn right once you're at the top of the stairs to the surface) to the "Due Ponti" stop. Then walk back down along that side of the Via Flaminia to number 858. Illustrated directions can be provided by CCR via email.
Cost: Advance payment required to confirm seats. €35 CCR members; €45 non-members. €20 for CCR children and €25 for non-CCR children 10 and under, but babies are no charge!
RSVP: to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Neeya with Proof of Payment from bank by noon on Thursday, Oct. 4th, 2016. Please note you are financially responsible for your reservation. Spaces are limited so reserve early.

Bowl Away! - October 25, 2017

Come join us for a fun evening of bowling!

When: Tuesday, October 25th at 6 p.m.
Where: Bowling Roma, Via Regina Margherita, 181
Cost : 3,50€ per person per game shoes and balls included.
Note: There is also a bar that sells snacks and drinks.
RSVP Canadarome@gmail.com attention Marielle by Thursday October 19.

Now You’re Cooking Polenta! - October 27, 2016

NB: This event is now full and a waiting list has been started.

Polenta is an incredibly versatile dish from northern Italy (but it's also traditional in parts of central Italy) and is usually made with cornmeal, although there are many forms and variations. In the old days it was linked to poverty but, as we know, “i piatti poveri” ("poor dishes") are the often the yummiest! In Roman times, polenta (or as they called it, pulmentu) made with other cereals was the staple of the Roman Legions, who would eat it either as a porridge or as a sort of hard cake. Today, polenta is often featured by renowned chefs throughout the world and has become a gourmet delicacy.

Participating members will learn to prepare polenta the traditional way. Be ready as we will need strong arms to stir and stir and stir… We will also make three different sauces: porcini mushrooms, gorgonzola, and meat-based (ribs). Marielle and Maurizio have kindly opened their home for this event. “Apprentice polenta makers” will work under the expert eye of chef Maurizio!

When: Thursday, October 27, 2016
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: CCR members’ private residence, Appio-Latino area; exact address sent ot confirmed participants
Cost: CCR members €10, non-members €15; includes meal.
BYOW: preferably a strong-bodied red wine.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle.
Note: Book early, as space is limited.

CCR Walks: The Roman Settings of "Tosca" - April 16, 2016

“Passion, Murder, Betrayal, Death!”  Puccini placed his 1900 opera “TOSCA” a century earlier, in the Napoleonic Rome of 1800,  and he set its acts in three famous structures of the city:  the church of Sant’Andrea della Valle, the Palazzo Farnese and the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Join us as we explore these backdrops for the opera and discover their importance in this classic work as well as their place, and that of their surroundings, in Rome’s long history. Starting at Sant'Andrea della Valle we take this chance to look at the actual locations and their role in an unforgettable plot.

When: Saturday, Apr. 16, 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. Apr. 14th, ATTN Peter at canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NOTE: Please bring correct change.

Now You're Cooking Gnocchi! - November 4, 2015

CCR Members Marielle and Maurizio will be welcoming us into their home and teaching us to make gnocchi with two types of sauces: tomato based and cheese based. While Maurizio will don the Chef’s hat, guests will be encouraged to try their hand at preparing this delicious dish which dates back to antiquity.

Limited space, so book right away! Priority given to current CCR members in good standing. 

When:  Wednesday, November 4, 2015 
Time 6:30 p.m. 
Where:  CCR members’ private residence, Appio-Latino area; exact address sent ot confirmed participants 
Cost:  CCR members €10, non-members €15, includes meal 
RSVP:  canadarome@gmail.com

Canadian Thanksgiving Lunch - October 11, 2015

The Canadian Club of Rome invites you to our traditional lunch to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving Day!

Menu
appetizers of bruschetta, assorted salami, mini beef meatballs and deep fried vegetables 
homemade pasta/primo
main course of oven-roasted turkey 
with chestnut stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce 
oven-roasted potatoes 
salad 
red and white house wine 
water 
pumpkin tarte with whipped cream 
coffee

Date: Sunday, October 11th, 2015 
Time: 12:30 p.m. Mingling & Prosecco Aperitif; 1 p.m. Lunch service begins. 

