introduction
The idea is that these will be fun gatherings around the kitchen table to share a passion for food, and to enjoy a homecooked meal with good conversation! As a family we love food and entertaining. I’ve been cooking and catering for my family and friends for many years. Now together with my daughter Abbi, we would like to share supper in our kitchen in the relaxed and comfortable surroundings of our home, the former Royal Oak Nunnington. For dates and news please go to our BLOG page.
what to expect
There aren’t any choices on the menu, and we hope you won’t be disappointed. We use local produce where we can and aim for simplicity with a handful of ingredients.
There will be, at times, a little Tuscan influence, but hopefully you will enjoy what we, as a family love to eat and cook. Hopefully you will not go home hungry.
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We do not have a licence so please feel free to bring your own wine.
As a family of foodies we love to explore new recipes and new restaurants. However, in Italy there is a saying: ‘if grandma (Nonna) made them that way, why change them’! However, from time to time we are inspired with modern touches, although we would not like to deconstruct a good dish!
Our Italian dishes are from places we have lived in The Mugello, the ‘Green Heart of Tuscany’ and other regions we love. Not forgetting our chateau in The Lot France, Le Chateau de Cavagnac, and of course, our restaurant Olivers24 in Harrogate in the late 90’s!
food allergies
Please let us know well in advance if you, or any of your party, have food allergies or specific dietary requirements. Most of the food prepared in our kitchen is gluten free, but we cannot accommodate severe allergies or cater for ‘dislikes’.
drinks
The Club is strictly BYOB . We are not licensed, but you are welcome to bring your own! We have a wine cooler and fridges available, so bring a label to make sure you drink your own! We have still and sparkling water on tap, but if you want any other drinks, again, feel free to bring your own. We can also advise on wines and where to buy them locally.
dress
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. A bit of sparkle perhaps! Some even like to make their private supper/dinner a black tie event – it’s up to you.
corsi di cucina italiana
An introduction to classic Italian dishes, with a practical down to earth and enthusiastic approach to Italian food. Just because some are quick and easy to prepare, cook and serve, doesn’t mean they are any less appreciated … as long as they are made with love and energy!
I feel ready to share my hard-learned cooking tips and secrets with you, many of which you won’t find in the books, as well as useful advice on preparing dishes in advance.
There is a saying in Italy, ‘Se la nonna l'ha fatta così, perché cambiarla’ which translates to ‘if Nonna (Grandma) made it that way, why change it!’ So I would not deconstruct a good dish, but maybe give it a little modern touch.
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There is no certificate at the end of these classes, just an enjoyable lunch! My love of cooking came from three Nonnas. My Italian mother in law, Maria, when I lived in Rome in the 60’s (with my Italian husband), and my Yorkshire mother in law, Marjorie, when I lived on a farm in Rosedale Abbey, (married to a Yorkshireman) and my lovely neighbour, Anna, when I Iived in Tuscany for 14 years. Up in the hills north of Florence I had a small B&B, 100 olives trees, and ran cooking classes.
Therefore, these classes will be based around the food we love from Italy. Every region has a different variation on a recipe! We will explore some of the popular dishes, and some of the lesser known recipes from various regions. Every region claims to have the best!
The class can be in English or Italian or a mix of both for those with a little understanding, but who want to learn more. The Italian menu will be explained and how to order as the Italians do. We can also advise on what wines go with what foods, and where they come from.
We begin at 9.30 with a coffee and to discuss what we are going to prepare and cook for lunch!
I do not have a premises license so if you would like a glass of wine with your meal, please bring your own.
Please email for dates, prices and information. Small groups of two-four 9.30-3pm including lunch. For more info Email: [email protected]
nonna’s kitchen
corsi di cucina italiana
For those who cannot find the time for a trip to Italy!
Working in small groups of 2-4 people from 9.30 to 3.00 pm . Demonstrations, hands on cooking, followed by a well-earned lunch and discussion. Please email us for dates.
1. antipasti & starters class
- Crostini (selection of favourites)
- Bruschetta (and how to pronounce it!)
- Caprese (from Capri - traditional and variations)
- For discussion: A Tuscan Antipasto misto!
2. lasagna class
- Traditional with a Classic Bolognese sauce (no garlic!)
- Vegetarian with goat’s cheese
- For discussion: Spaghetti Bolognese – not an Italian dish!
3. risotto class
- Asparagus & prawn
- Vegetarian
- For discussion: Supplì v. Arancini
4. dolce (desserts) class
- Tiramisù (lift/pick me up!) No alcohol or sponge fingers!
- Panna cotta (cooked cream) getting the right wobble!
- Chocolate mascarpone mousse (no cream!)
- For discussion: To deconstruct a dessert or not!
5. nonna's italian lunch
- For those who cannot find the time for a trip to Italy, and a chance for some to practise or refresh their Italian!
- No cooking, but an excuse for lunch, Italian-style, with friends!
- Al fresco if possible
- Three courses cooked by Nonna
- 12.00-3.00 pm (Maximum 8 people).
- For discussion: Italian waiters!
6. special occasions
- Why not have an authentic Tuscan meal for your friends
- A Crostini Bar or traditional Italian grazing table
- Please email us to discuss exclusive use.
nonna's supper club
The Royal Oak, Church Street, Nunnington, YO62 5US
