It all began innocuously enough on October 17, 2023. In my inbox was an email from one of the foodie bloggers, Elizabeth Minchilli, that I follow. Here’s how the email started:

Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy

Menu: Dinner in Parma

Pumpkin Flan, Stuffed Chicken, Cherry Crostata & a Video

I thought it was interesting, because I didn’t remember Elizabeth ever mentioning Parma before; and I have been following her for almost ten years. So I started reading about this cooking class given by a woman in her beautiful home in Parma. As I read, I realized I actually knew very little about Parma and its cuisine - and no, neither eggplant parm nor chicken parm has anything to do with Parma. As I kept reading, Elizabeth mentioned that the instructor’s husband ran one of the best restaurants in Parma with a link. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the link to see what was on the menu at one of the best restaurants in Parma. I was surprised to see how prominently cured meats figured in the appetizer section - not just prosciutto di Parma, but also culatello, salami and coppa. Interesting, I thought.

Antonia sharing her cooking knowledge

When I returned to the restaurant’s homepage, something on the navigation bar caught my eye. It was the term ‘B&B’. Hmm, I thought, that’s interesting. I wonder what that’s all about, so I clicked on the link. I was taken to a page where two rental apartments close to the restaurant were described. “That could be fun,” I thought. I imagined myself ensconced in one of the apartments for a week or so and exploring the culinary delights of Parma and its surroundings. The idea immediately resonated with me.  I filled out the internet inquiry form, asking about availability during the period I had in mind to travel. I sent it off and eagerly waited for a reply.

I didn’t have to wait long. Within forty-eight hours, I had received a response form the proprietor informing me that one of the apartments was indeed available, with a brief description and photos. It looked lovely- small and cozy - perfect for me. I grew more and more excited at the prospect. I then wrote asking the price, assuming that any rental property in the heart of Parma was probably out of my price range. I almost couldn’t believe it when I heard back and the cost for six night was going to be €720 - 120 euros a night. (At the time, that was about $130 dollars.) I wrote back and said that I wanted to reserve; and so, the idea of traveling to Parma moved much closer to reality. these were two of the photos that I received - the bedroom and the view from the living room of the cathedral.

Already there were many signs indicating that this trip was meant to happen. The last came when I wrote to the proprietor explaining my interest in the food and wine of the region and could she recommend a pasta making class. Little did I know that I was corresponding with the woman who had given the cooking class to Elizabeth’s group.  When she responded saying that she did. The deal was done. I’m not sure at which point I booked the flight to Milan, but, by the end of October, I was booked - flight, lodging and instruction.