An Intensive Tuscan Cooking "Stage" with Chef Claudio

First was the people. Claudio, Sabrina, Laura, Miguel, Ahmed, and Joe the dishwasher all received us with open arms as if we were friends for years. The 10 participants in the other program became close friends in a mater of minutes. They ALL were great to work with, eat with, drink with and laugh with. Second was the location. Figline is a quaint town with Claudio’s restaurant located in the town's main Piazza. Claudio’s cottages located in the Tuscan hills with sheep, chickens and some of the freshest vegetables used in our cooking class. The wood burning pizza oven located on the farm topped the cooking experience of Tuscany. Third was the food and wine. Claudio used the only best ingredients and the best wines for our class. He would ask us what we wanted to cook and had no problem getting those ingredients no mater if it was chicken or steak. Lastly is how all three elements blended to make this the most memorable trip to Italy we have ever had. The Chicago staff was complete and knowledgable. I have no suggestions to improve. Cono C., FL

First of all, the schedule was perfect. We started not too early morning and had 4-5 hours break after lunch, so we could do a lot of great sightseeing before the next classes in the evening and enjoyed our dinner till late. We cooked about 10 dishes every day and everyone could try to prepare each of it. Claudio flexibly adapted menu to our expectations and preferences, so we could improve our skills easily. Secondly, Claudio is an experienced chef, so we were able to get to know lots of cooking tricks and some useful rules. Recipes were quite easy, so we can try them now at home successfully. Last, but not least, we liked to buy some food (olive oil, cheese etc.) and Claudio helped us willingly, showing the way to the fattoria we were looking for. It was great time for us. Claudio, thank you very much... The Chicago staff was perfect. Thank you for your assistance. Marta Z., Krakow, Poland

Chef Claudio is truly and incredible chef, instructor and, above all, host. His advanced cooking skills along with his genuine love for food and people made our experience in Italy all the more enjoyable. I don't know how he keeps up, but he does, and his passion is undeniable. David H., CA

I have been in the field of hospitality for thirty years. I signed up for the intensive stage classes with Chef Claudio, but only for three days because I was skeptical that we would learn enough or enjoy it enough to stay longer. [TIK note: Normally the Stage lasts six nights, but shorter itineraries can be customized.] I could not have been more wrong – every day was exhilarating. Chef Claudio is a tremendously talented chef. We were with Claudio, his sister Sabrina and/or his staff about twelve hours a day – they are quite possibly the most hospitable people I have ever met. Claudio is the consummate teacher and a wonderful entertainer: passionate about food, clear with instruction, witty, and patient - and the food is truly awe-inspiring. Each day he had different class participants: some very knowledgeable, some had never boiled water and some were there just for fun. Undaunted, Claudio, with his assistant Nicola, teaches and has the class prepare a huge variety of menu items. And yet, he has the uncanny ability to stop and address each person asking a question as if they are the only person in the room. Nanette R., OH

What I liked most [about the "Stage" with Chef Claudio] was that I didn't feel part of a touristic experience. Claudio and Sabrina are warm, delightful, and very talented. We were included in all aspects of the restaurant's cooking experience, and usually given the opportunity to work hands-on side-by-side with either Claudio or one of his staff, Sarah or Giovanella. We experienced first hand the value of seasonal, fresh ingredients. We took afternoon drives to Assisi and Pisa, and loved our two days in Florence (the hotel was a great choice -- perfectly situated and reasonably priced). In addition to charming experiences in and around the town at our favorite bakery or our favorite gelateria, we completely enjoyed the lack of pretension, the openness, and the simplicity of Torre Guelfa.