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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 Tuscany . . .
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 other regions of Italy <click
here>
CLICK ON VACATION TO VIEW DETAILS |
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CHIANTI
RETREAT IN A MEDIEVAL CASTLE
- About
the location:
Welcome to a slice of history 1000 years old! Castello
di Tornano is a fascinating Medieval castle in a magnificent
and vast setting of DOCG wine and olive groves. The
castle has been carefully restored by the owners,
who previously lived on the property and who have
retained the true sensibility of the original building
while allowing for every amenity for your comfort.
This is a splendid opportunity to relax and enjoy
a spectacular setting in the heart of Chianti, just
south of Gaiole. If you feel inclined to some activity,
there is a beautiful pool, miles of hiking trails,
complimentary mountain bikes, a tennis court, and
stables right on the property for horseback riding.
And, when done, you can arrange for a massage in your
room!
- About
the lessons:
Chef Andrea Nardelli has trained in some of the finest
restaurants in Tuscany and is now the head chef for
the Castle. He will lead you in your hands-on lessons
for an introduction to typical Tuscan cuisine with
the freshest ingredients, uncomplicated preparation
and wonderful sapori, or flavors.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here 
CONVIVIUM
IN MONTAIONE
- About
the location:
In one of the most scenic areas of Tuscany, filled
with panoramic views of latticed rolling vineyards,
rows of Cypress trees, and fields of poppies, you
will find the little authentic town of Montaione.
Here you will be welcomed at the Palazzo Mannaioni
Hotel, once a private manor home, and now a lovely
four-star hotel.
- About
the lessons:
Your chef, Sara Conforti,is the owner of the prestigous
restaurant "Osteria del Vicario" in nearby
Certaldo Alto. After pursuing studies in graphic design
she decided to follow her passion—cooking! She
is a true prodigy, a young chef who has worked for
ten years at the Osteria del Vicario, of which she
assumed ownership four years ago. Her philosophy is
to combine tradition and creativity, to use the most
ancient Tuscan flavors and ingredients in an expression
of her youthful love of her homeland. She was recently
awarded her first, very well-deserved, Michelin star.
The hands-on lessons will be held in the hotel kitchen
with head chef Francesco Pannullo, a raising star
originally from the Amalfi coast, under her direction.
There will also be one demonstration lesson in the
restaurant Osteria del Vicario with Sara.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
IN THE ART CITY OF PIETRASANTA
- About
the location:
Along the Tuscan coast lies the lovely town of Pietrasanta,
home to the famed artist Botero. The picturesque streets
surrounding the pristine piazza and the beautiful
cathedral are lined with numerous galleries and shops.
Known also as the “little Athens,” Pietrasanta
has been the cultural capital of Versilia since Renaissance
times and is particularly well located for interesting
excursions, such as to Lucca, Pisa, Siena and the
Cinque Terre. Your accommodations will be at a fittingly
charming and elegant palazzo hotel of only six bedrooms.
You will feel like a pampered guest in a private home
while enjoying every amenity. The nineteenth-century
Palazzo, set right in the historical center, was carefully
renovated a few years ago by the present owner, whose
love of antiques had led her to her prior business.
Using her experience and impeccable taste to furnish
and restore the palazzo to its orginal splendor, she
has created an atmosphere that guaranteees an unforgettable
experience.
- About
the lessons:
Dorino Falcomer, born in South Africa, is of Italian
heritage, and his wife’s family is from Pietrasanta,
where they relocated seven years ago. While Dorino’s
training is as an electrical engineer, he has always
been drawn to cooking. He has worked in various restaurants,
his last as the head pastry chef at the finest restaurant
in the area, Il Pineto, where he spent three years
refining his culinary skills. He has continued along
this path doing private catering and frequent dinner
parties for friends and family. In his spare time
he surfs, fly fishes, golfs (he is a certified instructor)
and is also a registered artisan! He is an unusually
talented man who is delighted to share his culinary
expertise and secrets with you!
