Stefano from Rome tells us what he loves about hosting and how one Eatwith encounter led to his dinner going intercontinental!

Italy has been long famous for its stunning scenery, unique culture, and gastronomical delights which are more than just pizza and spaghetti. For Italians, cooking and sharing food is a way of life and our host Stefano is no exception. Stefano, who was born and raised in Rome, has welcomed people from all over the world to his home, including one very special couple which led to a lifelong friendship and all-expenses-paid trip across the Atlantic!

Read on to discover Stefano’s story and find out more about his once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Eatwith.

Tell us your foodie story. How did you become a host on Eatwith?

I’ve always loved working in an international environment and meeting interesting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Before hosting on Eatwith, I had been working in the hospitality industry, especially catering and bars, for 20 years in London, Dubai and other fancy places around the globe. When I went back home to Rome, I came across Eatwith — and I knew immediately that it was the perfect platform for me. It allows me to continue doing what I’m good at and to meet people from all over the world. With Eatwith, I can welcome them to my humble home in Rome and take them on an exciting adventure to discover authentic Italian cuisine.

What is the best part about hosting events on Eatwith?

As a host, I have the opportunity to get to know inspiring people and discover their cultures. In this sense, Eatwith is actually quite similar to my previous career! When I was working as a bartender, I met so many people from different parts of the world and mastered the skill of interacting with them according to their cultures — this is something that is really fascinating for me. Hosting culinary experiences on Eatwith is like moving from the bar to my home!

What is the craziest thing that has happened at one of your events?

Last summer I hosted a lovely couple from San Francisco who were travelling to Rome. I take pride in preparing a typical four-course Roman menu including various starters such as cold cuts, local cheese, olives and savoury pies; first course was fusilli with broccoli, sausages and pecorino; the main course was my famous saltimbocca, and then we finished with panna cotta and raspberry jam as dessert.

We all had a really great time together. During dinner, they kept saying how delicious the food was and we were soon talking as though we were lifelong friends. As they were leaving, Emma invited me to join them in December for her husband’s birthday party and asked if I could cook for her guests… in San Francisco!

At first I thought that it was the Aperol Spritz talking but two days later they texted me: “Would you be available to fly to San Francisco on December 8th? We’re looking for flights and we have our card ready in hand!”

What happened next?

I accepted their invitation to San Francisco and brought all my Italian vibes with me! The menu for the party included bruschette, fagioli all’uccelletta (beans and sausages), bresaola, rocket salad, grana, parmesan and pecorino as starters; I served them pasta with amatriciana sauce as first course; and as main course, my legendary saltimbocca but this time for 50 people! We finished off with tiramisu and, of course, Aperol Spritz all night long.

It certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I made several new friends after the party and we still keep in touch today. I’m actually going to see them again in Rome this June!

Want to taste Stefano’s intercontinental menu? Check out his upcoming events here.