Cooking with Chef Abram. Bespoke Culinary Classes in Turin offered by I EAT Food Tours and Events

More Than a Cooking Class: The Transformative Value of Culinary Experiences with Chef Abram & Cecilia

Cooking is never just about food. It’s about stories, identity, culture, and connection. When students step into the kitchen for an experience like this, they are not just learning recipess: they are immersing themselves in a living tradition, led by experts who bring a unique blend of culinary excellence and social insight.

At the heart of this experience were Michelin-starred Chef Abram, a culinary visionary who reinterprets tradition with a creative touch, and myself, a sociologist specializing in culinary tourism. Together, we designed an event that wasn’t just about cooking techniques but about understanding the deeper meaning of food in our lives, our histories, and our identities.

In an experience that combined education, travel, and gastronomy, 20 students from the College of Charleston embarked on an unforgettable culinary journey through Piedmont. The cooking class that we designed for them was an integral part of their study abroad program focused on the principles of slow food. This enriching educational cooking class – organised by I EAT Food Tours & Events – provided the students with a hands-on opportunity to explore and appreciate the local flavours and traditions of the Piedmont region.

The Ultimate Cooking Class Experience

Porta Palazzo, Torino

Held in a professional cooking studio located in the heart of Europe’s largest market, this cooking class was perfectly situated to provide an immersive culinary experience. Chef Abram, known for his innovative approach to traditional cuisine, guided the students through a meticulously crafted menu that highlighted the best of Piedmontese ingredients and cooking techniques.

Gourmet Starter: Merluzzo al Verde Piemontese

Cook alongside a Michelin star trained chef and create amazing dishes to mesmerise yourself and your dear ones.

The culinary adventure began with Chef Abram’s reinterpretation of “Merluzzo al Verde Piemontese,” a dish that elegantly transformed a humble, penitential food into a gourmet delight. The starter featured fresh spinach, pan-fried heart of cod, crispy bacon, and a unique pistachio pesto. This sophisticated dish exemplified how cod, historically seen as a simple and modest ingredient, can be elevated to gourmet status through innovative preparation and presentation.

Main Course Challenge: Risotto Mantecato al Burro e Parmigiano

The highlight of the cooking class was the main course challenge, where students prepared Risotto Mantecato al Burro e Parmigiano.

This classic Piedmontese dish was accompanied by seasonal asparagus prepared in three different ways and topped with crunchy hazelnut crumbles.

Piedmont is famous for its rice fields, especially in the province of Vercelli, making rice a central component of its culinary traditions.

The addition of hazelnuts, another local specialty, added a delightful texture and flavor to the dish, showcasing the region’s agricultural richness.

Pre-Cooking Treats: Brasato al Barolo and Datterini Gazpacho

Before diving into their cooking tasks, the students were treated to Chef Abram’s exquisite Brasato al Barolo, served as a gourmet sandwich with Purée alla Francese, and an out-of-this-world gazpacho made with datterini tomatoes and creamy burrata. These pre-cooking treats not only delighted the students’ palates but also provided them with an understanding of the depth and variety of Piedmontese cuisine.

Chef Abram interpretation of Brasato Al Barolo. As a burger gourmet with puree alla francese. Wow!

Gourmet Burgers by Chef Abram and an amazing Barolo Ceretto 2009. This is what we eat when chef Abram keeps it cool and fancy at once

Sweet Farewell: Timeless Tiramisu

To conclude their culinary journey, the students savored a timeless tiramisu, a perfect end to a perfect meal. As a special gift, each student received a golden spoon, a symbol of the delicious memories they created and will continue to collect throughout their culinary journeys.

Cooking with Chef Abram in Turin.

Tiramisu in a glass with marinated berries.

The Impact of the Educational Trip

This cooking class was more than just a gastronomic experience; it was an educational trip that left a lasting impact on the students. Aimed to immerse students in the principles of slow food, promoting sustainable and local food traditions, but also to let them bond with each others through a fun filled and flavourful experience. After all, food connects us on a deeper level.

By cooking with Chef Abram, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and techniques that define Piedmontese cuisine.

The students’ handwritten feedback was filled with gratitude and admiration for the experience, highlighting how this trip had enriched their understanding of food and culture.

Learning directly from Chef Abram in such a vibrant way and in a special setting allowed them to see the value of preserving culinary traditions while embracing innovation.