Place: Trattoria “Ai Due Ponti” – via Flaminia 858, Rome, tel: 06 3332518, see http://www.trattoriaaidueponti.it/dove-siamo for directions. 
Note: parking available on premises; the trattoria can be reached by a train ride from Piazzale Flaminio and/or public transportation. From Flaminio, take the old Roma-Viterbo commuter rail (if exiting the Flaminio metro A-line station, go to your right after the turnstiles, and then turn right once you're at the top of the stairs to the surface) to the "Due Ponti" stop. Then walk back down along that side of the Via Flaminia to number 858. Illustrated directions can be provided by CCR via email. 
Cost: Advance payment required to confirm seats. 35 euros CCR members; 45 euros non-members. €20 for CCR children and €25 for non-CCR children 10 and under, but babies are no charge! 
RSVP: RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com and payment by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 2015.
Please NOTE: You are financially responsible for your reservation. Spaces are limited so reserve early.

Death by Chocolate! - March 11, 2015

Here it is! Our much anticipated "Death by Chocolate" event! Let the scent, sight and taste of the divine cocoa bean lull you into a state of bliss.

The airy loft atmosphere of "Fabrica" restaurant will be the venue for our aperitivo embraced by the food of the gods. This historic pastry factory was founded in 1923 by the Calisto family and has more recently been converted into a hip, slightly retro food venue.

Food tasters: 

Mushroom & Sage Tartlets 

Soft Chocolate & Mozia Salt Buns 

Eggplant, Chicken & Cocoa Bundles 

Mini Mud Cakes 

Chocolate & Cinnamon Truffles 

Mini Chocolate-Glazed Banana Cakes 

Mini Chocolate, Pear & Orange Zest Crumbles
Chocolate Ganache & Strawberry Cups

Beverage – choice of one of the following:

Tomka Mule (alcoholic cocktail with ginger & chocolate)
Red Daiquiri (alcoholic cocktail with chocolate & berries)
Dark Bounty (alcoholic cocktail with chocolate & coconut)

Inca Chocolate Tea (black tea with chocolate & spices)

Chocolate-Orange Roibos (roibos tea with chocolate & orange zest)

Chocolate-Ginger Roibos (roibos tea with chocolate & ginger)

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Fabrica Industria Dolciaria 1923, Via Girolamo Savonarola 8 (Prati/Andrea Doria area) 
Cost: €10 euro for CCR members, €15 for non-members; includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, plus savoury and sweet tasters.

RSVP: to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Diana by Monday, Mar. 9, 2015. You are financially responsible for your booking.

An Evening of Song - January 31, 2015

Our next outing will be an evening enjoying live music at a Via Veneto area club! Fellow Canadian and CCR member Tonia Szkurhan, who many of you will remember from last year's Canada Day picnic, is a young singer who has been studying and performing in Rome for over a year now. She's joining forces with San Francisco native and singer/songwriter Lucia Comnes for what promises to be a great concert at the beautiful Josephine Bistrot.

Their set will include popular, rock and folk music, including some Canadian classics. Marco Piazzolla will be accompanying them on guitar.

When: Saturday, January 31, 2015
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Josephine Bistrot, Via L. Bissolati 34 (near the American Embassy and Metro Barberini).
Cost: €15 for the concert and the aperitivo including a drink and the appetizer buffet.
RSVP: by Wednesday 28th January 2015 to tonia_szkurhan@hotmail.com (CC canadarome@gmail.com). Reserving will ensure you can join the CCR's table. 

CCR Winter Aperitivo - January 21, 2015

CCR's next aperitivo will take us to an area of the city that is both a classic Roman neighbourhoud and a trendy food and entertainment destination, Testaccio. We'll be tasting the creations of the kitchen at Ketumbar, which highlights organic, seasonal produce in its (mostly vegetarian) aperitivo buffet, within a very spacious contemporary décor and with a view of the ancient Roman pottery of the Monte dei Cocci (the Testaccio Hill).

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Time: 7 p.m. on
Where: Via Galvani 24 (Testaccio)
Cost: €10 (includes 1 cocktail/wine/standard beer plus appetizer buffet) or €12 for those choosing a craft beer or cocktail containing premium spirits.
RSVP: by 19 Jan. 2015, ATTN Anna at canadarome@gmail.com. Reserving will ensure you are included in the CCR's seating area.

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.

Cocktail Party - May 25, 2011

The Executive of The Canadian Club of Rome

cordially invites you to a cocktail party

hosted by

  H.E. Anne Leahy, 

Ambassador of Canada to the Holy See,

Honourary President of The Canadian Club of Rome

When: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Where: Residence of Her Excellency Anne Leahy

Via di Porta San Sebastiano

Cost: CCR Members €25.00 Guests €35.00

An evening of tapas, finger foods, wines, cocktails and fine company.

