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The
International Kitchen
.
. . top quality, authentic, intimate cooking experiences
 In
1994 The International Kitchen, founded by Karen Herbst,
originated the concept of "cooking school vacations".
Karen had decided to combine her travel experience with
her lifelong passion for food and wine to create the
The International Kitchen. Today The International Kitchen
remains the leader in the industry, now offering over
seventy programmes and over thirty choices for a daily
class.
Karen
has personally handpicked the chefs, locations and excursions
and works to ensure that every International Kitchen
experience is unique, professional, and richly rewarding.
Karen is recognised as one of the innovators of culinary
travel, and, as an authority, is an advisor and frequent
speaker to industry and professional groups. She is
a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Travel
Promotional Council, a non-profit organisation working
in conjunction with the Italian Government Tourist Office,
as well as a member of the Slow Food Organization and
the James Beard Foundation. In 2004 Karen was the honoured
recipient of the La Medaille d'Argent du Tourisme, the
French Silver Medal of Tourism awarded by the French
government.
The
International Kitchen credo and promise to you is:
a
top quality, authentic, intimate cooking experience,
with lots of laughter and friendship
Cooking
vacations to Italy . . .
As
so often said, this sun drenched country is a feast
for all the senses . . . the sweet perfume of fresh
tomatoes, an explosion of flavor and color . . . the
unique yet delicate taste of newly pressed olive oil
. . . fresh seasonal ingredients handpicked at local
markets. Add some of the finest wines in the world
and the ineffable spirit and joy of the people for
an experience of pure pleasure, friendship, laughter
and renewal..
For
vacations to the region of Tuscany <click
here>
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SAPORI
D'ABRUZZO
- About
the location:
Abruzzo is an unspoiled, authentic part of Italy situated
due east of Rome on the Adriactic coast. It boasts
miles of seaside and pristine beaches, medieval villages
perched on hilltops and nestled in valleys, and natural
wonders in its famous parks. Indeed, a full third
of the region is protected parklands full of lush
forests, majestic mountains, and charming towns. Your
home in this oasis is the town of Carunchio, an ancient
borgo perched on the top of a hill in southern Abruzzo.
Situated at the top of Carunchio is the recently restored
Palazzo Tour d'Eau. Onwer Massimo Criscio left a job
in corporate America to return to his homeland and
provide an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience
for his clients. As a result, Massimo has created
a lovely small hotel in the middle of Abruzzo complete
with a gourmet restaurant and a charming, separate
teaching kitchen for the cooking classes. The hotel
has just 6 rooms (four of which have private ensuite
baths and two of which, a double and a twin, share
a bathroom) and boasts amazing panoramic views of
the surrounding countryside. The size of the hotel
ensures a superior level of personal attention and
enables Massimo and his staff to dedicate the week
entirely to the guests participating in the culinary
program. One of Massimo's passions is wine, and during
your stay in Abruzzo you will enjoy that most famous
of central Italian wines, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Abruzzo combines some of the finest of tradional Italian
products—cured prosciutto and salami, sheep's
milk cheese, homemade pastas—with fresh seasonal
produce to create a regional cuisine that is both
simple and full of natural flavors. Its natural landscape
(mountains to coast) means access to both wonderful
meats and fresh seafood. Your lessons will explore
healthy Mediterranean cuisine, homemade pastas and
sauces, mouth-watering desserts, and the wonderful
preserved fruits and vegetables that are such a staple
of Italian life. No more going to the store to buy
pickled peppers, canned tomatoes or eggplant sott'olio!
Soon you will be able to create these scrumptious
delicacies on your own. Your lessons will be led by
the wonderful chef of the Palazzo Tour d'Eau, Dino
Paganelli, and by American Cheryle Molano. After 25
years of restaurant experience and studying cooking
in both Europe and America, she has settled with her
husband in his native homeland, Abruzzo. She comines
her restaurant experience with the traditions of Italian
cooking to create a simple approach that will enable
you to recreate your experiences and meals when you
return home.
