Experiential food tourism is a growing trend in Rome right now. Not much of it is particularly worthwhile and the majority of it is led by amateurs. There is at least one major exception to the rule: Rome’s gelato master Claudio Torcè is now giving hands-on gelato courses in the basement of his shops on Via Stoccolma in EUR.
Now when I say basement, banish the idea of a dim and musty cave. Torcè has created a bright workshop that feels like home. The initiative is called “Il Gelato a Casa Tua” (gelato at your house) and the space was created to reinforce the fact that even novices can make all-natural gelato with simple equipment and materials. You can see for yourself on former Parla Food intern Adrienne Foley’s blog.
During the three-hour workshop, participants take turns weighing ingredients, making pistacchio paste, toasting herbs and generally preparing the raw materials. The final step is eating it the gelato they make in a small but efficient machine. I had the joy of bringing a dozen university students to make gelato with Claudio last semester and I can say first-hand that the workshop is an outstanding opportunity to learn the craft from the master. To arrange an “Il Gelato a Casa Tua” workshop or request more information, write to Claudio here.














Kathy, Dream of Italy
February 13th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Totally doing this on my next trip to Rome! Great find!
Sue
February 13th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
That is definitely going on my to do list
Jan
February 13th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Buonissimo! I saw a TV spot about a “gelato university” in Bologna, on CBS Sunday morning. I love that Italy is doing these kinds of things.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57550969/gelato-a-feast-for-the-eyes/
Sharon
February 13th, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Ciao,
I’ve been thinking about gelato lately. Most packaged ones here in the states contain gums. To learn to make the real thing would be divine.
Grazie
Lady
February 17th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
I am a gelato lover and would love to learn how to make them. Grazie mille:)
ciaochowlinda
February 19th, 2013 at 4:04 am
Katie – Would you mind sending the info about how to contact Claudio to take the workshop? When I click on the link, my computer pops out a box and asks me for an email password for an account I don’t use. Thanks
Katie
February 19th, 2013 at 9:39 am
here you go! ilgelato.acasatua@gmail.com
Laura
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Sounds like a great time. We are going to be in Rome over Easter and would love to do this. Do you know if it is kid friendly? I have sent an email but haven’t gotten a response yet.
Thanks!
Katie
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
i would say it is appropriate for kids 9 or 10 and up. claudio has a friend dealing with the english emails which is why it is taking time to get back to you. might be worth dropping another line…but keep in mind that easter is a very serious holiday here, which means good friday-easter monday people spend time with their families and friends, not working
ciao!
Laura
February 23rd, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Thank you for the info. My kiddos are 11 and 13 and I know they would love it. We are going to be there from March 25- April 1.