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FOOD & DRINK · October 4, 2010

A Taste of Paradise at Mamma Agata’s Cooking School on the Amalfi Coast

One afternoon not long ago I stepped into paradise. That’s really how it feels when you walk through the doors of the Mamma Agata Cooking School on the Amalfi Coast. The pretty ceramic tile sign outside the door says “The Hidden Treasure,” and as soon as I stepped inside I knew I had discovered one of the true gems on the Amalfi Coast. I invite you along as I recount the enchanting summer afternoon I spent in Ravello at Mamma Agata’s …

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Sign

 

I arrived just as the morning’s cooking class was wrapping up. I received the warmest greeting from Chiara Lima, Director of Mamma Agata’s (and the daughter of Agata). Within minutes I found myself with a glass of red wine in hand and sampling an antipasto of Involtini di Melanzane, delicate rolls made with eggplant and filled with provolone, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. It was the beginning of the best meal I’ve ever eaten!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Wine Glass    

Although I didn’t see the entire cooking class, I was happy to have a chance to see the part about preparing the antipasti. The classes are taught by Agata and Chiara, with Chiara’s wonderful English translations and good humor making it a lively and fun experience. I was welcomed into the group immediately and could tell from the moment I arrived that they were having a fabulous time. The class takes place in a beautiful kitchen located just steps from a gorgeous outdoor terrace. After enjoying the antipasti in the kitchen, while learning some invaluable tips on frying, we were all invited to retire to the terrace and enjoy a glass of wine and the views while Chiara and Mamma Agata put the finishing touches on lunch. 

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata View

 

The views from Mamma Agata’s are extraordinary and are certainly part of the enchanting setting.

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Terrace

 

The table was beautifully set on the terrace, and it was so inviting on a gorgeous summer day.

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Lunch Table

 

Everything served at Mamma Agata’s is grown in the family’s garden, located on the terraced land stretching down to the sea. They serve their own wines, which get the close attention of Chiara’s husband Gennaro, a professional sommelier and wine expert. If you’re interested in a Wine Tasting, Gennaro will be your sommelier for an unforgettable evening on the Amalfi Coast!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Wine

 

The lunch started off with a taste of Mamma Agata’s Parmigiana di Melanzane, which was hands down the best I’ve ever had. After that fine beginning, we were served two outstanding pasta dishes. The first was a Spaghetti del Contadino with olives, fresh cherry tomatoes from the garden, capers and arugula. Next came Pappardelle con Perperoni e Salsiccia, broad pasta noodles served with peppers and sausage. I would go back again simply for this pasta dish … it was that good!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Chiara Lima

The delightful Chiara serving the Parmigiana di Melanzane

 

But it didn’t end there! Out next came Mamma Agata’s famous Pollo al Limone, chicken cooked in the famous Amalfi Coast lemons from the family’s gardens. After that I had to get up and take a stroll around the terrace garden to make room for dessert!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Grassy terrace

 

The finishing touch of this wonderful meal was a slice of Mamma Agata’s Dolce al Limone, an absolutely divine lemon cake, and a glass of the family’s limoncello. Mamma Agata’s has hosted countless celebrities, and they have a fun book put together where you can see photos. Chiara has many great stories to share, too! All of the recipes I’ve mentioned in this post can be found in the Mamma Agata Simple and Genuine cookbook written by Chiara Lima. After enjoying the fabulous meal, I dare you to leave without one!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Book

 

That afternoon I spent at Mamma Agata’s Cooking School was a dream. I felt like I had stepped into paradise! Not only do you get to learn about the secrets and cooking traditions on the Amalfi Coast, you also get to eat a meal of a lifetime. Perhaps the best part, however, is the feeling of being welcomed into a family. When you walk through the front door that’s how you feel—like you’re a part of the family. It’s an absolutely unforgettable experience on the Amalfi Coast!

 

Ciao Amalfi Blog Mamma Agata Bougainvillea

 

For more information, visit the Mamma Agata Cooking School website, which has all the details on their cooking classes, wine tastings and how to get your own copy of the Mamma Agata Simple and Genuine cookbook.

Posted In: FOOD & DRINK · Tagged: Amalfi Coast, Campania Travel, Costiera Amalfitana, Food & Drink, Ravello

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Comments

  1. anne says

    October 5, 2010 at 08:35

    Amazing … delicious … fabulous …. !! I can just taste the delicious food now . What a brilliant place to go and the views are just heavenly.

    Reply
  2. anne says

    October 5, 2010 at 08:36

    Sorry Laura me again .. Love your new blog 🙂

    Reply
    • laura says

      October 5, 2010 at 11:33

      Ciao Anne! You’re the first to comment on the new blog! 🙂 I still have so much to learn in WordPress … so bear with me while I organize the new site and make it look pretty.

      Brilliant is just the word to describe Mamma Agata’s Cooking School! The experience was just out of this world! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Eleonora says

    October 5, 2010 at 23:05

    You did it!!! Good for you. I’ve been debating whether to switch to WP. You’re the inspiration I needed. Will email you with a gazillion questions. Love this template, is it custom made?

    I’ve always wanted to do a course at Mamma Agata, maybe we could attend one together…

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 6, 2010 at 09:14

      Ciao Eleonora! Would love to go to Mamma Agata’s with you. It’s a wonderful spot and the family is so welcoming and warm. 🙂

      Send me an email when you’re thinking of switching to WordPress and I’ll share my insights. Or at least what I’ve learned so far… 🙂 This is a free template offered on WordPress, but there are so many out there!

      Reply
  4. Michelle | Bleeding Espresso says

    October 6, 2010 at 08:44

    Sounds like so much fun…and the new look is fab! Complimenti!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 6, 2010 at 09:15

      Grazie Michelle! It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited that it’s starting to take shape. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. LindyLouMac says

    October 6, 2010 at 18:06

    Looking good Laura both the new blog and Mamma Agata’s. I still do not think I am brave enough to move News From Italy to wordpress especially after seeing your friend Michael’s comments on FB. Anyway you seem to be getting your head round it and Ciao Amalfi has a new image. Well done.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 7, 2010 at 18:53

      Thanks Linda! Mamma Agata’s is a dream. Switching over hasn’t been that bad, but I’ve had some great help doing the work. I just said OK and they did it all! 🙂

      Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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