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 Walks with Olivia: Testaccio, from dump to hip neighbourhood - October 12, 2013

NB: This walk is now full. A wait list has been started.

Special permission secured for access to Testaccio Hill (Monte dei Cocci) archaeological site.

Continuing our series on ‘’Food, Politics and Empires,’’ we start off at Porta San Paolo, where a small museum illustrates the story of the Via Ostiensis, the Roman port-cities, and the impact of the walls on food supply after the 3rd century. We then stop off at Testaccio's “Mattatoio,” Rome's first modern abattoir, built at the end of the 19th century in what was to become a purpose-built working-class district. Its buildings are now home to “Città dell'Altra Economia,” a project focusing on taking a new look at food and its supply in the modern city. It includes an organic market, a café, a restaurant, and an exhibition and conference centre. We then set off to inspect the Testaccio hill, literally a huge dumping ground for ancient Rome's discarded amphorae. From 1st century onwards the terracotta jars were smashed once they reached Rome, after being emptied of their contents: olive oil! Special permission for access to the site.

When: Saturday, October 12, 2013 
Time: 10:30 a.m (please note we're starting later than usual; this is to accommodate our reservation for the Testaccio hill archaeological site). The walk lasts about two and a half hours, starting promptly at 10:30 and concluding around 1:00 p.m. 

Cost: €10 for CCR members, €15 for non-members. San Paolo Museum: free. Entrance ticket for Testaccio Archaeological Excavation area: 4 euro per person.
RSVP required by Wednesday October 9, ATTN Linda at canadarome@gmail.com or Olivia Ercoli at oliviaercoli1@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation. 
NOTE: Please bring correct change, familiarize yourself with the meeting place ahead of time and make sure you are ready to depart promptly.

The Scotch on the Raj Experience

Another great evening of Scotch tasting with CCR member Rachel Rennie accompanied by wonderful Indian food crafted by member Chef Allen Rahman. For anyone who was skeptical that Indian food could be married with the finest scotch, this evening proved that fine ingredients do go well together despite not having an obvious connection.

Rachel and Allen (above) did a lot of work in preparing this evening and left nothing to chance, thus ensuring that all participants would come away enchanted with the experience.

Rachel gave us a masterful and very interesting talk on the different scotches we tasted and Allen outdid himself in the excellent food he prepared for us. He also gave us a little of the history behind each dish; explaining the correct ingredients, measurements and spices that perfectly enhance the delicate taste of each dish. And we also learned of the Canadian connection with Indian food: people such as Lords Dalhousie, Metcalfe and Minto, all who served as Governors-General of Canada, played important roles in influencing local cuisine while Viceroys of India. The exquisite food was a delight accompanied by some surprises, such as the use of edible silver paper in the delicate carrot dessert Halwa. And to add an even more Canadian touch we were serenaded by music from India played on the Peace Tower Carillon on Parliament Hill.

We tasted 4 different scotches, Glenmorangie Original, 15 year old Dalwhinnie, Bowmore Surf and 12 year old Highland Park. As many participants found out, you do not have to be a Scotch drinker or even knowledgeable about Scotch or Scotland for that matter to enjoy the presentation by Rachel. Just listening to her enthusiastic and informative talk is a delight in itself.

Two prizes were drawn at the end of the evening. Another memorable evening. For those of you who missed out, don't despair! Allen and Rachel are planning another great food and scotch experience in May, this time in the countryside. Do not miss this great event! Details will appear on the CCR blog.

Laurent Beaulieu