Carla Tomasi obituary

Carla Tomasi was a pioneering chef who significantly influenced London's gastronomy in the 1980s. She became head chef at Frith's in Soho, a time when female chefs were rare. Alongside contemporaries like Sally Clarke and Ruth Rogers, she challenged the male-dominated culinary scene with her passion and determination. After returning to Italy, she became a respected figure in Rome, offering cooking classes and sharing her culinary expertise with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Born in Rome to a family with limited culinary skills, Tomasi developed her cooking skills out of necessity. At 30, she moved to London, where she trained at Leith's School of Food and Wine and worked in various kitchens, eventually leading to her role at Neal Street Restaurant. This experience opened her eyes to authentic Italian cuisine, which she began to incorporate into her menus, elevating the standard of Italian food in London. Despite her success, financial challenges forced her to close her restaurant, but her influence continued. In her later years, she became a beloved figure in Ostia, near Rome, where her home became a gathering place for food writers and culinary students. Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for cooking left a lasting impact on those who sought her guidance. Tomasi's legacy is marked by her contributions to the culinary world, both in London and Italy. Her journey reflects the evolution of Italian cuisine in the UK and the empowerment of women in the culinary field, inspiring future generations of chefs.