Eat With is such an underrated travel experience, that gives the chance to enjoy traditional food in the home of a local! Frankly, more people should know about it. I had my fifth Eat With experience with Barbara and her family whilst in Sorrento, and it was truly a night to cherish.
This was my fifth Eat With experience, but my two friend’s first time so if you haven’t heard of it – definitely get to know it. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers, try some local home-cooked food, and get some insider knowledge of the place you’re visiting. You can see in advance the menu the local proposes and the price is paid upfront.
We booked this Eat With experience with Barbara and her family. This experience costs £34 per person paid in advance for a traditional ‘3-course’ Italian meal lovingly made by Barbara using organic homegrown ingredients from her garden. It was more like five courses with free-flowing wine and we most definitely did not leave hungry.
Barbara’s family home
Barbara’s daughter Federica very kindly offered to pick us up and drop us off at our AirB&B which was lovely since we weren’t too far away, this was really helpful for us since we were relying on public transport during our time in Sorrento. We were picked up at 6:50pm and arrived at the home at around 7pm, we were the first to arrive with the other 4 guests being collected by another family member.
We were met with a very warm welcome from Barbara and a glass of prosecco before introductions were made with the other 4 guests who would be joining us for the evening. This experience catered to a maximum of 8, so other than us three, we met four others all from America, plus our host Barbara, and her daughters Rita, Ludo, and Federica.
Al fresco dining
Not wanting to arrive empty-handed, we bought a few treats from home that would be quintessentially British. With some advice from an Italian friend, we gifted a small bottle of Pimms. While it isn’t stipulated to bring a host gift, it is a courtesy in some parts of Europe to bring a bottle of wine or something small.
Olives and bread, with homemade olive oil, arrived ahead of the Mediterranean appetizers alongside the prosecco as we settled in. Barbara and her family didn’t dine with us as with other experiences, but we had plenty of time to get to know Barbara a little better. It was clear how much pride she held for her home, family, and cooking.
The evening officially started with a selection of Mediterranean appetizers including grilled vegetables and feta parcels.
Mediterranean Appetizers
This was followed by the traditional Neapolitan dish Parmigiana di Melanzane – fried aubergine with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and parmesan.
Parmigiana di Melanzane
Then it was on to the main courses – pasta dishes prepared for the season. Visiting during September, Barbara had prepared two pasta dishes, trying to keep them in smaller portions so that she could share – and we could try – as much as possible. The first was yellow cherry tomatoes and pecorino cheese.
The second was Spaghetti alla Nerano – Barbara’s way – which is fried zucchini (courgette), basil, pesto, and cheese. A favourite of Stanley Tucci’s for a reason, these simple ingredients are packed full of flavour. The dish originates from Campania, specifically Nerano – less than 10 miles from Sorrento. I feel grateful to have sampled a local dish made by local hands.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
Tiramisù
Homemade Limoncello
Book Dinner with Barbara and Fiona