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For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here 
A
MEDITERRANEAN COOKING EXPERIENCE AT RELAIS OASI OLIMPIA
- About
the location:
Sant' Agata sui due Golfi is situated about 10 km
from Sorrento. It is one of the "pearls"
in the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, facing
Capri. The site of your Amalfi Coast culinary vacation
will be the four star Oasi Olimpia Relais, an elegant
hotel of only 7 rooms (and 5 suites), is situated
on one of the hills of Sant' Agata sui due Golfi.
The Villa was originally built in 1892 for a rich
German aristocrat as a luxurious residence. It has
recently been painstakingly restored and is now a
splendid hotel, complete with impeccably furnished
interiors and a fine ambiance. The facilities include
a gorgeous 15 meter swimming pool with Jacuzzi, tennis
court, outdoor dining, wine bar, and lush vegetation.
Just completed is a charming cantina in the main building
(complete with Cuban cigars) and an incredible wine
cave with premium wines from Italy, France and Australia.
The relais has also recently acquired a breathtaking
private beach (see picture below), with shuttle service
from the hotel. The last touch is the acquisition
of a vintage Alfa Romeo "Spider" two seater
convertible for use of the guests for local trips
to Sant'Agata.
The Amalfi region is truly one of the most idyllic
on earth. From the time of Etruscans to present movie
stars, this has been area that has long enchanted
travelers. Sundry excursions during this week-long
Amalfi culinary vacation will take you from the posh
island of Capri to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and
the cobblestoned medieval streets of Amalfi at the
cliff's base. An expanse of precarious road will take
you between villages, running through lush greenery
and vineyards nestled in the folds of the jagged cliffs.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Now, for the first time, the hotel is opening their
kitchen to offer hands-on cooking lessons with Manager
& Chef Carmen Mazzola. Carmen's first challenge
as manager for Oasi Olimpia was to turn the newly
opened hotel into a successful venture. With that
now accomplished, she has returned to her first love,
cooking. Her passion has always been cooking; she
competed in many competitions, hoping to one day become
a professional chef. Although that has been delayed
by her creating a fantastic hotel experience, she
now has some time to personally teach her love and
passion, and the many recipes that have been passed
down from generation to generation from her region.
You will have an exceptional experience of a Mediterranean
cooking class with an exception culinary personality.
Be prepared to cook, eat, drink and laugh!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
AUTHENTIC
AMALFI CUISINE AT VILLA ROMANA
- About
the location:
The town of Minori has been well renowned for pasta
making since medieval times and since the 17th-century
invention of the ngegni, a device which made mass
pasta production possible. This turned every available
public and private space in Minori, even the sea-front
promenades, into an outdoor display of fresh-made
pasta drying in the sun: macaroni, 'ndunderi, cocce,
cannarocini, vermicelli, and tagliarelli. This gastronomically
oriented town, set in a beautiful inlet, is the perfect
base from which to explore the gorgeous Amalfi Coast.
It is also the perfect place for an Amalfi culinary
vacation. You will not only visit Minori's treasures
such as the ruins of the 1st-century Villa Romana,
but also explore the Coast's best offerings: Pompeii,
the excavation of a town buried by a volcanic eruption
2000 years ago; Ravello, the most poetic cliff-top
town of romantic gardens; and Amalfi, the charming,
cobble stoned, seaside town with a magnificent cathedral.
The Hotel Villa Romana, named after the ancient ruins,
is a modest, unassuming hotel, which will accommodate
you in comfort while delighting your palate with masterfully
concocted Mediterranean cuisine. This cuisine will
also be the subject of your Amalfi cooking classes.
The Hotel is surrounded by a lemon garden and terraces
with a sunny pool overlooking the tiered hills of
the Amalfi coastline.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your Amalfi cooking classes with Hotel Villa Romana's
Executive Chef, Giovanni Cioffi, will initiate you
in the Mediterranean cooking style as well as in Minori's
pasta tradition in three or four lessons throughout
your culinary vacation on the Amalfi Coast. Chef Cioffi
has worked at a number of the best hotels and restaurants
throughout the Amalfi Coast and has a specialized
degree in Mediterranean cuisine and Neapolitan gastronomy.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
UNDER A GOLDEN SUNSET
- About
the location:
Generally considered to be the most beautiful stretch
of scenery in the entire Mediterranean, the Amalfi
Coast is an amazing blend of vertical landscapes,
sharp crags and deep green forests. One of the lesser
known, but charming and authentic fishing towns of
the coast is Praiano, located between Amalfi and Positano.