To begin the evening Pinchos - 

tasty tidbits in the style of the Basque region 

made with produce typical of the region:

Crostino with escarole and Sabine olives

Crostino with eggplant and ricotta di bufala

Crostino with mozzarella and anchoives

Followed by:

Carprese di bufala served with tarallo Pugilese

Polpetti di chianina with fresh tomato

Broad beans and Pecorino Romano

And from the BBQ:

Mini Hamburgers

Skewers of grilled meat and vegetables

Grilled sausages

And a sweet ending:

Chocolate Brownies

Homemade biscuits and desert wine

Open bar, wines, prosecco, cocktails, water and juices

RSVP and payment no later than May 22nd at 5:00 PM to canadarome@gmail.com.

There are a limited number of spaces so please book early.

Please Note: There is no parking on-site for this event. There is limited parking in front of the Museo delle Mure, Porta San Sebastiano, or Guests may find parking outside the Porta San Sebastiano on Viale Mura Latine.

Wine Tasting In Tuscany - CCR Wine Tasting

The CCR Wine Tasting for this season will end on a high note with a special visit to the estate of Sassotondo, owned by Carla Benini & Edoardo Ventimiglia located in Sovana (Grosseto). We’ll start with a tour of their ancient cellar followed by a wine tasting led by master sommelier Daniele Maestri (in French and Italian) and then we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties. There is an excellent selection of wines including the award-winning ‘San Lorenzo Cliliegiolo’ (awards from Duemilavini and Gambero Rosso).

Lunch Menu

Antipasti of typical salami

Fagioli del Purgatorio

Tortelli Maremmani

Buglione di agnello

Sfratto (local Jewish dessert)

Where: Estate Sassotondo, Carla Benini & Edoardo Ventimiglia, 

Sovana (Grosseto)

When: Saturday, 21 May, 2011

Time: 11:00 am (plan to leave Rome at 8:45 am)

Cost: Euros 40 for members (45 for non-members)

Last month's Wine Tasting under master sommelier Daniele Maestri was another marked success.  An evening of food, conviviality and remarkable wines.

In the afternoon you may want to tour Pitigliano, go to the thermal bathes at Saturnia or have a siesta on the grass! We can make suggestions if you would like to stay in the area for the weekend.

RSVP to Linda and Paul at canadarome@gmail.com.

Please note that numbers for this outing are limited. You are responsible for your reservation. Exact directions will be sent to participants.

Murder at the Torretta de’ Massimi - A Murder Mystery Pranzo

Following the suspicious death of Baroness Audrey von Munchen, the fabulous von Munchen relics are to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. In the absence of a legal heir, it looks like all the proceeds will go to her favourite charity - unless a claimant comes forward at the last moment. What is the truth behind the Baroness’s death? There’s only one way to find out!

An auction as important as this one is bound to attract a wide range of guests. Apart from antique dealers and private collectors, you may also find prominent members of the Church, political activists, spies, assassins, and even the occasional drug dealer - as well as all of the Baroness’s ‘loyal’ staff. Take nothing for granted, however: not everyone is who they appear to be...

All those invited to this murder mystery are given a character in the plot. Although only one of them is the actual murderer, nearly everyone is a prime suspect. As guests arrive, they are greeted by the Baroness’s lawyer, Freddie Farr. They get the chance to view her splendid relics, investigate her murder, bid in the auction and do whatever wheeling and dealing is required to achieve their character’s other main objective: to end up the richest person in the room!

Murder isn’t the only crime guests are likely to encounter. Blackmail, bribery, theft, fraud and extortion also lurk not far beneath the surface. Why has the Brooch of Salaar gone missing? Whatever happened to the Baroness’s husband? And why are some guests so keen to bid for the Japanese sword? Come to the auction to find out...

When:  June 5, 2011 at 12 noon

Where: The Villa Foresteria, at the Torretta de’ Massimi estate in Rome http://www.torrettademassimi.it/

Cost: €35.00 per person (members and non-members) including the game and lunch. Booking and prepayment required by 5 pm May 25, 2011.

The Menu

Prosecco with hors d'oeuvres

Handmade lasagne with garden tomatoes and fresh herbs

Involtini with roasted eggplant and veal with red pepper coulis
Oven roasted potatoes with thyme
Spring salad with mixed field greens

Homemade sorbetto with cookies

Wines, fruit juices, water

As participation is limited to 40 people book early to avoid disappointment at canadarome@gmail.com.

This is not an event suitable for small children, including babies.  However, older children (14+) are welcome at a discount of €30 per person.  The game includes optional younger characters which teenagers have greatly enjoyed playing.

