What better way to taste the full flavor of Tuscany than to have a personal chef at home? Or indulge in a hands on cooking course, learn to blend the different Italian flavors and in doing so learn much about this land and its culture.
Tuscan cooking has a down-to-earth character and its food has strong, vibrant and naturally genuine flavors. Combine this all with the right wine and you will be well on the way to appreciating the complete concept of Italian cooking.
All our chefs are passionate about this land and its tastes and enjoy sharing their vast gastronomic experience. Cooking is not just about food preparation it rests in the careful selection of ingredients (you can combine the course with a visit the local fresh food market), choice of wine and creating of dishes all of which leads to that sacred Italian event, the meal; when we sit and share and when we take the opportunity to indulge in some of our most hidden pleasures.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR COOKING COURSES
Our cooking courses involve hands on participation in the preparation of a meal and are suitable for anyone with a desire to know more about our culinary tradition. We book the course exclusively on your behalf for 1 up to 20 people annd more.
The courses are without exception held in private Italian homes, in Florence or in the countryside (Chianti or close by Siena and Cortona). Professional Chefs or specialists in Tuscan cuisine who speak both English and Italian guide the lessons.
It is up to you to decide how much and what you wish to learn; courses can last 1 lesson or be spread over 3 to 5 days, chose between lessons in the morning with lunch, or afternoon lessons followed by dinner, lesson times, however, are subject to availability.
Menus can also be tailored to your tastes and interests either traditional Florentine, themed (pasta, vegetarian..etc.) or full blown Tuscan renaissance cooking.
FLORENCE : EMMA AND HER TRADITIONAL COOKERY COURSES
This is a unique experience that will make for a very special and different kind of holiday. The cookery lesson location is at chef's house in the center of Florence (Porta Romana) - in the Oltrarno area (on the other side of the Arno river). The house is very charming and welcoming.
Emma, a Florence native, started as a director of an Indian & international cookery school, then she founded and managed – for 8 years - the famous Florentine chocolate bar "Hemingway". Actually she's retired, but she didn't loose her passion for cooking. She's also a certified olive oil taster acknowledged by the Regione Toscana.
The traditional cookery course can take place either in one lesson or spread over 3 days. This Tuscan cooking lesson is designed for those who wish to spend their holiday in Florence learning about local cuisine traditions and feel the magic atmosphere of the fresh food market. The day starts with a guided tour of the local market to buy the fresh ingredients needed to cook. Under the supervision of Chef Emma you will learn the theory and practical aspects of the traditional Tuscan way of cooking. By yourself, you will prepare a complete meal, from Antipasto (Appetizer) to Dolci(Dessert) in a pleasant atmosphere. Special attention will be given to the choice of the ingredients - all local and exceptionally fresh. The cooking lesson is followed by lunch, where you will enjoy the dishes you have just prepared.
One-day cooking lesson.Starting with the fresh food market tour at about 8.45 am, the course finishes around 3:00 pm (lunch included).
CHIANTI - COOKING WITH A CHEF'S COUPLE AT THEIR PRIVATE COUNTRY HOUSE IN MONTESPERTOLI
Chef Jacopo has worked for 10 years for some of the best restaurants, in Florence, in Chianti and abroad. His wife Anna is a specialist of all things sweet, and creates marvelous and unforgettable deserts. Anna and Jacopo have been running cooking courses since 1998 and already collaborate with some of the prestigious American universities in Florence. Recently we have been able to offer courses run from their house at Montespertoli in Chianti, 30 km. outside Florence.
LEARN TO COOK WITH SIMONETTA AT HER HOME NEAR CORTONA
Simonetta's home is immersed in the hills of Cortona, which change colors with the seasons, and is in an ideal placed for visiting the fascinating towns of Arezzo, Sansepolcro, Pienza, Camaldoli, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Siena, and the magnificent Umbria. Together with the cooking course Simonetta offers accommodation for a minimum of 3 nights, in 3 elegant rooms and the possibility to dine with the family or alternatively enjoy an elegant picnic deep in the countryside with carpets, cushions, silver and porcelain and a Tuscan menu.
PRIVATE CHEF: CATERED MEALS AT YOUR PRIVATE VILLA
Our "catered meals" program, is a high-quality service that can be personalized according to your needs and is designed for those who choose to spend their vacation renting a private villa or apartment in Tuscany. Our chefs are a couple who have worked together for many years and they cover the areas of Florence, Chianti, Mugello, Siena and Lucca.
Dinner is made and served in your villa, however it is important to know in advance if the kitchen is well equipped and if they can have access to it for a few hours before dinner time.
We also offer Cooking lessons, cooking enthusiasts can cook with them and participate in the preparation of the meals.
Kids are welcome, they can provide a special kids menu: lasagne, pizza and gelato are some of their suggestions.
Visit our website to see some of our MENU.
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