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La
Villa Cucina unique culinary travel experience
. . . explore the beautiful regions of Tuscany and Umbria
 La
Villa Cucina, created by Daniel Rosati, one of America’s
most sought after Italian culinary instructors!
La
Villa Cucina is a full participation culinary travel
program that integrates the popular villa holiday with
a culinary school vacation. La Villa Cucina explores
the beautiful regions of Tuscany and Umbria! The 2007
program year will include two cooking weeks in Tuscany
and one in Umbria.
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The Supertuscan Gastronomic Wine Tour with special
guest Carol Berman includes four full participation
culinary classes at at Tenuta la Bandita.
- The
summer Classic Tuscan Cooking Week includes five culinary
classes at Tenuta la Bandita and a special trip to
the island of Elba.
- The
Autumn in Umbria cooking week will be at Il Poggio
degli Olivi.
The
multi-session culinary classes take place in the villa's
professional kitchen. Class size is limited to twelve
guests in order to ensure personalized attention and
optimal comfort. Menus and methods reflect "La
Cucina Regionale Italiana," emphasizing the use
of authentic ingredients and classic culinary techniques.
All
classes are taught in English and a typical class begins
with a brief introduction to the day's recipes and ingredients.
Students are then divided into groups, each responsible
for a specific dish for the day's multi-course menu.
Classes run for approximately four hours, followed by
lunch (or dinner) when the day's culinary creations,
complete with wine, are served in an elegant dining
room.
Clearly,
a culinary travel program would not be complete without
travel! Full and half-day excursions to important Tuscan
and Umbrian hill towns and cities are planned together
with trips that include visits to local restaurants
and markets. Artisans who specialize in food, wine and
ceramics will show you their centuries old customs and
ways.
"A
nice mix between touring and cooking
. . . A perfect combination!"
"A
trip of a lifetime . . . thank you . . . thank you
. . . thank you for such a wonderful experience in
Tuscany!"
"Daniel’s
instruction was just right, not intimidating . . .
He can communicate with all levels. Amateurs and professionals
alike!"
Supertuscan
Gastronomic Wine Tour with special guest Carol Berman
May
12 - 19, 2007
As
Spring arrives, the air fills with the sweet scent of
Acacia . . . the hills of Tuscany become a sea of yellow
as the Saggina bursts into bloom. Outdoor markets overflow
with the abundance of the season . . . herbs, artichokes,
wild fennel and asparagus inspire the Epicurean, beckoning
us to the kitchen. This week we will enjoy four full
participation cooking classes and have special guest
Carol Berman, WOR radio’s Traveling Sommelier,
to guide us during this comprehensive tasting of western
Tuscan food & wines.
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Supertuscan
Gastronomic Wine Tour with special guest Carol
Berman
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| Arrival
Day |
- Mid-afternoon
transfers from Florence by private coach
to Tenuta La Bandita
- Arrival,
assignment of rooms and tour of estate
- Evening
cocktail reception and dinner at the villa
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| Day
One |
The food
& wine of the Alta Maremma
- AM Cooking
Class (includes lunch & wine tasting)
- Afternoon
free to enjoy estate, (pool, tennis, hiking,
horseback riding), or just relax
- Dinner
at Villa la Bandita
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| Day
Two |
The food
& wine of Val di Cornia
- AM Cooking
Class (includes lunch)
- Late
afternoon visit to Suvereto, visit Gualdo
del Re to taste their DOC Val di Cornia
wines
- Dinner
in Suvereto at ristorante Ombrone
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| Day
Three |
The food
& wine of Bolgheri and Castagnetto Carducci
- AM visit
to Cecina market Visit Podere Grattamacco
to taste their award winning Bolgheri
Superiore and Bianco wines
- Lunch
at a local olive oil mill
- Afternoon
visit to Bolgheri, visit producers such
as Tenuta San Guido for Sassicaia and
Tenuta dell’ Ornellia for a tasting
of their famous Bolgheri DOC Rosso Superiore
- Dinner
and cooking demonstration in a private
home
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| Day
Four |
The food
& wine of southern Maremma
- AM Cooking
Class (includes lunch)
- Late
afternoon visit to Orbetello, Tenuta la
Parrina, sample DOC Parrina, cheese, honey,
vinegar and olive oil
- Afternoon
visit to the ancient town of Pitigliano
- Dinner
at award winning Bracali in Massa Maritima
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| Day
Five |
The food
& wine of Lucca
- Day
trip to the Tuscan town of Lucca
- Tour
of the famous renaissance Villa Torrigiani
and gardens
- Lunch
at Fattoria Maionchi to enjoy their DOC
Colline Lucchesi wine, home made biscotti
and Vin Santoi
- Free
time to shop in the city of Lucca
- Pizza
dinner in the ancient town of Castagneto
Carducci
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| Day
Six |
The food
& wine of the Etruscun Coast
- AM Cooking
Class (includes lunch)
- Free
time to enjoy the estate
- Final
gala dinner in San Vincenzo at Michelin
rated Gambero Rosso restaurant and distribution
of course diplomas
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| Departure
Day |
- AM departure,
transfer to Florence
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7
NIGHTS
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FOR
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES PLEASE EMAIL <click
here>
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Classic
Tuscan Cooking Week
June
30 – July 7, 2007
As
the weather warms, people flock to the Tuscan coast
. . . the azure blue of the Tyrrhenian sea glistens
as small fishing boats dance on its waters. In the port
cities of Cecina, Livorno and Piombino the fruits of
the sea await us as we dine in popular restaurants.
