You know that feeling when September arrives and the light gets all golden and soft? There’s something about these late summer evenings that just begs you to slow down, gather around a table, and really savor good food with good people.
This dinner is Erica's love letter to the way she grew up eating in Rome – nothing fancy, just honest food that tastes like home. These are the recipes her Nonna guarded like secrets, the dishes that made their tiny kitchen smell like heaven, the meals that turned strangers into family.
Erica Foffi was born and raised in Rome, where cooking was part of daily life – a way to connect, celebrate, and show love. After moving to Toronto, she started inviting friends into her kitchen, and what began as casual dinners soon became something more: a way to share the traditional dishes of her youth and the joy of gathering around good food.
Tonight, The Depanneur welcomes Rome to Toronto for one magical night, with Italian ingredients sourced from the best local producers. This isn’t just dinner – it’s a passport to Erica's childhood, served with plenty of food and memories.
Come hungry and ready to linger over dinner as in Rome – with plenty of food, laughter, and the kind of conversation that makes you forget what time it is.
APPETIZERS
Prosciutto & Melon
Paper-thin cured ham wrapped around sweet cantaloupe. I know it seems almost too simple, but when it’s done right, it’s pure magic – and impossibly addictive.
Panzanella
A rustic bread salad where day-old bread soaks up all those incredible tomato juices, tossed with cucumber and red onion. This is what happens when Italians refuse to waste anything – and somehow create perfection.
Frittata with Zucchini and Mint
A soft Italian omelet with tender zucchini and fresh mint, served warm or at room temperature. My nonna made this every summer when her garden went wild – and I still dream about it.
MAINS
Pomodori al Riso (Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice)
Large tomatoes hollowed out and stuffed with seasoned rice, then slow-baked alongside potatoes. This is Sunday lunch in Rome – every family has their version, and you’ll understand why after one bite.
Pasta alla Checca
Fresh pasta tossed with raw tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that have been marinating in olive oil. Summer on a plate, and exactly why Romans never leave the city in August or September.
Pollo con i Peperoni (Chicken stew with Bell Peppers)
Chicken braised with sweet bell peppers and tomato until everything’s falling-apart tender. If there’s one dish that screams Roman summer, this is it – and it’ll ruin you for all other chicken forever.
DESSERT
Crostata con Ricotta e Visciole
A traditional Roman tart with buttery pastry, wild sour cherries, and creamy ricotta filling. This is basically my childhood in pastry form – and the reason you’ll be asking for the recipe (which I’ll never give you).
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Erica Foffi was born and raised in Rome, where cooking was part of daily life, a way to connect, celebrate, and show love. After moving to Toronto, she began inviting friends into her kitchen to share the traditional dishes she grew up with. What started around her table soon became a way to teach others about the richness of Italian home cooking and the joy of gathering together around good food. Erica focuses on simple, honest food made with care, from street food classics to handmade pastas, and on creating a relaxed space where anyone can feel confident and inspired in the kitchen.
https://ericaitaliancookin.wixsite.com/mysite
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Every week, The Depanneur invites TO’s best culinary talents to lead fun, hands-on workshops.
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