The Esposito family have renovated their lovely hotel
and will be your hosts for your stay in a sea view
room. The hotel is named for the beautiful sunsets,
which can be seen from the spacious terraces of the
hotel or the rooftop swimming pool.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your hands-on cooking classes will be taught by a
trio of wonderfully passionate chefs with extraordinary
culinary talents. You will learn secrets of the Mediterranean
regional cuisine of local specialties based on simple
and tastful recipes, easy to reproduce in your own
kitchen.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
A
GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE IN BOLOGNA
- About
the location:
Emilia Romagna; just the name conjures up visions
of gastronomic wonders. It is often said to be the
food capital of Italy, and the center of it all is
Bologna. Best known, of course, for its Bolognese
sauce, this famed university town is not only wealthy,
but rich in its traditions and lifestyle. Don't forget
to walk with the locals under the city's famed porticos
(or arcades), which stretch for many miles throughout
the center of town, and to explore the medieval roads
and red buildings of one of Italy's most beautiful
cities. Your base will be the four-star Hotel Al Cappello
Rosso, located 50 meters from the main square of Piazza
Maggiore. Visits include Modena and Parma, both a
must for any gastronome.
- About
the lessons:
Your cooking lessons will be a combination of demonstration
and hands-on participation. Your first class with
be at a farmhouse, where Mrs Paola Vagnotti, the owner,
will be very glad to explain how to make typical homemade
pasta. After preparing the pasta, you will learn to
prepare "crostini," those wonderful appetizers
of organic bread topped with special sauces of cheese
or vegetables. Paola will explain how to prepare a
typical second dish before you sit down for a tasting
of all the dishes you have prepared. After lunch,
you will be treated with a dessert such as "crostata,"
(plum tart) or a special cake of the region, "salame,"
which you will assist in preparing.
Your second class is at an old Bolognese cookery school
that offers spacious well-equipped working areas and
the professional skills of trained teachers. There
will be a demonstration from the traditional pasta-makers,
the "sfogline" of Bologna. With skill and
patience, these ladies with their magic touch will
teach the curious visitor the secrets of making and
rolling out the pasta, and like magic “tortellini”,
“tagliatelle” and “tortelloni”
will appear. Guests can also participate in the endeavor.
After the lesson you will taste the prepared dishes
flavoured with traditional sauces.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
IN PARMA
- About
the location:
Emilia Romagna is known as the "food basket of
Italy," considered by many to be the gastronomic
capital of Italy. Parma, of course, is home to Parmigiano
Reggiano cheese as well as the fine Parma prosciutto
ham. The products of this fertile land have been praised
through the centuries, and you have the opportunity
to hone your culinary techniques in one of the most
charming cities of this region. Your stay will be
at the beautiful 4 star superior Hotel Palace Maria
Luigia, situated in the heart of Parma, with every
imaginable amenity.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Classes, in English, are held at the historic Magnani
Rocca Foundation, a stunning 17th century villa that
was at one time a hunting lodge of the noble Farnese
family, and now hosts a renowned art museum. You will
have the unique experience to learn and dine within
the museum's grounds, among magnificent masterpieces
from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Your chefs
for the lessons will be the chef of the gourmet restaurant
of Hotel Palace Maria Luigia, Maxim's, as well as
the chef from the Magnani Rocca Foundations' restaurant,
who will guide you through your lessons of regional
cuisine.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
TASTE
OF ITALIAN RIVIERA AND CINQUE TERRE
- About
the location:
Chiavari is one of the charming seaside towns of the
Italian Riviera, in a prime location to reach the
elegant towns of the Riviera as well as the extraordinary
Cinque Terre. This small town boasts a range of things
to see, from the local antique shops to beautiful
cathedrals. The Hotel Monte Rosa is in the heart of
the arcaded medieval town center and just a few yards
from the sea. The Bacigalupo family has renovated
the Monte Rosa to provide all modern comforts, and
has been providing outstanding Italian hospitality
since the beginning of the twentieth century. Rooms
include amenities such as satellite TV and air conditioning.
