Sunday in Italy – The Art of the Slow-Cooked Meal: January 13th | 5:30 pm

Discover the Warmth, Tradition & Timeless Art of Italian Sunday Cooking

In Italy, Sunday is more than just another day of the week. It’s a celebration of family, food and the simple pleasure of gathering around the table for a thoughtfully prepared meal.

From the comforting aromas of slow-braised meats to the richness of creamy polenta and the unmistakable indulgence of a classic tiramisu, Italian Sunday cooking is a beautiful expression of patience, tradition and culinary craftsmanship.

Join us at the Monarch Culinary Studio for an intimate, chef-led culinary demonstration inspired by the treasured traditions of the Italian Sunday table. Throughout this engaging three-course experience, we’ll explore the techniques behind some of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods while discovering how thoughtful preparation and professional cooking methods can transform a leisurely meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Learn the art of slow braising, discover how to build rich, deeply flavoured sauces through careful reduction, and explore the importance of timing and organization when preparing an elegant meal for family and friends.

From delicate whipped ricotta crostini to tender, slow-braised osso buco and the timeless elegance of espresso tiramisu, this experience celebrates the flavours, traditions and generous spirit of Italian hospitality.

The Menu

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Silky, whipped ricotta served over crisp, golden crostini, finished with thoughtfully selected Italian-inspired garnishes. Discover how simple ingredients, careful seasoning and contrasting textures can create an elegant and delicious beginning to a memorable meal.

Classic Osso Buco with Creamy Polenta & Gremolata

Tender, slow-braised veal shank, gently cooked with aromatic vegetables, white wine and a rich, deeply flavoured braising liquid until beautifully succulent.

Served over creamy polenta and finished with traditional gremolata — a vibrant combination of parsley, lemon zest and garlic — this iconic Northern Italian preparation showcases the remarkable balance between richness, acidity and fresh aromatics.

Classic Espresso Tiramisu

Delicate layers of espresso-soaked savoiardi biscuits and rich mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa. Discover the techniques behind creating one of Italy’s most celebrated desserts, where bold coffee flavours, delicate sweetness and luxurious texture come together in perfect harmony.

Techniques Demonstrated

During the evening, we’ll explore:

• Understanding the traditions of Italian Sunday cooking and the philosophy behind slow-prepared meals
• Selecting quality ingredients and developing flavour through simple, thoughtful preparation
• Preparing whipped ricotta and achieving a light, smooth and creamy texture
• Balancing seasoning, texture and complementary flavours in elegant Italian appetizers
• Understanding the principles of braising and selecting appropriate cuts of meat
• Preparing veal shanks for traditional osso buco
• Developing rich, savoury flavours through proper searing and the Maillard reaction
• Building aromatic braising liquids using vegetables, wine, stock and herbs
• Managing temperature, moisture and cooking time for tender, succulent results
• Understanding collagen conversion and its role in creating beautifully tender braised meats
• Reducing and finishing braising liquids to create rich, beautifully balanced sauces
• Preparing creamy polenta and understanding the importance of proper hydration, cooking and finishing techniques
• Creating traditional gremolata and using acidity and fresh aromatics to balance rich dishes
• Preparing classic tiramisu and understanding the relationship between mascarpone, espresso and delicate biscuit layers
• Achieving proper texture and structure in chilled, layered desserts
• Planning, organizing and timing a multi-course meal for relaxed, stress-free entertaining
• Applying professional plating and presentation techniques inspired by classic Italian dining

What’s Included

• An intimate, approximately two-hour chef-led culinary demonstration
• A three-course Italian dining experience featuring all three menu preparations
• Live demonstrations exploring traditional Italian braising, sauce-making and classic dessert techniques
• Guided discussion on ingredient selection, flavour development and entertaining preparation
• Interactive opportunities to ask questions throughout the evening
• Professional culinary insights and practical techniques to recreate these Italian classics at home

Whether you’re passionate about Italian cuisine, looking to refine your slow-cooking techniques or simply searching for a memorable culinary evening, this experience brings the warmth and generosity of the Italian Sunday table to the heart of London.

More than simply learning to prepare three beautiful dishes, you’ll discover how professional techniques, thoughtful organization and a little patience can transform the way you entertain at home.

You’ll learn how to prepare components in advance, coordinate cooking times and bring everything together effortlessly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

Timeless traditions. Exceptional ingredients. The joy of gathering.

Discover the art of Italian Sunday cooking, where the most memorable meals are made with patience, passion and a love of sharing great food.

Important Notes

• This is a demonstration-style culinary experience featuring a three-course meal
• Certain components, including the osso buco and tiramisu, may be prepared in advance due to extended cooking or chilling times
• Please advise us of dietary restrictions in advance
• This menu features veal, dairy, wheat and espresso; substitutions may be limited
• Ingredients and garnishes may vary depending on seasonal availability and quality
• All ticket sales are final