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
AT IL PODERE
- About
the location:
Montepulcino is famous for its vino nobile wine, and
is still something of a perfect miniature Renaissance
city. Perched at 2000 feet above sea level, with Piazza
Grande its highest point, the town is a joy to discover.
Just outside the center you will find your home away
from home, Il Podere, a 16th-century farmhouse nestled
between woods and olive groves. Silvia and Maurizio
have lovingly turned the villa into a residence of
refined charm that retains its atmosphere of informal
welcome.
The
guest rooms are few but exquisitely furnished; each
one has its own unique character and is named after
one of the many artists who contributed to the rich
cultural legacy of Montepulciano. Il Podere provides
a high quality service in the spirit and atmosphere
of a private home. The farmhouse has been meticulously
restored and furnished with every comfort. There are
two floors of living quarters and plenty of space
both inside and out.
- About
the cookery courses:
Charming and ebullient Maurizio, who speaks very good
English, has worked as a professional chef and cooking
is still his passion (along with creating a superior
olive oil!). During your stay he will lead you in
the hands-on cookery courses in the wonderful, professionally
equipped kitchen of the villa.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
SOUTHERN
TUSCAN TREASURES: WINE AND CUISINE
- About
the location:
We have found the perfect place in Southern Tuscany
to learn more about Italian cuisine and wine! Terre
di Nano is a charming upscale Agriturismo, located
on a picturesque hilltop with gorgeous views of rolling
green valleys dotted with cypress trees and farmhouses
located between the two very famous Tuscan villages
of Montepulciano and Pienza.
- About
the wine and lessons:
Together with Giorgio Saturini - resident wine expert
and sommelier and professional Chef Francesca Nustrini
you will learn more about wine and cuisine in the
Tuscan manner. The estate produces their own Chianti
Colli Senesi Docg, Orcia Doc, and Table wine IGT with
sangiovese grapes (Super Tuscan), and from the organic
garden you will choose fruits, herbs and vegetables,
along with specially chosen meats and cheese from
local markets to learn to create wonderfully delicious
homemade meals. Stay in tastefully furnished double
rooms in the main villa or else if you are a small
group you may opt to stay in one of the three two
bedroom / two bath apartments.
This
itinerary has been designed keeping in mind the freedom
that a car gives. Reservations have been made for
you at nearby wineries and farms and you are free
to come and go to these places as you see fit: perhaps
staying in the area afterwards for a light lunch or
dinner, or else leaving early in the morning to explore
more of a particular area on your own. The apartments
have an added plus of a complete kitchen to prepare
your own meals when they are not included in the program.
Some
of the most delightful things about Tuscany are found
unexpectedly - driving down a deserted dirt road at
sunset, picking grapes off a countryside vineyard,
standing in the middle of a sunflower field, sitting
in a cafe in a country village square, smelling the
scottish broom and jasmine in bloom. By having an
itinerary which leaves time for individual explorations
we believe you will be able to enjoy the unexpected
delights of this charmed land even more!
With
an itinerary that leaves time for individual explorations
we believe you will be able to enjoy the unexpected
delights of this charmed land even more!
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For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
AN
INTENSIVE TUSCAN COOKING "STAGE" WITH CHEF
CLAUDIO
- About
the location:
Tuscany . . . a landscape of wooded hills, olive groves,
vineyards, and hill towns. Vistas that have barely
changed since Renaissance artists first beheld them.
On this culinary tour of Tuscany you will see the
treasures of this rich region, learning its cuisine
during an intensive 6-night course. Your week in Tuscany
takes place in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno,
set in the triangle formed by the great cities of
Florence, Arezzo and Siena. Your home will be at Chef
Claudio’s picturesque B&B, cottages. The
charming B&B is located just 5 minutes outside
of town, amidst the Chef’s vineyards and olive
groves. Each of the five air-conditioned bedrooms
is delightfully decorated and equipped with modern
conveniences such as hairdryers and telephones. A
beautiful pool completes the setting. A notch above
your customary B&B!