Details about Location

The Villa Foresteria, at the Toretta de’ Massimi estate in Rome

phone 338 68 88833 or Lori Hickey at 346 4959 199

It is on the western side of Rome, inside the GRA.

Via della Pisana 600, Rome, 00163

(however, put Via della Pisana 419 in your car’s navigation)

Their webpage gives detailed instructions: http://torrettademassimi.it/location.html

(also, the Google maps link on that page has a clear view of the entrance gate on Via della Pisana)

CCR Trip - Spring in Siena

With a history that reaches back to the time of the Etruscans, Siena rests in the heart of Tuscany. Famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice yearly, the centro storico of this incredible city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Used by permission: Boston Public Library, Print Department

 Our suggestion - a weekend in Siena! And what better a place to celebrate spring? 

When:  April 29 - May 1, 2011

Where: Siena, Tuscany

How:  Just click here for details

And let us know that your coming so we can get together for aperitifs, dinner and/or touring: canadarome@gmail.com.


Please note that this is an event that has been researched by CCR member Leslie Scott and executive members Diana Szyszka Pompei, Laurent Beaulieu and Will Hobbs but members and friends are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.

Pot Luck Dinner - A CCR Event

‘Celebrating Democracy’ Potluck

With the upcoming Canadian General Elections and events around the world and in Italy, we invite our members to join us in celebrating the lead-up to Election Day in Canada.  And we’ll do it with a good old fashioned pot luck dinner. CCR member Jocelyne Albert has kindly offered to open her home for this event.

Join in the fun and bring a bottle of wine as well as a dish to share. Choose from one of the courses and let us know what you plan to bring: ‘antipasto’, ‘primo’, ‘secondo’, salad or dessert. We suggest that you make enough for 4 to 5 people.

When: Friday, April 15th
8:00PM
Where: Residence of Jocelyne Albert,

 (details will be sent to participants)

RSVP: to Canadarome@gmail.com no later than April 11, 2011 and let us know what dish you will be bringing. 

Please note that at members' request this event has been opened to members and friends. 

Book early as space is limited

MAXII Tour - A CCR Event

MAXXI TOUR

CCR Exclusive Tour in English of the MAXXI museum, Italy's national museum for 21st century art.

Includes an overview of the the award-winning architecture and the 5 recently-opened exhibits.

When: March 31, 2011

Time: 7 pm

Where: MAXII

V. Guido Reni, 6, 00196 Roma,

06 321 0181

http://www.fondazionemaxxi.it/en/

Cost: €17.00 for members €20.00 for non-members

Book at canadarome@gmail.com

Pre-booking and payment is required by Monday March 28, 2011 at noon.

Would you like to help us with an event - let us know at canadarome@gmail.com.

Wine Tasting - April 2, 2011

Wine Tasting

Dégustation de Vins

Please note: Once again our popular wine tasting series is sold out however names will be taken on a wait list basis.

The wines of Puglia were relatively unknown until recently. During this session we will discover how old wine varieties combined with new technologies can produce excellence.

Daniele Maestri introduced us to rare reds as he compared Tuscan wines to French vintages at our last wine tasting.

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

Where: Residence of Ross and Adair Heuchan,

Via Reno (details will be sent to participants)

When: Saturday, 2 April, 2011

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: €25 for members (€30 for non-members)

This is the third in a series of wine tasting/lectures planned for the 2010-2011 season. Each session will be given in French and Italian and focus on a specific theme relative to Italian wines. Our last wine tasting was such a success that we decided to hold another one on a Saturday. Our hosts Ross and Adair offer their hospitality and welcome us to their home. The tasting will end with a light meal and the opportunity to chat with friends.

Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible to Paul and Linda at canadarome@gmail.com.

Please note that you will be responsible for your reservation.

Palazzo Farnese Exhibition - A CCR Tour

Palazzo Farnese Exhibition

This event is now sold out.

When: Friday March 18th at 18:30

Where: Ambasciata di Francia in Italia
Palazzo Farnese
Via Giulia 186
Roma

Cost: €15.00 for both members and non-members

€8.00 for those under 18 years of age

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com and payment required by March 16th

Visitors can admire over 150 works – statues, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, tapestries and more. All bring to life more than 500 years of the building's history - from its days as a Renaissance Palace until its present life as the Embassy of France - a roll it has served for the past 135 years.

Though the Farnese family is long gone this exhibition brings together many works from the Farnese collection that are ‘coming home’ once again.

Details of the exhibition can be found in Italian and French at http://www.mostrapalazzofarnese.it.