- About
the cooking lessons:
For almost a hundred years the Ristorante Monte Rosa
has been on of the most well-known restaurants in
the area. You will have the opportunity to learn Ligurian
cuisine from either Chef Roberto del Seno, with twenty
years experience in Italy and abroad, or Chef Ave,
the Bacigalupo matriarch, who will share with you
her forty years of experience in regional recipes.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
A
COOKING ADVENTURE IN VENICE AND LAKE COMO
-
About the location:
Join us for a one-time only spectacular cooking experience,
combining the elegant beauty of Lake Como, a day trip
to Switzerland, and the mysterious uniqueness of Venice.
The group will be led by Betty Ann Donegan, a noted
cooking teacher from Connecticut who will soon be
featured on the Food Network, and who will lend her
expertise during this fabulous culinary journey. In
addition, the group will be accompanied by a representative
of The International Kitchen, Italian-born Jeanette
Benedetti Boylan.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Cooking classes will be in Como, with a special visit
in the Veneto to the oldest rice factory for a lesson
preparing a variety of risottos. The rest of your
trip will feature excursions, a boat tour, garden
visits, guided tours, a wine tasting, outlet shopping,
and the experience of a lifetime!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
ITALIAN
COOKING AT VILLA D'ESTE
 About
the location:
It is called the most beautiful hotel in the world.
For centuries, the Villa d'Este has hosted the rich
and famous; from Napoleon to the Duchess of Windsor,
all have enjoyed the sumptuous elegance of this grand
villa. Originally built in the 16th century for a
cardinal, the Villa d'Este became a hotel in 1873.
Today its gardens offer a glimpse into a time past,
when royalty used the villa as a summer residence.
Spectacular views of Lake Como and the snowcapped
mountains beyond have changed little over the centuries.
- About
the cooking lessons:
The International Kitchen is proud to present a truly
luxurious culinary vacation, featuring cooking lessons
with the Villa d'Este's executive chef Luciano Parolari.
Chef Parolari has presided over the kitchen of the
Villa d'Este for 20 years. His recipes have been the
inspiration for two glorious cookbooks and will excite
even the most experienced cooks. For five days you'll
enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of the Villa d'Este,
while being immersed in the gastronomy, art and leisure
of the region. A truly unforgettable culinary vacation.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
L'ALBERETA
RETREAT
- About
the location:
L'Albereta, a luxurious 19th century converted villa
in Franciacorta, Lombardy is a member of the prestigious
Relais & Chateaux group, and presently owned
by the Moretti family, who also own the Bellavista
vineyards, which produce one of the finest spumantis
in Italy. The villa, transformed into a deluxe hotel,
is situated in the hills, between the Alps and Lake
Iseo, a region where the great wines of Franciacorta
are produced.
The landscape surrounding this Lombardy culinary vacation
is magical, and the area is a microclimate, with mild
temperatures. The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool
with Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium, tennis, health trail,
and close access to golf, horseback riding, sailing
and windsurfing.
- About
the cooking lessons:
The hotel hosts the two star Michelin Ristorante Gualtiero
Marchesi- arguably the most famous chef in all of
Italy- where you will be treated to a gourmet dinner
of menu degustation. Your cooking courses will be
held in a local, well-known restaurant, where you
will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on
classes of preparation of dishes of local Northern
cuisine.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
BOUNTIFUL
PIEDMONT
- About
the location:
By now their names are familiar everywhere: Barbaresco,
Barbera, Nebbiolo, and, most famous of all, Barolo.