- About
the cooking lessons:
Cooking lessons will be at Chef Claudio Piantini’s
restaurant, Torre Guelfa, or in the teaching kitchen
recently built at his farmhouse. Your instructor is
a chef with quite a following in Italy! You will learn
classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known throughout
the world for its refined simplicity. Students will
learn to prepare classic dishes such as ribollita
and crostini, along with more unusual dishes such
as castagnaccio. Claudio is undoubtedly one of our
best chefs, simply because of his dedication to the
art of cooking, his enthusiasm for teaching, and of
course, his scrumptious dishes. You will learn a vast
number of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
A
CLASSIC TUSCAN TABLE WITH CHEF CLAUDIO
Featured
on "CBS Sunday Morning News with Charles Osgood,"
November 2004. DVD of program available on request.
- About
the location:
Tuscany...a landscape of wooded hills, olive groves,
vineyards, and hill towns. Vistas that have barely
changed since Renaissance artists first beheld them.
On this culinary tour of Tuscany you will see and
experience the treasures of this rich region, learning
its cuisine and culture at a historic palazzo.
Your week in Tuscany
takes place in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno,
set in the triangle formed by the great cities of
Florence, Arezzo and Siena. Your home will be the
Villa Casagrande, a palazzo built in the 13th century
by a very influential Florentine. Over the years the
villa has been a gathering place for artists and philosophers.
It has offered hospitality to great leaders such as
Pope Leo X, King Charles VII of Bourbon, King Charles
V of Spain, and more recently Prince Umberto of Savoy
and his wife, Princess Maria Jose.
Today the Villa Casagrande
remains a precious jewel...full of art treasures,
paintings, frescoes and sculptures. It has been carefully
restored by the Luccioli family, blending history
and modern day comforts. Many of the rooms contain
original antiques and look out on to the Renaissance
garden. All are equipped with telephone, color TV,
air conditioning, and private bath/shower. In addition,
there is a covered pool, sauna, and fitness room for
your enjoyment during this culinary adventure in Tuscany.
If you prefer the charm
of a farmhouse property, you may chose to stay at
Chef Claudio’s picturesque B&B, Relais Torre
Guelfa. This charming relais is located just 5 minutes
outside of town, amidst the Chef’s vineyards
and olive groves. Each of the five air-conditioned
bedrooms is delightfully decorated and equipped with
modern conveniences such as hairdryers and telephones.
A beautiful pool completes the setting. A notch above
your customary B&B!
- About
the cooking lessons:
Cooking lessons will be at Chef Claudio Piantini’s
restaurant, Torre Guelfa, or in the teaching kitchen
recently built at his farmhouse. Your instructor is
a chef with quite a following in Italy! You will learn
classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known throughout
the world for its refined simplicity. Students will
learn to prepare classic dishes such as ribollita
and crostini, along with more unusual dishes such
as castagnaccio. Claudio is undoubtedly one of our
best chefs, simply because of his dedication to the
art of cooking, his enthusiasm for teaching, and of
course, his scrumptious dishes. You will learn a vast
number of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
AUTHENTIC
SOUTHERN TUSCANY
Most
of the ingredients you'll be using are grown in the
garden or come from the property. We make sure you
will be able to recreate these dishes you learn during
your Tuscan cooking classes for your family and friends,
because these or similar ingredients can now be found
in import shops almost anywhere. What matters most
is to understand the philosophy that goes into each
recipe: the culinary tradition is based on simple
preparation, swift cooking, very few sauces and almost
no elaborate concoctions. The most important element
is the balanced blend of tastes and textures, which
are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy
to digest.