Exploring Turin, Torino

Piazza San Carlo, Torino

In addition to the cooking class, the students had the opportunity to explore Torino (Turin), a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food markets. Turin, the capital of Piedmont, is a city where food culture thrives, making it an ideal destination for an educational trip focused on gastronomy & beyond.

From its famous chocolate shops to its bustling markets and historic cafes, Turin provided the students with a wealth of experiences that complemented their culinary education.

Why These Experiences Matter: The Power of Food Beyond the Plate

For students, this was more than a fun afternoon in the kitchen, it was an academic and personal awakening. Here’s why experiences like this hold immense value:

1. Food as a Social and Cultural Lens

Food is a universal language, but every dish tells a different story. This class helped students understand:

-The historical evolution of Piedmontese cuisine

-The impact of migration, religion, and class on traditional dishes

-How modern chefs reinterpret heritage to keep traditions alive in a contemporary world

By preparing a once-humble dish like Merluzzo al Verde and transforming it into a gourmet masterpiece, students experienced first-hand how food reflects social change, adaptation, and innovation.

2. The Value of Personalization: A Tailored Culinary Journey

What makes our approach different? It’s not just another cooking class, it’s a fully customized, deeply immersive experience, designed to resonate with the unique interests and backgrounds of the participants.

For this group of College of Charleston students, we did not just teach Italian cooking. We crafted a menu and a narrative that aligned with their academic interests, cultural perspectives, and creative curiosity. Each dish was an opportunity to explore:

-The philosophy of Slow Food, right in its birthplace

-The relationship between gastronomy and identity

-Sustainability, local economies, and ethical food production

This tailored approach means no two experiences are ever the same. Each group that joins us leaves with a story uniquely their own, shaped by their engagement, curiosity, and creativity.

3. Learning from the Best: Michelin-Starred Expertise Meets Sociological Insight

Bringing together a Michelin-starred chef and a sociologist of food tourism creates a rare, multidimensional experience that is both technically enriching and intellectually stimulating.

Chef Abram—a true artist of Piedmontese cuisine—offered his expertise in technique, ingredient pairing, and creative reinvention, inspiring students to think like culinary innovators.

As a sociologist, I provided a wider cultural context, helping students connect food with history, identity, and social meaning.

This fusion of practical skill and deep cultural storytelling is what makes our events unparalleled in depth and impact.

4. Creativity, Emotion, and Connection: The Human Side of Cooking

Beyond the techniques and flavors, what truly made this class special was the spirit of creativity, experimentation, and personal connection.

Cooking together broke barriers, sparked conversation, and created moments of joy, surprise, and discovery. By the end of the class, these students weren’t just participants, they were part of a shared culinary journey, one that left lasting memories and meaningful reflections.

We wish these young and resourceful students to collect tons of spoons of goodness and joy along the journey. That was our special and symbolic way to say thank you for joining us. Pamphlet of recipes and a golden spoon souvenir.

A Journey to Remember

This cooking class with Chef Abram, and co-hosted and created by me, was a highlight of the College of Charleston’s study abroad program, offering students a unique blend of education, culture, and culinary artistry. The experience underscored the importance of slow food principles and the value of learning from local culinary experts.

As the students return home, they carry with them the knowledge and skills they gained during their time in Piedmont, ready to apply these lessons to their future culinary endeavors.

This educational trip has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on their culinary journeys, inspiring them to continue exploring and appreciating the rich scenario of global food cultures.

Thanks a lot to the students of the University of Charleston and to CEPA Study Abroad for choosing our activities and to cook with Chef Abram in Turin!

A Call to Universities & Educational Groups: Create Your Own Transformative Culinary Experience

If you’re looking for an educational trip that goes beyond sightseeing, a Slow Food-inspired cooking experience in Turin offers a chance to:

. Engage students in hands-on learning

. Explore food as a tool for cultural understanding

. Combine Michelin-starred expertise with sociological insight

.Experience a fully customized journey, tailored to your groups interests

We invite universities, schools, and educational organizations to bring their students to Turin for a one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural immersion.

Let’s create an experience that is as unique as your group. Reach out today to design a personalized, unforgettable cooking event in the heart of Italy’s Slow Food capital!

Thanks for reading and please feel free to share this blog post with those who may be interested.

A presto!

Cecilia