Viola Buitoni is an Italian-born cooking instructor based out of San Francisco, CA. Her engaging style of teaching melds six generations of family food traditions, including that of her birth region of Umbria, and more than 30 years of professional experience. In addition to leading culinary tours in Italy, regular classes for 18Reasons, The Civic Kitchen and here at Milk Street, Buitoni also serves as a food advisor for San Francisco's Italian Consulate and Cultural Institute. She is a contributing writer for La Cucina Italiana and Italy Segreta, and served as founding co-chair for the grains category for the Good Food Awards in 2019.

Photo credit: Molly DeCoudreaux