As
with all of our cooking schools in Italy, the goal
of this Tuscan culinary vacation is not to accomplish
a series of lessons about cooking or wine, it is to
share with you our passion for the genuine ingredients,
traditions and customs into which we have had the
good fortune to be born. It is our sincere hope that
we will be able to transmit all of this to you.Your
days will be a combination of hands-on cooking lessons
and relaxing excursions to acquaint you with the delights
of Authentic Southern Tuscany.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
BELLA
TUSCANY AT VILLA BIANCA
- About
the location:
In the heart of Tuscany,
the Villa Bianca Hotel provides an alluring blend
of tradition and charm. It is located in the historical
town of Gambassi, a small spa town midway between
Florence and Siena. This luxurious villa dates back
to the 19th century, when it was the home of the illustrious
philologist Zingarelli. Meticulous restoration work
has returned the villa to its original splendour.
This hotel is a small gem; only 10 rooms, all of which
are tastefully furnished with antiques and beautiful
fabrics, yet complete with all modern amenities. Each
room has an original signature wall decoration created
by the noted local artist, Giulio Greco. The lovely
swimming pool, surrounded by a large Italian style
garden, is part of the extraordinary landscaping that
creates a green oasis around this elegant hotel. The
hotel restaurant Gambasinus provides a wonderful setting
with stunning indoor and outdoor dining areas.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Chef Roberto Buzzoni, head chef of the hotel restaurant,
has been a professional chef for almost ten years,
in some of the best local restaurants in Tuscany.
He has specializeded in the preparation of fish, meat
and in particular, has developed his own style of
preparing typical dishes of the region. And, you will
find him a very enthusiastic and charming teacher!
Some of the dishes
you will prepare will be pasta alla pommarolo come
a Napoli, papardella fresca ful fagiano, tagliata
di manzo al radicchio di campo e pepe verde aromatizzata
al balsamico, carpaccio di manzo allo stile del cleinte,
assorted dolci.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
AT IL CASTELLO
- About
the location:
Prepare yourself to be swept away by the magnificent
beauty of this property, really a small “borgo”
or village in the heart of the Chianti countryside,
close to Arezzo and Siena. This is the Pellegrino
family’s incredible estate, comprised of the
main building, the clusters of apartments, and a veritable
castle, in which the family resides. The village lies
within 750 acres of vineyards and centuries-old olive
trees. This is an area, which has remained miraculously
intact and unspoiled, offering an oasis of peace and
serenity. The rooms and apartments have been lovingly
and carefully restored with elegance and taste and
are filled with beautiful antiques and all modern
amenities, including air conditioning, satellite TV
and internet access. The landscaping throughout is
spectacular, with the alluring pool providing a vista
of the area.
- About
the cooking lessons:
We won’t let you laze forever. The cooking lessons
will take place on the estate, either in the kitchen
of the castle for small groups or in the restaurant
kitchen for larger groups. Your lessons are with a
wonderful local “nonna,” with over 20 years
of teaching experience and known for her wonderful
Tuscan recipes. During the week you will go through
the preparation of all the courses of a meal.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
COOKING
WITH GIULIETTA
- About
the location:
You will spend three nights in the rustic Tuscan villa
"Fagiolari," the home of your hostess, Giulietta
Giovannoni. Set in the incredibly beautiful area of
Panzano in Chianti, the villa affords stunning views
of the surrounding vineyards of the famous Chianti
Classico.
The home dates back to the Fifteenth century and has
been carefully restored. There is a lovely swimming
pool from which you can enjoy the panoramic view.
All bedrooms have private bathrooms and feature original
beamed ceilings and stone floors. There are various
areas in the house and several lovely outside locations
where you can relax when you are not busy with classes
or excursions.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your teacher and hostess, Giulietta, speaks perfect
English and is a former caterer and private chef.