Embark on a voyage to Elba, Tuscany’s island resort
. . . extend your stay and attend the ancient Palio
of Siena . . . enjoy open air concerts in the medieval
town of San Gimignano, famous for its towers and Vernaccia
wine . . . walk the walled city of Lucca, birthplace
of Puccini, renowned for its olive oil, sweet breads
and pastries. Our classic week in Tuscany includes 5
full participation culinary classes!
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Classic
Tuscan Cooking Week
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| Arrival
Day |
- Mid-afternoon
transfers from Florence by private coach
to Tenuta La Bandita
- Arrival,
assignment of rooms and tour of estate
- Evening
cocktail reception and dinner at the Villa
la Bandita
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| Day
One |
- AM
cooking class featuring bread baking and
pizza (includes lunch) and lunch
- Free
time to enjoy the estate, (pool, tennis,
hiking, horseback riding), or just relax
- PM
cooking class (includes dinner)
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| Day
Two |
- AM
ferry to Isola d’Elba visit several
vineyards and cantinas specializing in
Aleatico wine Visit to an organic honey
producer
- Lunch
in Porto Azzuro
- Late
afternoon visit to Suvereto, visit Gualdo
del Re to taste their DOC Val di Cornia
wines
- Dinner
at Villa la Bandita
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| Day
Three |
- AM
visit to Cecina market Visit Podere Grattamacco
to taste their award winning Bolgheri
Superiore and Bianco wines
- Lunch
at a local olive oil mill
- Afternoon
visit to Bolgheri, visit producers such
as Tenuta San Guido for Sassicaia and
Tenuta dell’ Ornellia for a tasting
of their famous Bolgheri DOC Rosso Superiore
- Dinner
and cooking demonstration in a private
home
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| Day
Four |
- AM
Cooking Class (includes lunch)
- Late
afternoon visit to Orbetello, Tenuta la
Parrina, sample DOC Parrina, cheese, honey,
vinegar and olive oil
- Afternoon
visit to the ancient town of Pitigliano
- Dinner
at award winning Bracali in Massa Maritima
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| Day
Five |
- Day
trip to the Tuscan town of Lucca
- Tour
of the famous renaissance Villa Torrigiani
and gardens
- Lunch
at Fattoria Maionchi to enjoy their DOC
Colline Lucchesi wine, home made biscotti
and Vin Santo
- Free
time to shop in the city of Lucca
- Pizza
dinner in the ancient town of Castagneto
Carducci
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| Day
Six |
- AM
cooking class (includes lunch)
- Free
time to enjoy the estate
- Final
gala dinner in Suvereto at Ristorante
Ombrone includes a tasting of regional
Italian olive oils and distribution of
course diplomas
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| Departure
Day |
- AM departure,
transfer to Florence
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7
NIGHTS
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FOR
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES PLEASE EMAIL <click
here>
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Autumn
in Umbria
October
20 - 27, 2007
Umbria,
often referred to as “the green heart of Italy”, is
an unspoiled region dotted with medieval hill towns
and villages. Perugia, the main city, well known for
its elegant shops and museums. Nearby Assisi, a center
of religious arts and culture. Orvieto, Torgiano and
Montefalco produce the regions famous wines.
Deruta,
hand made ceramics capital of the world! Spoleto, Trevi
and Todi, picturesque hill towns with breathe taking
views, each surrounded by olive groves producing some
of the most exquisite olive oil Italy has to offer…
and Spoleto, well known for its annual performing arts
festival and delicious truffles!
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Autumn
in Umbria
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| Arrival
Day |
- Mid-day
transfer by private coach from Perugia’s
train station to Il Poggio degli Olivi
- Arrival
assignment of rooms and tour of estate
- Evening
cocktail reception and dinner in the main
villa
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| Day
One |
- AM
cooking class (includes lunch)
- Afternoon
Truffle Hunt
- Dinner
at a country farm specializing in truffle
cookery
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| Day
Two |
- AM
cooking class (includes lunch)
- Afternoon
tour of Perugina chocolate factory and
museum
- Late
afternoon visit to historic Perugia
- Dinner
at a local trattoria
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| Day
Three |
- AM
cooking class (includes lunch)
- Visit
to a fashion outlet specializing in leather
goods and cashmere.
- Afternoon
visit to Montefalco, tour the Arnaldo-Caprai
wine estate, includes a tasting of their
award winning Sagrantino wines.
- Dinner
in the nearby hill town of Bevagna.