The Langhe area of southern Piedmont, the land of
some of Italy’s most prized wines, has become
a well-known destination for wine connoisseurs and
truffle-lovers. Less known, however, are its other
charms: the number of stunning medieval castles that
dot the countryside, standing majestically on the
Langhe’s tall hills; the awesome sight of the
snow-covered Alps that can be seen encircling the
region on a clear day; the genteel hospitality of
the residents, who will welcome you into their homes
and hearts and impart their pride of place to you;
the breathtaking views of steep hills and valleys,
blanketed with vineyards.
The cuisine of the Langhe area of Piedmont encompasses
the best of Italian cooking and embraces the land’s
proximity to France: emphasis is placed on starters
and main courses, while first courses feature such
staples as home-made pasta al ragù (meat sauce),
and melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi in a creamy sauce flavored
with the region’s famous cheeses. Not to be missed
are the second courses, such as the traditional “Brasato
al Barolo,” or veal marinated and cooked in Barolo
wine, and desserts such as the earthy torta di nocciola
(hazelnut cake) in chocolate sauce.
Your accommodations will be in a charming, small B&B
property in the Langhe, where the owner’s mother
still prepares the preserves from the fruit grown
on their property. Lovingly restored, the B&b
features amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Your hosts will do their utmost to make you love and
appreciate this exquisite region.
- About
the cookery courses:
The cooking courses are given by your hostess and
the family's nonna, or "grandmother". They
will share not only their recipes, but also their
love for their cuisine, land, and culture. During
each class you will participate in the preparation
of a full meal. A very special experience, in one
of Italy's most beatiful areas.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
ELEGANT
RETREAT ON LAKE MAGGIORE
-
About the location:
Italy’s second largest lake, Lago Maggiore, winds
majestically between the regions of Piemonte and Lombardia,
encompassing the fabled Borromean Islands and their
gardens. Your home for four nights is a magnificent
villa hotel of only eighteen bedrooms—six in
the main villa, and 12 newly rennovated rooms in the
"Borgo Ottocentesco"— overlooking Lake
Maggiore. It is a typical Italian “beauty"—small,
opulent, surrounded by a private park of flowers and
centuries old trees, and within walking distance of
the picturesque village of Belgirate, along the ancient
road to Sempione and Stresa. A lovely swimming pool
and an exercise room face the lake. (In 2006 there
will be a spa on the property.) The villa has its
own wharf, from which you can take a private boat
cruise on Lake Maggiore. You will stay in the recently
renovated “Borgo Ottocentesco,” a nineteenth-century
building situated in the parkland of the villa and
transformed into a complex of immense charm.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your lessons with be with the young, talented Chef
Pierangleo Bertinotti., whose restaurant Pinocchio
is rated highly by Michelin and Gambero Rosso. “My
exploration of the tastes and flavours of our country’s
fine cuisine can be summed up by my family’s
characteristic simplicity and straightforwardness”
is Chef Bertinotti’s credo. You willl learn typical
Piedmontese cuisine with this master chef in the kitchen
of his restaurant, dining on your efforts with the
chef.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
PILATES
AND COOKING DISCOVERY
-
About the location:
The Poppy Farmhouse is located within an organic vineyard
and gardens in a stunning “eagles' nest”
location, overlooking hilltop villages and vineyard-covered
hills and valleys in southern Piemonte, just outside
of Asti. However, it is really a misnomer to call
this a farmhouse. The owners, John and Robyn, are
both designers, and they have brought their remarkable
talents to the renovation to create no less than the
equivalent of a 5-star boutique hotel. Every detail
is of the highest quality and design; each of the
five bedrooms has a different color theme, LED lighting,
oversized double beds (or twins) with Quagliotti Egyptian
cotton bed linens, Gabel bath towels, hair dryers
and robes, and flat-screen satellite TVs. There is
also broadband wi-fi access or Internet telephone
connection. The teaching kitchen and Pilates studio
are equipped to the highest professional standards.
More? Yes, but you will have to discover for yourself!
