What happens when passions collide?  In this case, amazing flavor as Via Umbria opens its doors in a few short weeks. One of its many new offerings will be Italian cooking demonstrations paired with the perfect wine—and who better to bring these two together than DC Chef and Sommelier, Vickie Reh.

“Joining Via Umbria is the perfect opportunity for me—it combines my passion for cooking, wine and tourism.  Via Umbria’s owners, Bill and Suzy Menard bring quality to everything they do and I am looking forward to being part of their new Italian Marketplace in Georgetown.”

Many DC Foodies will remember Reh in her position as Chef at Buck’s Fishing & Camping. Reh is a Certified Sommelier and a recipient of the Level Three Award from the Wine Spirits and Education Trust, passing with Distinction.  Since leaving Buck’s she has been a wine consultant and personal chef and is currently working on a book about food and wine. “I’ve been waiting for the next right opportunity and this is it.  I met the Menards when I was Chef at Buck’s years ago, and we became friends.  I’ve travelled with them to Italy and cooked with them in their home.  I am really excited to join this enticing endeavor.  More than a restaurant or market, Via Umbria is an authentic Italian experience and I get to help make that happen.”

Via Umbria will operate café style during the day with guests enjoying freshly prepared fare from the onsite kitchen.  Cooking and wine classes in the exhibition kitchen will be offered.

“Introducing our customers to the complete experience of Umbrian food and wine is going to be great fun! Via Umbria will have everything needed for those looking to learn about cooking specialty Italian fare at home–fabulous authentic ingredients and an enthusiastic staff ready to advise every step of the way!”

Via Umbria will open in early November, with a tentative date of November 7th  In the meantime, you can read about the adventures of Chef Reh and the Menards as they lead an upcoming Food and Wine Tour at their Italian farmhouse, right here on the blog. To read more about Vickie Reh’s ideas about food and wine and her culinary odyssey with Bill & Suzy, check our her blog http://www.vickieswinetable.com/blog.

Ci Vediamo!

–Via Umbria