Dining Out: Cookology

“Cooking is about passion, so it may look slightly temperamental in a way that it's too assertive to the naked eye.” - Gordon Ramsay

When my bestie Alisha, decided to have her 29th birthday at Cookology in Northern Virginia, I was super thrilled. She wanted to host an intimate cooking class with close friends and family, on her special day. The class was so much fun, and the instructor was amazing! I loved the fact that we were taught specific cooking techniques, but we were free to experiment, and try new things with our dishes. Everything throughout the night was casual, fun, and light - if you are in the Northern Virginia area I totally recommend this for adults, and children.

The Menu:

Appetizer: Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrée: Parisian Bistro Style Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Veloute

Dessert: Bourbon Bread Pudding

Truer words have never been written.

When we arrived to the cooking class, we were greeted by the most welcoming staff, wine, and appetizers! We got acquainted with our work stations, the recipes we’d be creating our meals with, and the kitchen.

The welcoming appetizer of caprese skewers, before we began cooking.

We cooked with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and even alcohol! Our instructor had us begin with our individual dessert first. The class needed adequate time to prep the bourbon bread pudding first, prior to making our entree. By doing this process, we were able to allow the dessert to cook thoroughly, and this also eased everyone into making the larger dish ahead.

Bourbon, celery, peppers, and butter - all key components for the meals cooked during class.

The ingredients for the bourbon bread pudding.

Preparing the bourbon bread pudding mixture, and cubing the bread for the dessert.

Once the dessert was assembled, and set for baking, everyone moved on the entree. We made a Parisian style chicken with a house made sauce. For this dish we were assigned a partner, and Alisha was mine! As a team, we prepared all the veggies to go along with the dish - celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, and red pepper. From there she sautéed the mixture into a large pot, which was later blended in a food processor, as a sauce for the grilled chicken.

My best friend, Alisha sautéing the veggies for the roasted red pepper veloute.

The class observing a cooking demo by the head chef.

Parisian style chicken, paired with a house made salad.

Bourbon bread pudding, with a whiskey glaze.

I absolutely loved my experience at Cookology! This experience was really unique to other cooking classes. Not only was the class private, but it was super relaxed, and I enjoyed the fact that everything was easy going. The chef provided really good kitchen tips throughout the process. Also, it was great to learn new recipes as well as how to stretch ingredients for each meal. I definitely recommend doing a cooking class with friends, or your partner. It is a great bonding experience, plus you walk away with so much knowledge!

If you have taken a cooking class, share your experience below!

XO, Analise

When In Rome, Part II

“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.” – Alberto Sordi.

In Part II, (check out Part I) of our wonderful trip to Rome, I am sharing all of the places we visited. G and I tried to fit as much as we could into our week long trip in Rome, while making sure we living and enjoying in each moment.

There are so many stops to make in this city. Visiting during the off-season was an excellent decision. We were really able to enjoy each monument, and not have to rush or be overcome by large crowds of people. Going during the month of January was the perfect choice for us, and luckily a lot of tours were not booked or crowded.

Also, if you are interested in vacationing in Rome, bring your walking shoes! We rarely took a taxi in the city, and literally walked everywhere. I brought a lot of comfortable sneakers, and was so grateful I did.

First, I will start with where we stayed …

Hotel Artemide

Hotel Artemide, was the perfect home away from home. The accommodations were lovely, and the staff was nothing short of amazing.

The gorgeous how restaurant, Ambrosia.

Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum

This was such a cool experience and a dream come true for G. We were able to learn so much about these wonderful monuments and how they became to be. There is so much history on these stops, and we actually did a combined tour that highlighted each area.

The view of the Colosseum.

G & I decided to take the extended Colosseum tour, we were lucky to go into parts of the arena that were not accessible to the public.

Overlooking the Romun Forum.

One of the many arches erected in Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Palatine Hill

The entry into the Roman Forum.

Triumphal Arch of Constantine

Milivio Bridge

My best friend, Alisha gifted me a locket to put on the Milivio Bridge. It has G’s and I initials engraved on the front, and our wedding date on the back. We were able to secure it on the bridge, and it was such an amazing way to cement our memory and spot in Italy.

Our gold locket secured on the bridge.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain was gorgeous and breathtaking, we instantly felt calm as we approached this stunning structure. This is where visitors make their wishes  by throwing coins into the fountain, also there are people who drink the water as well, as a form of good luck. It was a bit crowded, but we were able to make our way to the fountain to make several wishes. 

The Trevi Fountain

Making a wish.

Altar of the Fatherland

This historic museum not only was breathtaking, but filled with artifacts from the Italian Unification. Also, the monument is dedicated to king Vittorio Emanuele II, and his resting place is inside the Altar of the Fatherland. This museum has some of the most amazing views of Rome. They even offer an elevator ride at the top of the building for visitors to enjoy the landscape from up high.  