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| Day
Four |
- AM
visit to an outdoor market
- Visit
to local artisans specializing in Umbrian
Prosciutto
- Visit
to ceramic museum in Deruta
- Lunch
at a local trattoria
- Afternoon
visit to a ceramic studio, includes a
lesson in shaping hand painting Majolica
- Dinner
in Bettona at a local Ristorante
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| Day
Five |
- Day
trip to the medieval citadel city of Orvieto
- Lunch
at a local trattoria specializing in Etruscan
cookery
- Afternoon
tour of local vineyard to sample Orvieto’s
famous wine
- Late
afternoon visit to Spoleto
- Dinner
in the picturesque hill town of Todi
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| Day
Six |
- AM
cooking class (includes lunch)
- Late
afternoon visit to Assisi
- Final
gala dinner in Assisi, distribution of
diplomas
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| Departure
Day |
- AM
departure, transfer to Perugia train station
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7
NIGHTS
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FOR
AVAILABILITY AND PRICES PLEASE EMAIL <click
here>
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Daniel
Rosati
 Daniel
Rosati has been a cooking instructor at the New School
University in New York since 1989, and has taught
at many respected facilities across the United States,
concentrating in the New York metropolitan area. While
his specialty is in regional Italian cooking, Daniel
is also proficient in the pastry arts and other ethnic
specialties, including Thai, Greek, Lebanese, Spanish,
Portuguese and Moroccan.
From
1982 to 1989, Daniel acted as teaching assistant to
Giuliano Bugialli both in New York and in Florence,
Italy. In 1988, Daniel was awarded a grant from the
Cooking Advancement Research and Educational Foundation
(CAREF) for studies in chocolate work with Chef Albert
Kumin.
Daniel
has received the prestigious Antonin Carême
bronze medal, from the Société Des Cuisiniers
De Paris, the Otto Gentsch silver medal from the Otto
Gentsch Foundation and the Auguste Escoffier gold
medal. Presentations were held at Société
Culinaire Philantropique's 124th, 125th and 126th
Salon of Culinary Arts in New York City.
Daniel
has contributed to Fine Cooking magazine (published
by the Taunton Press) and received considerable praise
for his cover article Making Regional Italian Pastas
(premier issue, February / March 1994). Daniel has
contributed to and has been featured in such publications
as Country Roads Magazine, The Star Ledger, The New
York Post and The Daily News.
Daniel
is currently working on his first book, Undiscovered
Umbria: classic & contemporary foods from the
“green heart” of Italy.
Carol
Berman
Carol
Berman was bitten by the “wine bug” in the
late 1970s and it became her mission to learn about
and understand the beauty in the bottle, especially
being in the restaurant and hotel business in the
years following. Subsequently, she had the good fortune
to work and study for Kevin Zraly at Windows on the
World in New York City.
In
1991, she became a certified sommelier by The Sommelier
Society of America, and with wine education as a focus,
sold wine in wholesale and retail for many years both
in New York and New Jersey. As founder of Class in
a Glass / the Traveling Sommelier, her passion as
a wine educator was born.
Founded
in 1997, her educational events company presents wine
tasting and classes for home and corporate enjoyment,
as well as fund-raisers and benefits. Making the cooking
school circuit in the Metro NY area, including Classic
Thyme in Westfield, NJ, she offers food and wine pairing
dinners and classes monthly.
Since
October 1999, Carol has been a regular feature on
Food Talk with Arthur Schwartz, Radio 710 WOR, presenting
her Wine Buy of the Week segment. As the Food Talk
Sommelier, Carol and Arthur taste live, and talk wine.
She has also appeared on CBS television, and been
featured in Time Out New York, Quest and New Jersey
Savvy Living magazines. Class in a Glass provides
consulting for restaurants, retail wine venues and
corporations.
Umbrian
programs and lodging are at Il Poggio degli Olivi, a
working agricultural complex dating back to the seventeenth
century. The estate is located amidst scenic olive groves
and vineyards and spreads over 60 hectares of land.
The artisan olive oil produced by the frantoia is highly
regarded and is available for purchase during your stay.
Assisi, Perugia, and many other important historic,
artistic and cultural towns of Umbria may be viewed
from the grounds. All rooms include a private bath or
shower, a television, a mini-bar and daily maid service.
There is a swimming pool and tennis court for your enjoyment.
Il
Poggio degli Olivi is located near Bettona in the region
of Umbria, Il Poggio degli Olivi is conveniently located
minutes away from Perugia.
Tuscan
programs and lodging are at Tenuta la Bandita . . .
spread over 85 hectares of land on the Val di Cornia
hills of Western Tuscany. The grounds boast olive groves
and vineyards and overlooks two small lakes, the Tyrrhenian
sea and the Tuscan isles. Guests stay in a beautifully
restored Seventeenth century villa, appointed with lovely
one-of-a-kind paintings and antiques. Our villa provides
the warm feeling of a luxury country home. All rooms
include a private bath or shower, a telephone, a mini-bar
and daily maid service. There is a swimming pool and
tennis court for your enjoyment.
Tenuta
la Bandita is located just fifty minutes south of Pisa,
along the Etruscan Riviera in the region of Tuscany.
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