Chef Ilaria
Chef Ilaria Bertinelli
Chef instructor/Guide
Meet Ilaria Bertinelli, a culinary virtuoso hailing from Parma, Italy. Born into a family of farmers and renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese producers, Ilaria’s passion for food was ingrained in her DNA. After completing her studies in simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish at the University of Trieste, she took the helm of Interconsul, a distinguished language services company, where she still serves as the CEO today.
However, Ilaria’s journey took a remarkable turn in 2010 when her six-year-old daughter, Gaia, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. This life-altering event marked the beginning of what Ilaria fondly calls her “second life.” Fueled by her love for cooking, food, and a desire for balanced eating habits, she authored the book “A Chef for Gaia” in 2013. This captivating blend of narrative medicine and gluten-free recipes, accompanied by carb counts, swiftly gained recognition. With its fifth reprint, all royalties are donated to charitable causes.
Since then, Ilaria has been conducting cooking courses for a diverse range of audiences, including companies, training centers, hospitals, patient associations, and fellow food enthusiasts. In 2016, she launched her blog, www.unochefpergaia.it, captivating readers with her culinary adventures. Her talents were further acknowledged in 2017 when she emerged as the victor of the esteemed Rice Food Blogger Contest “Chef Giuseppina Carboni.” This achievement culminated in the publication of her enchanting travel diary, “Food Blogger in Viaggio,” featuring delectable recipes.
Amidst the tumultuous lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, Ilaria fearlessly embarked on a new venture, opening her YouTube channel, “Ilaria Bertinelli – A Chef for Gaia.” Through this platform, she passionately shared daily video recipes, delighting and inspiring audiences with innovative ideas for their home kitchens.
The year 2022 witnessed the release of two remarkable books. The first, “Mamma, Cosa Si Mangia Oggi?” in collaboration with Nestlé Italia, showcased modified density recipes tailored for children affected by dysphagia. In a powerful collaboration with Abbott, Ilaria published recipes designed for malnourished children, incorporating the PediaSure supplement.
Undeterred by limitations, Ilaria continues to forge her path in the culinary world. In 2023, she unveiled her latest masterpiece, “Feeding Love to Gaia and Nico.” This heartfelt book chronicles her son Nicolò’s battle with diabetes, accompanied by 100 exceptional recipes.
Join Ilaria Bertinelli as your culinary instructor during our Let’s Eat Parma food & wine lovers holiday in Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy.
OUR CULINARY ADVENTURES
Let’s Eat Uzès! Week in Uzès – A Provencal Cooking Vacation in Southern France
8-day culinary holiday in southern France. Hands-on French cooking classes. Explore markets, visit producers, and be immersed in French cuisine. All skill levels are welcome. 7-nights lodging included.
Let’s Eat Parma – Food & Wine Holiday in Parma, Italy
Embark on a 7-day culinary adventure in Parma, Italy. Experience 6 nights of authentic pasta crafting, exquisite prosciutto tastings, and explorations of Italian wines. Perfect for enthusiasts of food and wine.
Let’s Eat Colombia – Cartagena & Medellin: Colombia Food Tour
Experience Colombia’s vibrant food scene with cooking classes, market tours, and cultural excursions. Taste traditional dishes and immerse yourself in Colombia’s rich history and transformation in this unique, immersive food tour.
Let’s Eat Seville – Cooking Holidays in Spain
8 days of cooking, tapas, wine, & flamenco in Andalusia. A culinary tour in Seville for food & wine lovers. Explore markets, taste with us & enjoy! All skill levels are welcome. 7-nights lodging included.
Let’s Eat Georgia! Explore Georgia 🇬🇪
Join us for an 8-day, 9-night culinary holiday taking you from Tbilisi, Georgia to the Georgian countryside and back. This is a food & wine lover’s dream holiday where hospitable local guides will lead you on a cultural and gastronomical journey
Let’s Eat Paris – French Cooking Tours in Paris
5.5 days of pure foodie love. A French culinary tour in Paris filled with food, wine, & cooking? Yes, please! Join our chefs & guides on a gastronomic journey through French cuisine à la Parisienne, Champagne & wine tasting, & more. Jump in!
Private Sessions – Private Online Cooking Classes
Take part in private online cooking classes with friends & family. We’re bringing great cooking experiences straight into your home kitchen through an interactive online cooking class. Cook along with your chef, ask questions, and enjoy!
Let’s Eat Seville: 6-Day Seville Food Tour
Seville, Spain is calling. Join a Seville Food Tour with a chef by your side. 6-day, 5-night Spanish cooking, tapas & wine tasting tour. A mini version of our longer Let’s Eat Seville tour and a chance to discover the Andalusian capital through its food & wine.
Let’s Eat Bread – 3-Day Bread Masterclass
This 3-day Bread master class is perfect for anyone who would like to learn how to make, maintain and use a starter. Learn to make better bread at home like a pro. We’ll teach you the techniques you need to beef up your bread-making skills. Open to bakers of all levels.
