We toured Parma with Michelle Valeria, an incredible guide who introduced us to the history of three major Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) food products: prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and traditional aceto balsamico. Additionally, we tasted Violetta di Parma candies, four kinds of pasta, two local wines, and finished with renowned gelato.
Michelle is a Parma native and has a Master’s degree in art history. She is passionate about the history, science, and artisanal processes behind the famous foods of her hometown. She trained as a cheese judge and spends time at the regional farms, getting to know the craftspeople who produce these amazing DOP products using centuries-old techniques. We were awed by her depth of knowledge and as educators, we were impressed with her ability to pace the information in an engaging way.
Check out her Airbnb experience offerings: https://abnb.me/yYRlo2641tb
Her flow, her confidence, her ability to answer any question-she was just amazing. The range of her knowledge, whether it was art, history, music, architecture, food, is astounding. Like a good teacher, she directed her answers to each of us, checking in on our individual engagement.
Joseph J. Gill, retired Headmaster
Where in the world are the Gills? 