Overlooking the city of Rome from the steps of the Altar of the Fatherland.

G standing in front of the Altar of the Fatherland.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps consists of 174 steps, and when you finally reach the top, you're literally in awe of the gorgeous city and overlooking Piazza di Spagna. In front of the steps you'll find the Fontana della Barcaccia which is a work of art. Also, in this area you'll find a ton of high end shops - Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Valentino, and so much more. During this stop I treated myself to my very first Fendi bag! Visiting this city, I really wanted to buy a special piece from Roma, and I'm so glad I did.

G soaking the city in while sitting on the Spanish Steps.

Our view on top of the Spanish Steps.

In front of Fendi with my very first bag from the iconic store.

Vatican City

This stop was one of my favorites. The city is amazing, and the bridge leading up to this area is stunning. The church was nothing like I've ever seen before and encompassed such great detail and design. Also, services were being conducted during our visit - if you are interested in attending it was super easy to find a seat and be a part of it. Cameras and videos were not allowed during services, as well as in the Sistine Chapel. We toured the Vatican Museum which connected us to the chapel super easily.

Strolling through Vatican City.

Soaking in the views of Vatican City.

Enjoying a rainy day in the city.

The Pantheon

This former temple, now church is simply lovely. The architecture for this building was so neat to see in person. It was very easy to get in and walk around. When visiting you'll find many artists sketching the iconic features of the church.  

The Pantheon

In front of the fountain by The Pantheon.

Teatro Dell’Opera

Our hotel was right around the corner from this amazing Opera house. G and I went to see La Traviata and the show was absolutely wonderful. Also, they provided English and Spanish subtitles during the show, which was super helpful to follow along. The interior and design of Teatro Dell'Opera was stunning. Also, there was a small museum inside that displayed the buildings history.

The entrance to Teatro Dell'Opera.

Getting ready for the show, La Traviata.

The gorgeous cieling in the hall.

Thank you so much for reading part two of our Italian vacation!

Our trip was so much fun, and we are already thinking about planning another vacation soon! What are some of your favorite places to visit? Share below!

XO, Analise

When In Rome, Part I

“When I'm traveling, I won't miss an opportunity to try great pasta.” - Meghan Markle

In Part I of my trip to Rome, Italy, I’m dishing on all of the food G and I ate. One of the most common questions I received upon returning from my trip was, “How was the food?”

The food in Italy was amazing, and we really indulged during our week long trip. Not only were our dining experiences out of this world, but we were able to have private cooking lessons at Rimessa Roscioli in their kitchen - you’ll be able to see our experience below as well!

What We Ate

The creamiest and super delicious pasta carbonara not too far from the Spanish Steps.

The yummiest cheese plate during a wine pairing at Rimessa Roscioli.

Meatball appetizer at Rimessa Roscioli.

Grilled lamb chops, salad, and roasted potatoes.

Ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, sitting in a creamy, mild tomato sauce.

A Black Angus burger at the best burger spot in Italy, Burger Bistrot.

The juciest roasted chicken and potatoes, garnished with a side salad.

A warm dark chocolate cake, that paired perfectly with fresh berries and cream.

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Private Cooking Class & Wine Pairing

Rimessa Roscioli

Prior to our trip, I researched long and hard to find a shop that not only had amazing wines, but could ship some back to our home in Virginia. Rimessa was able to completely fulfill the request for us. Also, they offered cooking classes on-site in their kitchen, and I absolutely could not pass up on that offer. Our instructor, Alice, who is the head pastry chef at Rimessa was nothing short of amazing. She allowed us to try their fresh ingredients, and explained everything so perfectly. We were able to have a true hands on experience, and made four dishes - three pasta entrees, and a dessert. Learning how to roll fresh pasta, and make homemade tiramisu in an Italian restaurant, is an experience I will never forget. Also, Mattia, the manager paired wine for each of dish we made, his attention to detail and wonderful palette guided us through this class successfully.

The quaint wine shop and restaurant tucked on the side streets of Rome.

Our amazing chef for the day, Alice. We spent four hours in the restaurant learning all about pasta making and trying amazing foods.

Mattia, our wine guide during our cooking class, created the perfect pairing menu for our day at Rimessa.

G cutting his fresh pasta for our Cacio e Pepe.

Slicing pork cheek for our ravioli and mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce.

The fresh pasta right before it was cooked.

Dish one: Fresh ravioli, stuffed with cheese and garnished with pork cheek.

Dish two: Cacio e Pepe with a black peppercorn garnish.

Dish three: Mezze maniche with amatriciana sauce garnished with pork cheek.

Dish four: Classic homemade tiramisu.

Cheers to a successful cooking class with my favorite person.

Our trip to Rome was so wonderful and a memory we will cherish for years to come. Stay tuned to Part II where I’ll be sharing all of the activities we did, and the places we visited in this wonderful city.

XO, Analise