In early 90s, Fiammetta Maggio came to India and travelled across the length and breadth of the country. Needless to say she fell in love with the country. So much so that she decided to return with some job opportunity. Her prayers were answered and soon she got a chance to work for an Italian garment manufacturing company in Tirupur. She grabbed the opportunity, stayed and worked in Tirupur for 6 months and eventually moved to the company’s Chennai office. Then she met her would-be-husband, Gerard Pereira who has been in textile business, married soon and settled in here in the second half of 90s.
The duo, who live with their son and daughter in Madhavaram, source silk and other textiles from places like Tirupur, Salem and Karur. But Fiammetta also nurtures a deep passion for cooking Italian, which has been passed down from her mother.
“My mother was a great cook and she inculcated the love for food and cooking in me. My cooking has been well-accepted by friends and family here in Chennai and I thought it is time I devote some attention to my passion for the same,” says Fiammetta. She has been hosting cooking classes for small batches of 10, once in two months for a while now. But she intends to increase the frequency soon and will conduct atleast two classes in a month.
“It is important to know basics of Italian cooking and the right ingredients to understand the richness of the cuisine. Right from perfecting the art of making the gnocchi pasta, a nice pesto sauce or using a certain variety of cheese for a particular dish - one needs to know every minute detail,” shares Fiammetta.
She intends to cater to small batches as she feels it helps in giving individual attention and also the participants can interact with each other. “I want to create a nice ambience where the participants can sit with each other, discuss about cooking and at the end of the class savour what they have prepared. Food brings people together,” she adds.
The expat also plans to cater for small gatherings and host curated food events in the near future. She currently charges Rs 1000/- per class. The next class is scheduled for May 25. You can call on 9840412167 for details and registration.
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