Your hands-on lessons will feature typical Tuscan
cuisine and simple, yet fresh and flavorful ingredients.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
FLORENTINE
RETREAT
- About
the location:
In the hills that look down upon Florence, just southwest
of the city center, the elegant and pastoral Marignolle
Relais & Charme offers a two-night cooking course
and getaway. Relax away from the crowds and noise
of Florence, in the peace of the Chianti hills that
start where the traffic ends, perhaps by lounging
around the pool. Prepare yourself to be spoiled as
a guest of the Bulleri family, with your host Lorenzo.
To say that this 6-room Relais has been lovingly restored
is almost an understatement. It is beautiful, sophisticated,
and well thought out. Each huge marble bathroom has
a separate WC and glass shower, two sinks, and amenities
such as local artisan-made organic soaps. Air-conditioning,
CNN, and computer compatibility complete the modern
electronics. A lovely terrace complements each bedroom,
where breakfast can be served.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Learn authentic Florentine and Tuscan cuisine from
the owner's mother, Paola Bulleri, accompanied by
her daughter Silvia. An artist and designer, Paola
combines her artistic talent with a long family tradition
of skillful Italian cooking to present beautiful and
delicious plates. The cooking school is held in the
lovely well-equipped kitchen of their family home,
adjacent to the Relais, rolling out pasta on the green
marble counters. In a three-hour hands-on Florentine
cooking course, culminating in a sumptuous meal, you'll
learn about three different recipes. Some dishes that
you may learn in her kitchen include antipasti like
crisotini di fegatini or panzanella, pastas like penne
ai carciofi or pappa al pomodoro, and dolci such as
tiramisu or torta della nonna.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
IN
TERRE DI TOSCANA
- About
the location:
Figline Valdarno is a small, ancient Tuscan town about
35 kilometers southeast of Florence. Claudio Piantini,
owner and chef of the famous Ristorante Torre Guelfa,
has built a small "hotel" on his country
property. Six rooms, all unique and with ensuite baths,
and a beautiful large swimming pool complement the
large, professional style kitchen Claudio has built
to accommodate students during their cooking holiday
in Tuscany.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your chef, Claudio Piantini, has quite a following
in Italy. During each cooking class you will learn
the classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known throughout
the world for its refined simplicity. Students will
learn to prepare classic dishes such as ribollita
and crostini, along with lesser known and more unusual
dishes such as castagnaccio. Claudio is undoubtedly
one of the best chefs of all our programs, simply
because of his dedication to the art of cooking, his
enthusiasm in teaching, and of course the hands-down
deliciousness of his dishes. This true Tuscan will
teach you a vast number of recipes.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
INTENSIVE
TUSCAN COOKING STAGE WITH CHEF CLAUDIO
- About
the location:
Tuscany . . . a landscape of wooded hills, olive groves,
vineyards, and hill towns. Vistas that have barely
changed since Renaissance artists first beheld them.
On this culinary tour of Tuscany you will see the
treasures of this rich region, learning its cuisine
during an intensive 6 night course. Your week in Tuscany
takes place in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno,
set in the triangle formed by the great cities of
Florence, Arezzo and Siena. Your home will be Chef
Claudio’s picturesque B&B, Relais Torre Guelfa
or a two bedroom apartment in town. The charming B&B
is located just five minutes outside of town, amidst
the Chef’s vineyards and olive groves. Each of
the five air-conditioned bedrooms is delightfully
decorated and equipped with modern conveniences such
as hairdryers and telephones. A beautiful pool completes
the setting. A notch above your customary B&B!
