In celebration of the launch of the new Airbnb Cooking Experiences, a new category of bookable experiences that unlock the hidden culinary traditions of families all around the world, Airbnb is looking to send 100 home chefs on a unique trip to Pollenzo in northern Italy.
Those chosen will be whisked away next summer to one of four courses at Slow Food’s University of Gastronomic Sciences, where they will learn to refine their family recipes alongside a host of culinary experts. Depending on the week, attendees will either enjoy an exclusive class focused on Korean home cooking with Momofuku chef and founder, David Chang and his mom, Sherri, or other globally celebrated chefs, professors and sustainability experts.
The five-day courses will teach the home cooks how to make the most of their culinary traditions across fields spanning gastronomy, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Other experts include one of Airbnb’s most popular Experience hosts, Nonna Nerina and her granddaughter Chiara. They have earned over $150,000 (€136,261) just by welcoming travellers to the Roman countryside to become one of the family and learn about their love of pasta-making.
Other lessons include how to recognise flavours and aromas in products like wine, cheese, and the importance of sustainability in cooking and the impact our everyday food choices have on the planet. Selected by a panel of judges with representatives from Airbnb, Slow Food and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, the 100 cooking aficionados will represent a variety of cultures, communities and cuisines from around the world to bring together the best of all culinary traditions in one place.
Each of the four course sessions will have 25 places, starting 15, 22, 29 June and 6 July 2020. Eligible Airbnb users can nominate their favourite home cooks (including themselves) here by completing an application. This includes a personal essay on why the nominee’s passion for cooking and their family recipe makes them the perfect fit. Applications close at 11:59pm EST on 23 December 2019.
Airbnb Cooking Experiences present a new way to understand culture through food. Hosted by families, farmers, pastry cooks and more, these experiences allow people to come together to make and share a meal in an intimate setting. Guests can now gain access to 3000 unique recipes that are usually reserved for friends and family in over 75 countries globally. Further information is available here.
