
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 Georgia! A Culinary Holiday in Tbilisi, Georgia
Join us for a 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 Parma – Food & Wine Holiday in Parma, Italy
7-day, 6-night cooking holiday in Parma, Italy. Join us for pasta making, prosciutto tasting, and Italian wine discovery. A feast for food & wine lovers.
Week in Uzès – Culinary Vacation Provence
6 days of cooking, baking, touring, and tasting. Hands-on French cooking classes. Explore markets, visit producers, and be immersed in French cuisine. All skill levels are welcome. 7-nights lodging included.
Week in Seville – Culinary Vacation in Southern Spain
6 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.
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!
French Pâtisserie – Online French Desserts Classes
A FREE virtual French dessert demo where French tea cakes & cookies and more. Yummy, hands-on, and interactive. Join us from your home kitchen!
A Taste of France – Learn French Classics Online
Meet your chef for lunch or dinner in France in this online FREE French cooking class demo. We’re bringing the taste of France to your home kitchen. Prepare delicious French recipes. Learn French classics with us online.
A Taste of Spain – Online Spanish Cooking Classes
Are you ready a bit of Olé? We’re taking you to Spain! Say hello to our online Spanish cooking class. A taste of Spanish cuisine beyond tapas. Prepare a delicious Spanish recipes. LIVE, FREE, & fun. Come taste with us!
Learn French Mother Sauces – Online Cooking Classes
A great sauce starts with a great stock. Come join us for this unique online Sauce Making class demo where we will help you perfect your sauce-making from stock to finish. With the base of the French mother sauces as your building blocks, the options are countless.
French Desserts – Online French Tart Classes
Perfect your French tart baking skills in a FREE online demo. Master French pie & tart doughs selected for their fillings as much as for their tastes. Learn the classic French tart recipes that you’ve seen in French pastry shop windows. Online and from your home kitchen.
A Week in 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 you on a gastronomic journey through French cuisine à la Parisienne, Champagne & wine tasting, & more. Jump in!
4-Day Culinary Tour in Seville
Seville, Spain is calling. Join your chef in this 4-days, 5-night Spanish cooking, tapas & wine tasting tour. A chance to discover the Andalusian capital through its food, music, & dance. Hands-on culinary holiday for cooks of all levels.