Ciao, I created Italian Inspirations after living, traveling and studying in Italy for 8 years. Prior to my international adventure, I earned a degree in Culinary Arts from the Seattle Culinary Academy and then set off to travel and explore while I finished my Associates of Arts and took intensive Italian Language courses in Florence. Following this honeymoon-like period of life in Tuscany, I enrolled in Italian university and endured four years of grueling but enriching studies. I graduated from the Università di Firenze in 2007 with a degree in Intercutural and Interlinguistic Studies and have taught English in Italy and Italian in the USA over the past 12 years. While I lived in Italy, I worked in various sectors providing me with an array of formative experiences including: - Il Centro Studi Jorge Eielson - Cultural Association dedicated to Latin American Art, Literature & Cultural exchange with Italy -- http://www.centroeielson.com/ - Gucci Calzature - Shoes Galore! Fittings & Showroom--Firenze & Milano - Baldoria Enoteca - Gourmet Italian Cuisine & Vino - Edison Libreria Bar - Coffee culture - Ferragamo family - Private English Tutor for bambini, including travel and cultural immersion experiences I've been back in the Pacific Northwest for over 4 years now and I'm excited to continue sharing my culinary, linguistic and cultural knowledge and passion with people who love all things Italian! Through Italian Inspirations, I now offer: - private and group language classes and workshops for travelers, foodies and the culturally curious - boutique foodie tours in Italy - personal chef dinner experiences - rustic Italian dishes prepared in your home with fresh ingredients - translation and interpreting services
MAY 4, 2016 – MAY 11, 2016 * An Intentional Table Signature Tour * This extraordinary tour will explore both western and eastern Sicily to give you the richest, fullest taste of the region’s food and wine culture. After we travel through the historic melding of cultures and architecture, you will not soon forget this hauntingly beautiful island. A few of the … More SICILIAN FOOD & WINE TOUR
I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all you language students, foodie clients, Italy-bound travelers, including family & friends, who helped make 2014 another fun and rewarding year for me with Italian Inspirations! For those of you planning 2015 travel, please note that if we get 8 registrations by January 30th for the April 16-23, 2015 Culinary … More Happy New Year!! Buon Anno a tutti!
Are you ready for your upcoming trip to Italy? Maybe you’d like to know a few phrases to be polite with the locals and learn a little vocabulary to help you eat well and arrive safely at your destinations? Gaining cultural insight and organizing your itinerary to maximize your time on vacation in Italy can be … More Fall 2014 Italian Language Classes
Maybe it speaks to my personality, but I like a nutty pesto… Here’s my most recently created (and favorite-to-date) pesto recipe. When tossing with pasta, be sure to add any fresh veggies that are ripe in your garden or that inspire you at your local farmers’ market…a mix of raw and cooked items will add texture … More Summer Fresh Pesto Pasta
If your summer plans include hiking, camping, kayaking, backpacking or a foodie’s picnic en plein air, follow this link to an article I wrote for Full Circle called 3 Easy Dishes for Camping that offers a few menu ideas and some important things to keep in mind as you enjoy the sunny season outdoors… Buon appetito e … More Camping with Taste
Ciao Italo-amici! While I’m often dreaming of magical moments shared when I lived in Italy, there are many reasons why I love being back home in the Pacific Northwest during the summer, where our local bounty always inspires me, both out in nature and back in the kitchen… I hope you enjoy the season, wherever it … More Auguri per un’estate fantastica – Happy Summer
Spring is coming! Which means it’s time to get ready for your upcoming trip to Italy…or to keep dreaming about one manifesting on your horizon. For Curious Travelers & Beginners, there’s an Italian Language & Culture Workshop on March 14th in Poulsbo from 3-7pm and another on Bainbridge Island Saturday, March 22nd from 10am-2pm. Then, … More Primavera è in arrivo!
Cari amici miei, This is just a quick thank you to everyone who has helped make 2013 a wonderful year — full of new adventures involving Italian language, culture and cuisine! After fully digesting the deliciously enriching experiences my group of travelers and I enjoyed during our November 2013 Culinary Tour of Tuscany, I am … More Happy Holidays!
Happy June!! I hope this finds everyone well and ready to enjoy to warm weather, delicious food and fun summer outings… I’m already dreaming of our November trip to Tuscany and have finalized the documents you’ll need to start getting ready and registered. Please take a few moments to read through the Travel Agreement before … More Reserve your place on a November 2013 Culinary Tour of Tuscany
Get ready for your upcoming trip to Italy… (or the one you’re still dreaming about…) by registering for one of my 1/2-day Beginners Workshops or an 8-week Italian Language Course through Poulsbo Parks & Recreation — visit their website for more information or call 360.779.9898 to register. Classes are held at the beautiful and accommodating … More Spring & Summer Italian Language Classes
Italian Inspirations 