The location of the property is also wonderful. If
you would like to experience Italy where the tourists
are not, then a town like Asti is a treasure. An affluent
and older community, Asti clings strongly to the sense
of tradition and community that was representative
of Italy in the early 20th century and is disappearing.
Most noted for its bubbly and sweet Asti Spumante,
it is also home to an antique “palio” horserace
and many interesting churches and cathedrals.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Each day, in addition to the normal cooking workshop,
Chef Pietro Baldi will take students on a food adventure
around Italy by sampling and comparing one type of
food (e.g. Prosciutto, Olive oil, Gorgonzola, and
so forth) from different regions, and experiencing
the different flavours and textures between regions,
perhaps exploding a few myths and legends in the process.
This food adventure is at the heart of your cooking
discovery and takes full advantage of Pietro’s
unequalled knowledge of regional Italian food and
personal involvement with many small producers around
Italy, whom he regularly seeks out and visits when
not tending his vineyards or teaching. We often talk
about passion in this field, and Chef Pietro is the
embodiment of such passion and devotion to his art.
Mark Porter, Head Chef and Tutor at the Edinburgh
School of Food and Wine, says “It is refreshing
to see such passion from both John and Robyn Sims
(the owners) and Chef Pietro Baldi, which I am sure
will contribute to the cookery school’s success.
Having seen both the facilities as well as their impressive
home-grown produce, I would have no hesitation in
recommending the school to anyone looking for an authentic
Italian cookery holiday.”
The Pilates sessions will be conducted by Heather
or Martin Sampson, internationally famous instructors
since they opened their London studio in the mid 80’s.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
AMORE
SICILIANO
-
About the location:
Sicily is an island rich in culinary tradition that
produces some of the finest quality food the Mediterranean
has to offer. We invite you on this cookery to see,
taste and try all this richness through hands-on experience
in the kitchen and visits to the producers and towns
from which the recipes originate. Located near Modica,
and with its own interior garden, your home for the
week is a grand old farmhouse lovingly restored. The
rooms, with wood ceilings and cotto floors, balance
modern comfort with simple and refined furnishings
that perfectly evoke the feeling of a Sicilian masseria.
Your host Katia was born in Modica, and grew up just
20 minutes away—in Ispica—and her partner
and husband Ronald was born and grew up in Limassol,
Cyprus (another beautiful Mediterranean island). They
got married in Sicily on a beautiful sunny April day
in 2003 and decided that the southeast region of Sicily
is a place they love and where they really wanted
to be, after having lived for several years in the
UK working as university researchers in ethnic relations
and artificial intelligence, respectively.
- About
the cookery courses:
Classes will be in the wonderfully spacious kitchen
of the farmhouse, which also boasts an amazing herb
garden, or at a lovely Rustic Farm located near the
sea, or at a renowned restaurant in Modica. The vegetables,
fish and meat are also all from local producers. Your
chefs for your classes share a passion for Sicilian
cuisine and they will introduce you to the wonders
of Sicilian cooking, based on a solid understanding
of the main ingredients and fundamental techniques,
alongside an uncompromising attention to detail. You
are sure to come away with a better understanding
of Sicilian cooking and a great range of recipes and
skills to try out back home!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
SAVOUR
SICILY
- About
the location:
Experience the wonder of the complex and exotic cuisine
of Sicily. You will spend five nights in Catania,
near Mt. Etna, one of the most important wine-growing
regions, where the volcanic soil produces wines of
distinction. Excursions will include visits to markets,
food artisans, pottery artists, and a day in Taormina,
easily one of the world's loveliest resorts.
Accommodations for this experience will be at the
elegant four-star hotel Villa Paradiso dell'Etna.
Also on the slopes of Mt. Etna, the hotel was built
in 1927 and has for many years been the haunt of artists
and noted people of the time. It has recently been
completely restored, and it is surrounded by a magnificent
garden. The renovation retains an old world atmosphere
with antiques, romantic fireplaces, marble floors
and frescoed walls. All of the 34 rooms have a panoramic
view of Mt. Etna or the garden and are complete with
all amenities, as well as a lovely heated swimming
pool and a wonderful roof garden where you can taste
a typical Sicilian liqueur such as Rosolio.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your instructor for your hands on cooking classes
will be the TV personality Eleonora Consoli, a noted
authority on Italian and Sicilian gastronomy, the
author of Sicily-La Cucina del Sole and many other
cookbooks, and a regular contributor of articles to
magazines such as Vogue, Cuisines du Monde and Voyager.
