“A Tavola”

Love Food…? Love Wine…? – Then Let’s Get Together!

At one of our ‘Cooking at Home’ experiences in the Dorsoduro sestiere!

Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast, just like to dabble, or don’t know your Cannellini from your Cannelloni, together we’ll create and enjoy the dishes we Venetians love to serve at home!

Gathering together at VOV’s new purpose-designed home-kitchen, you’ll be led on your Italian food-fest by one of our expert local chefs

Specially chosen for their energy and intuitive approach to teaching (no slavish reliance on boring recipe books here!), they’ll share their intimate knowledge of Venice and its culinary history while you perfect your skills at the worktop and the stove

Following and feasting on a daily changing menu of simple cucina casalinga (home-cooking) made with the freshest seasonal ingredients available on the day, dishes may include specialities such as Fondi di Carciofo from Sant’Erasmo, Baccala Mantecato, perhaps Prawns in Saor…. Maybe a Risotto with Bruscandoli or Asparagus, Homemade Pasta alla Busara and a tempting Tiramisu…

Or why not treat the kids to some messy, hands-on cooking with homemade pizzas and yummy pastas their number one dishes of the day!

With all the latest ‘mod cons’ guaranteed –

• All classes are subject to availability and must be pre-booked in advance
• Cooking classes are conducted in either English or Italian and can accommodate a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 guests
• Classes last approx. 3-4 hours and take place daily in pre-lunch (11am) or pre-dinner (6pm) sessions
• All food and soft drinks (water and coffee) are included in your lesson
• Supervised children over 3 years of age welcome! Do get in touch for our menu suggestions specially created with little ones in mind

Come Pop Some Corks And Make Merry…

At one of our informative wine tastings, with the opportunity of combining it with a ‘secret’ Venice walking tour!

Led by our simpatica (or simpatico!) certified sommelier you’ll uncork the secrets of our eminently quaffable Italian wines

Focusing on 3-4 bottles from the Veneto and Friuli regions (a mix of red and white) paired with seasonal local appetisers, you’ll explore –

• The origins and history of each of the wines opened along with an insider’s insight into the history of the city itself
• The principles and methods of wine tasting using sight, smell and taste along with expert tips on what to look out for
• How to best open, pour, serve and store your wines
• How to read Italian wine labels
• The importance and principles of wine and food pairing

Easy-going, unpretentious – and best of all, tons of fun – wine tastings last approx. 1½ hours and can, if you wish, be preceded by a short (1½ hour) walking tour of ‘secret’ Venice on which you’ll discover local places and hidden-away corners that’ll make you feel like a true Venetian about town…

Starting at the Rialto (site of the world-famous bridge and food market) and taking in the labyrinthine sestiere of San Polo, the vibrant Campo Santa Margherita and the camera-ready Campo San Barnaba, the tour wends its way towards the Cucina-a-Casa in readiness for the start of your wine tasting class

Carefully put together with beginners in mind –

• All wine tastings (and combined walking tours) are subject to availability and must be pre-booked at least in advance
• Wine tastings and tours are conducted in either English or Italian and can accommodate a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 guests
• Tastings take place daily in scheduled sessions
• All wines, water and paired foodstuffs are included in your tasting
• Wine tasting participants must be over 18 years of age
• Any food allergies, food intolerances or special dietary requirements? Please be sure to let us know before booking so that we can contact you to discuss this further
• Wine tastings tailored to your wine preferences (or passions!) are also available
• Our Cucina is located on the ground floor with access to a private furnished courtyard/garden to the rear, which transforms into an al frescosocialising and wine tasting space for up to 10 guests in fine weather
• Cancellation terms: 7 days prior to date: Full refund. Less than 5 days: 50% refund. Less than 1 day: no refund

Let’s Help You Get The Party Started!

Our “A Tavola” also transforms into an elegant private event space perfect for hosting your food or wine themed special occasion – whether for business, pleasure or perhaps a bit of both including (but not only!) –

• Intimate cooking classes and wine tastings for your clients, colleagues, family or friends
• Stylish birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and vow renewal celebrations
• Memorable ‘get-togethers’ with friends and fellow travellers
• Team building corporate events and mini-conferences/meetings in a unique setting
• Cocktail parties, light lunches and small private dinners during the Venice Art and Architecture Biennales and the annual Carnevale
• Special Christmas parties & New Year brunches
• Small product launches and promotions

Capable of hosting up to 20 guests in super-swish Italian style, the exclusive booking of the “A Tavola” experience includes the discreet and friendly on-site support of a member of the VOV team for the duration of your event and use of its

• Professionally equipped kitchen/dining room
• Beautifully furnished formal dining room to the fore
• Sound systems in both main rooms
• Double inbuilt floor-to-ceiling wine refrigerators
• Collection of cookery books for those seeking inspiration
• Attractively furnished courtyard/garden to the rear
• Pristine bathroom facilities

Also available upon request and consultation:

• Private chef
• Butler
• Additional catering and/or service staff
• Catered food, wine, drinks and ice delivery
• Shopping orders and delivery
• Celebration cakes
• Floral arrangements
• Room and table decorations
• Photographer and videographer
• Luxury party bags and favours
• Projector, DVD player, stationery and writing materials
• Private water taxi transfers to and from a location close to the Cucina

Sounds fun? – Get in touch now for a chat and a quote!

(Note that all events must draw to a close by 11pm)