In-Person Cooking Class

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Big Night Timpano

Sun | Apr 28, 2024 | 3–7P PT

Teacher Viola Buitoni

Timpano—or Timballo, as it was called in the bustling kitchen of Viola’s childhood in Perugia—is a drum-shaped feat of Italian culinary bravura, a peerless dish in which sauce, cheese, and tiny meatballs are layered into a golden, flaky pastry crust.

Many Americans know timpano from Stanley Tucci’s movie masterpiece Big Night, though it has graced the aristocratic tables of Southern Italy for generations. There are many versions, each shaped by a lexicon of family, place, and season.

While not difficult to make, timpano’s many components make it time intensive. Viola herself serves this show-stopper only for very special occasions. You and your classmates will collaborate to make every element from scratch before enjoying a convivial timballo feast with refreshing Little Gem Salad, curated wines and non-alcoholic beverages, and friends new and old.

Timpano ? by Molly DeCoudreaux.

Menu | Recipes

Timballo (or Timpano) di Pasta
Absolutely delicious pasta pie

Lattughino con arance e nocciole
Little Gems with Orange and Hazelnuts

About the teacher

Viola Buitoni

VIOLA BUITONI, chef instructor and food writer, was born in Rome and raised in Perugia, Italy. The stories and knowledge from six generations cross with the best of California agriculture and the finest Italian food imports to infuse her dishes, and her teaching.

Viola’s opera prima, Italy by Ingredient - Artisanal Foods/Modern Recipes was released by Rizzoli in September 2023, to great acclaim.

Viola has taught Italian cooking since 2009, after years as a chef and caterer in New York. She is the resident Italian instructor at The Civic Kitchen and has led classes at venues across the U.S. and Italy, including the Culinary Institute of America, Eataly, and Milk Street.

In addition to teaching and leading culinary tours in Italy, Viola serves as a food advisor for San Francisco’s Italian Consulate and Cultural Institute. Her writing has appeared in La Cucina Italiana and Italy Segreta.

In 2020, the President of the Italian Republic awarded her the title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia for her work to further the culture and business of Italian food.

Viola is a longtime resident of SF’s Mission District, where she lives with her husband and son.