The courses are held in her typical Sicilian home
dating from the 18th century, in one of the most characteristic
villages on the slopes of Mt. Etna. Classes will be
based on well-known Sicilian recipes, paying particular
attention to pasta, fish and vegetables. Eleonora's
aim is to combine the cooking class with the culture,
traditions, habits and customs from which the cuisine
has evolved.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
FLAVORS
OF SICILY
- About
the location:
A delicious and entertaining cooking tour of Sicily’s
wine country, with interludes to visit Sicily's famous
Greek temples, and visits to the traditional and newer
wineries and the new wines that are tomorrow's "Super
Sicilians." Sicily is one of Italy’s fastest
growing wine areas, where young, keen winemakers,
with modern techniques are improving the traditional
grape varieties and have added new ones, to produce
Sicily’s excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Pinot Noir, Bianco D’Alcamo etc., as well as
local grape varieties.
Lead by Chef Paolo Monti, this is a wonderful opportunity
to experience the exciting flavors and sights of this
exotic Italian region, with its wonderful hospitality
and traditions, its pastries, and spices with a hint
of ancient Arabic influence...
Your home for most of the week is the lovely four-star
Hotel Capo San Vito (your first night will be at a
hotel in Palermo). The beach of San Vito lo Capo stretches
until the end of the cape bearing the same name. The
town has a seafaring tradition and is built around
the ancient Saracen Fortress, subsequently transformed
into a sanctuary dedicated to San Vito. The climate,
the beach, the sea, the little streets adorned with
flowers, the fresh fish, the intense perfumes and
the lovely views, all offer an unforgettable holiday.
- About
the cooking lessons:
With Chef Peppe Buffa you will explore the delicacies
of Sicilian cooking during 4 hands on lessons. Chef
Peppe is a noted chef and specialist in Sicilian cuisine,
and will conduct lessons along with his good friend,
Chef Paolo Monti, a very well-known Tuscan chef who
specializes in Mediterranean cooking.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
GOURMET
SICILY
- About
the location:
Enliven your senses and enlighten your fancy with
our gastronomic tour of the amazing island of Sicily!
Explore extraordinary ruins and enchantingly beautiful
scenery, while visiting some of Sicily's most charming
towns and select attractions. Our tour lets you uncover
the gems of the "largest island in the Mediterranean",
while treating you to a variety of pre-arranged and
all-inclusive cooking classes, gourmet meals, wine
tastings, and guided excursions. During the tour,
you will learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes,
sample vintages at local canteens and local vineyards,
relax each evening in idyllic accommodations—and
even have the opportunity to climb Mt. Etna! There
is no better way to experience the splendour of Sicily--and
on this trip you will savour every moment!