The apartment is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment
in town, very convenient for getting home after your
evening cooking sessions! It is not air-conditioned
and does require a walk up stairs.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Cooking lessons will be at Chef Claudio Piantini’s
restaurant, Torre Guelfa, or in the teaching kitchen
recently built at his farmhouse. Your instructor is
a chef with quite a following in Italy! You will learn
classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known throughout
the world for its refined simplicity. Students will
learn to prepare classic dishes such as ribollita
and crostini, along with more unusual dishes such
as castagnaccio. Claudio is undoubtedly one of our
best chefs, simply because of his dedication to the
art of cooking, his enthusiasm for teaching, and of
course, his scrumptious dishes. You will learn a vast
number of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
ITALIAN
GARDENS AND FARMHOUSE COOKING
- About
the location:
Lucca and Tuscany offer an incredible range of garden
experiences, both for the enjoyment of the senses
and gathering ingredients for use in the Italian kitchen.You
will stay and cook at Selva, a 15th century farmhouse
located on the Tenuta di Forci wine and olive oil
estate, a uniquely preserved property in the Lucca
hills. Set in an age-old landscape where time is honored
but does not come to a halt, Selva is an inspiring
setting for enthusiasts of many interests, including
cooking, photography, wine, painting, gardening, the
Italian language, art history, music, and much more.
Our certified horticulturalist, Anita Pye, has restored
and designed gardens for many villas in the Lucca
area. She begins the week with a historical overview
of Italian gardens and joins us for many excursions,
guiding us through the trends of the centuries and
the wealth of gardens and plants.
- About
the gardens:
You will learn about many of the Italian types of
gardens traceable through the centuries: Medieval,
Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, English and the Twentieth
century neo-Renaissance. Let’s not forget the
orto (Italian vegetable garden) and the humble farmhouse
herb garden, redolent of all those wonderful aromas
that mean Italy to us. Since the very beginning of
time there has always been the campo; nature’s
bounty- fields full of wildflowers. Here are also
found wild herbs and greens, which form both the historical
staple of the cucina povera, and the current basis
of innovative dishes in top restaurants. Which leads
us, of course, to the kitchen.
- About
the cooking lessons:
We’ll feed our souls with beautiful and delightful
formal gardens and, after a trip to the orto or campo
for vegetables and herbs, we’ll settle into the
kitchen to prepare dishes based on our day’s
gleaning. The cooking classes will be led by a talented
local chef who will pass on to us traditional family
recipes.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
LINGUA
AND CUCINA
-
About the location:
A charming and intact medieval town, San Giovanni
Valdarno is situated in the center of the Upper Valdarno,
midway between Florence and Arezzo, surrounded by
hills and mountains, with the Arno running through
the town. Your home for the week will be in one of
the lovely apartments in a Palazzo in the heart of
San Giovanni Valdarno, 15 meters from the Palazzo
D'Arnolfo. It is a historic three-story palazzo, entirely
restored: each of the five apartments are gracefully
furnished, have a fully equipped kitchen, satellite
TV, and internet connection.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your Italian lessons will be at a family-run school
officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education.
All of the school’s teachers have had training
in the teaching of Italian language; they are a young,
friendly team of dedicated professionals whose goal
is to make learning Italian a thoroughly enjoyable
and memorable experience. They invite you to become
part of their family during your stay!
The cooking classes will specialize in traditional
Tuscan cuisine, going through the preparation of a
typical meal. Two lessons will be in the cosy kitchen
of the school, and one lesson with be at a traditional
farmhouse in Chianti.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
THE
TUSCAN CHEF
- About
the location:
Discover a little piece of Tuscan heaven and savour
the very best in Tuscan living gathered together in
our kitchen and around our table. The Tuscan Chef
is based in a beautiful historic 17th century villa
surrounded by wild and stunning olive grove terraces
reaching out over Monte Pisano with views across lavendar
and lemon scented Italian gardens towards the enchanting
walled town of Lucca. It is a home of great character
and charm which as been fully restored to its former
glory to become an elegant and exclusive retreat with
luxuriously appointed junior suites each with private
en-suite bath and shower facilities. Alongside the
Tuscan kitchen and grand dining room, the gracious
Italian living includes a formal drawing room with
piano, guest office with telephone, fax, computer
and internet facilities, a library, and a TV lounge
with satellite, video, DVD and music system linked
to surround sound.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Our hands-on cooking courses are under the guidance
of professional Italian chef, Valter Roman. They are
fun, informative and full of tips and tricks of the
trade. You will discover and explore the tastes and
textures of some of the finest ingredients from fresh
home-made pasta and plump potato gnocchi with their
various complimenting sauces to truffles, fragrant
garden Italian herbs, porcini mushrooms and wild asparagus,
freshly pressed olive oil, creamy pecorino cheeses
and classic Italian wines. Kitchen studies are enhanced
and complimented by a special touring program to some
of the most enchanting and personally selected towns,
markets, vineyards and other hidden treasures of Tuscany.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
THE
VILLA SAN MICHELE SCHOOL OF COOKERY
- About
the location:
Immersed in the greenery of the hills of Fiesole overlooking
Florence, sits the 5- star Villa San Michele is a
15th century monastery that has been transformed into
one of Europe's most charming and elegant hotels.
