Home Restaurant Made In Slow Food Matera – Cook with us!

Discover the charm of Matera’s culinary traditions through this home-based dining experience led by Francesco Linzalone. Priced at $63.98 per person for approximately 4 hours, this tour offers a chance to taste authentic Materan recipes in a warm, informal setting. The activity is booked about 7 days in advance on average and features a mobile ticket for convenience. While it’s not a traditional cooking class, it provides a genuine taste of local home cooking, making it ideal for those seeking a personal, authentic experience. Keep in mind that this experience is quite intimate, with only your group participating, and it ends at the same location where it begins.

The main highlight of this tour is the opportunity to prepare and taste several seasonal dishes of the Matera region, such as Cicirata in hen broth, married soup, and carnival calzones with pork ragout. You’ll also explore local specialties like baked cazzomarro, Easter cardoncelli flan, and dishes made with spontaneous products like cimamarelle, field chard, chicory, sivoni, and cardoncelli. This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to connect with Matera’s culinary roots and learn about traditional recipes that change with the seasons.

Key Points

• Private dining experience hosted in a local home in Matera.
• Focuses on preparing authentic Materan dishes with seasonal ingredients.
• Duration of around 4 hours, starting at 6:00 pm from Viale Italia, 24.
• Price is $63.98 per person, including a convivial and informal atmosphere.
• Not a traditional cooking class; rather, it involves helping to prepare dishes that are tasted together.
• Experience is suited for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation.

The Personal Connection of the Host

The tour stands out because it takes place in a host’s home, not a commercial restaurant. The host shares stories rooted in family memories, recalling the smells of boiling pots, voices of family members, and rituals passed down through generations. This personal touch creates a serene and convivial atmosphere, inviting participants to relive the authenticity of family recipes and local traditions. The host’s warmth and storytelling add a layer of intimacy that many visitors find enriching.

What You’ll Learn: Matera’s Traditional Dishes

Participants get the chance to discover dishes specific to Matera, depending on the season. These include Cicirata in hen broth, a comforting soup made with local ingredients, and married soup, which embodies regional flavors. The carnival calzones, filled with pork ragout, highlight local festive fare, while baked cazzomarro offers a hearty, oil-rich specialty. The Easter cardoncelli flan is a seasonal delight that showcases regional ingredients and culinary techniques.

Ingredients Rooted in the Land

A notable feature of this experience is the focus on spontaneous products of the earth. The host emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients such as cimamarelle, field chard, chicory, sivoni, and cardoncelli mushrooms. These ingredients are transformed into baked pies, meatballs, or caciocavallo cheese dishes. The emphasis on local, spontaneous produce highlights the connection between Matera’s landscape and its culinary traditions.

Preparing Dishes: From Knowledge to Leisure

The cooking process is interactive; participants work alongside the host to combine traditional knowledge with leisure. The approach is relaxed, focusing on learning and enjoying rather than rigorous instruction. This makes it suitable for those who want to gain insight into regional cuisine while also sharing convivial moments with others.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The experience begins at Viale Italia, 24 in Matera, at 6:00 pm. It concludes back at the same location, making logistics straightforward. The activity is designed to accommodate most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options. It is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which enhances the sense of intimacy and personalized attention from the host.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour requires good weather, as it takes place in a home setting with potential outdoor elements. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, participants are offered an alternative date or a full refund. Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, while late cancellations do not.

How This Tour Differs from Other Experiences

Unlike some culinary tours, this experience emphasizes home cooking and personal storytelling rather than formal instruction. The private setting and focus on seasonal, spontaneous ingredients set it apart from more generic cooking classes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic, family-style cuisine and enjoy a relaxed, convivial environment.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews highlight that this experience may not meet expectations for those expecting a formal cooking class. It involves helping to prepare pre-made dishes rather than learning cooking techniques from scratch. Travelers should be comfortable with participating in a dinner that is already partially prepared and focus on the communal aspect of the experience.

Booking and Availability

This experience is booked on average 7 days in advance and has a flexible cancellation policy. It is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility issues or who prefer a more relaxed, home-based culinary experience.

Home-Style Matera Dining in a Private Setting

This tour offers a genuine insight into Matera’s home-cooked dishes within a warm and friendly environment. Participants help prepare traditional recipes that are seasonally inspired, then enjoy tasting them together. The host’s personal stories and local ingredients make this a memorable experience for those seeking a behind-the-scenes look into Matera’s culinary life.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience Most

This experience best suits food lovers eager to connect with local traditions in a personal setting. It’s ideal for those interested in regional ingredients and family recipes, especially if looking for a relaxed, intimate activity. Travelers seeking a formal cooking class or pre-made dinner may find this less suitable, as it’s more about participation and conviviality than instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a traditional cooking class?
No, it is not a formal cooking class. The experience involves helping to prepare dishes that are pre-made at the host’s house, focusing on community and tradition.

How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending back at the same meeting point.

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
Participants will help prepare local Matera dishes, such as Cicirata in hen broth, married soup, carnival calzones, and baked cazzomarro. Depending on the season, other specialties like Easter cardoncelli flan are included.

Can I participate with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed at this experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the activity are not refundable.

Where does the experience start?
It begins at Viale Italia, 24 in Matera.

Is this experience suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as it is designed to be relaxed and inclusive, with near public transportation options.

Will I be cooking everything from scratch?
No, the dishes are partially pre-made, with participants helping to prepare and assemble the final dishes.

What makes this tour different from other culinary experiences in Matera?
Its main appeal is the home setting, personal storytelling, and focus on seasonal, spontaneous ingredients that showcase Matera’s culinary roots in a private, convivial atmosphere.

How do I book this experience?
Booking is available through the provider with an aim to secure a spot about 7 days in advance.