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your lessons will take place in an authentic Siclian
Baglio, near Marsala, on the famous Mt. Etna, and
at a country farmhouse. Your teachers will range from
noted chefs to cooks who will impart their knowledge
of traditional local cuisine to you. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to learn Sicilian cooking from true Sicilians!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
SICILIAN
ODYSSEY
- About
the location:
Sicily is an exotic location that has beckoned travelers
for centuries. This mystical land is the repository
and melting pot of every great civilization on the
Mediterranean: Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, French,
Spanish, and of course, Italian. Today, Sicily remains
a paradise of deep blue skies, temperate climate,
lush vegetation and abundant marine life. The cuisine
of Sicily is as complex as its history and is accompanied
by big, fruity Sicilian winesóa gourmetís dream! You
will have the opportunity to visit the major towns,
archeological sites, markets and wineries, winding
your way from the east coast to the west. The accommodations
we have chosen for you are hand-picked farmhouses
or "agriturismi," of 4 star quality. Meals are a special
treat, incredibly authentic and tasty, always made
with fresh ingredients of the farm.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your hands on lessons will be taught by Chef Paolino
Di Girolamo, as known as "Paolino the Wolf!" He carries
on the heritage of three generations of cooking, and
will introduce you to some of the most wonderful Sicilian
recipes. Your other chef at Case del Merlo will be
conducted by Signora Angela. She has a real passion
for her cuisine and has been cooking and teaching
for decades. She will impart her knowledge of Sicilian
food and cuisine of Catania in particular. To complete
her knowledge, Signora Angela also holds a sommelier's
degree. Some of the dishes you may make are Insalta
di Arance, Pasta alla Norma, Pollo ai Peperoni, Cavolfiore
Affogato,Crostata di Rocotta, Burschetta Siciliana,
Timballo di Riso, Falsomagro, Caponata and Salame
Turco.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
ALL
ABOUT UMBRIA
- About
the location:
Set among thickly wooded hills, Spoleto is one of
the most attractive towns in Italy, making it ideal
for a cooking vacation in Umbria. At night, when the
landmarks are illuminated and the city lights twinkle,
it becomes a magical place, and is a fitting location
for one of Italy’s most important performance
arts festival, Festival dei Due Mondi, founded by
composer Gian Carlo Menotti and the late Thomas Schippers.
This medieval, yet sophisticated city is also undeniably
Umbria’s most gastronomic town. When you arrive
at the lovely historic building, you are in for a
surprise. Behind the modest facade is a hotel of taste
and beauty. Under the guidance of the well known architect
Bellini, the three year renovation of the hotel has
resulted in a stunning, yet welcoming environment.
The hotel is filled with antiques, oriental rugs,
objets d'art; it has cozy sitting areas with fireplaces,
an intimate bar and an elegant dining room. The bedrooms
are charming and characteristic with lovely bathrooms.
Not the least of this wonderful ambiance is the Tomassoni
family, who own and operate the hotel.
- About
the cooking lessons:
The restaurant offers typical specialties of Umbrian
Cuisine, where your Italian cooking courses will be
held with Mamma Giovanna, manager of the hotel’s
San Lorenzo Restaurant and matriarch of the Tomassoni
family, along with one of the chefs of the restaurant
. The Umbrian cuisine is incredibly rich and varied,
famed for its heady olive oil; the wines are among
the best produced in Italy. The cooking lessons are
great, the food sublime!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
ASSISI
COOKING AT ALLA MADONNA DEL PIATTO
- About
the location:
Alla Madonna del Piatto is a small agriturismo, or
farmhouse inn, spectacularly located in the hills
surrounding Assisi, and is the base of this cooking
holiday in Umbria. This beautiful rural area is blanketed
with hardwood forests, Mediterranean vegetation and
olive groves. This centuries old farmhouse faces the
sunny South and has a stunning view of Assisi's famous
basilica. The current owners, Letizia Mattiacci and
Ruurd de Jong, both former entymologists, have recently
completely restored the building with high regard
for traditional building materials and local craftsmanship,
while making the necessary adjustment to meet modern
standards of comfort.
The beautifully furnished guestrooms feature private
bathrooms, stone walls, beamed ceilings, double glazed
windows and heated terracotta floors. Meals are served
in the cozy dining room with an open fireplace, or
outdoors on the panoramic terrace. The drive to the
property is rather long, the final leg on a gravel
road, but is well worth it once you arrive.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Cooking classes in Umbria will be at the hands of
your host, Letizia, a native of Umbria. Because her
mother was originally from Sicily, Letizia blends
her favorite Umbrian recipes with a touch of Sicilian
creativity! While traveling extensively all over the
world, she started her cooking for her own pleasure
and also to forge a link with her culture. She will
now pass on her wonderful recipes, including filled
pastas, appetizers, sautéed meats, vegetables,
risotto, rolls, and desserts. Since Letizia and Ruurd
have a large vegetable garden, many of the ingredients
will be picked for the recipes.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
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