Part of the prestigious Orient-Express Hotel family,
it is a villa of unsurpassed beauty in an oasis of
peace, only a short distance from the center of Florence.
The magnificent façade was designed by Michelangelo
and still bears the cost of arms of the historic Davanzati
family. The villa is steeped in fascinating history,
amid acres of lush woodland full of fragrant flowers
and lemon trees. The beautiful pool amid the Italian
landscaping completes the pastoral outdoor setting.
The villa has a total of 45 rooms, each with is own
unique style and furnishings. The hotel also provides
a complimentary shuttle service to and from the center
of Florence. This is truly a paradise in the heart
of Tuscany, the home of art, wines, gastronomy and
culture.
- About
the cooking lessons:
The Villa San Michele School of Cookery is located
in the hotel. It has won renown in the world of gourmets,
and has attracted the attention and the participation
of some of the world's famous chefs. All the courses
are held in English and are available only to guests
of the hotel, and involve direct participation; you
will work directly in the kitchens in hands-on sessions
alongside the chef.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
VILLA
LA MASSA
- About
the location:
Just a stone's throw away from the bustle of Florence
is Villa La Massa, a beautiful Renaissance villa on
the banks of the Arno River. This has been home to
several aristocratic families over the centuries.
Today it has been magically transformed by the owners
of Villa D'Este into an elegant residence hotel.
The Villa La Massa has 38 rooms and suites, all decorated
in classic Tuscan style with spectacular panoramic
views. Every modern amenity is available, from hair
dryers, to satellite television, to direct dial telephones.
The villa's swimming pool and gardens sit among age
old cypress trees overlooking the Arno River. Its
restaurant, Il Verrocchio, was named one of the top
fifty restaurants in the world in the May 1999 issue
of Conde Nast Magazine.
The International Kitchen invites you to join us for
a glorious culinary week in early autumn at Villa
La Massa. For five nights you will be treated to the
warm atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside, learning
how to cook regional specialties such as crostini,
ribollita, and fagioli. Wine and olive oil tastings
are included, along with a full day trip. In your
free time you can relax by the pool, or take the short
shuttle ride to Florence for shopping or sightseeing.
- About
the cooking lessons:
Your instructor is Andrea Quagliarella, who was chef
at Villa D'Este for 19 years before being appointed
executive chef of Villa La Massa. Chef Quagliarella
was born in Bisceglie, a small village on the Adriatic
coast of Puglia, on February 19, 1956. Thanks to his
father's experience as an exporter of fruit and vegetables,
Andrea acquired a noted sensitivity to taste in his
early childhood. His sense for taste grew and developed
and his exclusive and natural first hand knowledge
would be placed at the disposal of his assistants
and clients throughout the course of his career. For
he last 5 years Andrea has been the Executive Chef
of Villa la Massa. With his Team he has increased
the quality of the Restaurant "Il Verrocchio".
During the winter months he visits Hotels and Restaurants
around the World.
For the itinerary or further information see The International
Kitchen web site - click
here
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