The Italian Garden and Lunch

Cooking with friends

As we welcome the cooler days of fall, it’s hard to let go of Italy. In late September, my friends Rose LoveallSale, Morningsun Herb Farm, Stefani Bittner of Homestead Design Collective, and I set off for the dreamy landscapes of Puglia. This long-planned journey was more than a vacation; it was a research trip for a 2025 floral design, garden, and wellness workshop we’re creating in the food basket of Italy. For two weeks, we roamed through farms, masseria (farmhouses), historic hill towns, antique markets, and immersive cooking classes, all to bring back inspiration for our students next October.

( I just have to say, have you EVER seen mushrooms like these?)

One of the most memorable days was spent with Julian Marr and her husband, Francesco, who run a small cooking school and food-focused tour company in Puglia, Italy Everyone at the table We began with a dive into the region’s rich culinary history, which led us to a local bread oven that’s been in use for generations. Francesco is a wealth of information regarding the food history of his region.

Climbing a long, winding staircase, we emerged into their beautiful apartment-turned-cooking school, where an array of appetizers awaited us. Delicious bruschetta topped with zucchini, herbs, and olive oil was just the beginning. With a quick introduction, we launched into a hands-on culinary experience. The room buzzed with laughter and endless chatter and shared advice on chopping, sauting or frying like an true Italian. Suddenly, we all felt like beginners, looking to Julian and Francesco for the secrets that might elevate our cooking to the level of an Italian nonna.

Food has a way of connecting us, creating friendships and bonds over shared flavors and laughter. It makes room for us to share secrets over glasses of wine, to laugh until we have tears in our eyes, and to savor every last bite. Somehow, it binds us with memories that last a lifetime.

Our Italian lunch was served at a beautifully set table adorned with olive branches, with sunlight streaming in from a small balcony. Twelve strangers, now friends for an afternoon, passed plates, refilled glasses, and shared stories. We left inspired and eager to bring Puglia back to California to share in our workshops.

The day ended with hugs, full stomachs, Julian and Francesco’s cookbook tucked under our arms, and promises to return.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT SOUL FOOD FARM

On November 9th, Stephain, Rose, and I will host our Italian Garden Class at Soul Food Farm. Join us for a unique, hands-on experience that combines the artistry of Italian garden design with California’s landscape. This three-hour intensive workshop, held in the picturesque olive orchard of Soul Food Farm on the cusp of harvest, will guide you in creating your Italian-inspired garden right here in California. Experience a taste of Italy as we cook many of the recipes from our day with Julian and Francesco and talk about the form and function of garden design.

TO JOIN:

Italian Garden Workshop at Soul Food Farm amidst the Olive Trees

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