Figline Valdarno - Lesson with Chef Claudio

Chef Claudio created a full experience: everything from the capuccino prior to starting, to the tour of the garden, to the use of the professional kitchen, coupled with his experience and savvy and patience and joy made the day truly memorable. In the 3 hours we were with him, we prepared 8 dishes. Most of these were new to us, and those dishes which weren't, he gave us new approaches with which to prepare them. His expertise and obvious commitment to his profession and his individual students made the time spent with him a great joy. Patricia, CA

We had a wonderful time and learned alot about the regional area cuisine. We found Claudio and his assistant were very informative to our questions. We really appreciated that we were asked if we had any dislikes or favorite foods that we wanted to learn how to make. The food we did prepare was very tasty as well as appealing in sight. We were also impressed that Claudio took the time to greet all his guests and frequently came out to see if everything was fine. At the end of the evening he had his assistant take us back to the train station to go to Florence. I would highly recommend the experience to other travelers visiting the Florence area. My husband who is not a cooker learned some recipes he feels he can do by himself. Thank you again for all your help. Cathy D., MI

This was one of our favorite days in Italy. Chef Claudio is a amazing teacher! He is so patient and kind when he is teaching. The food -- I can not even start to tell you how wonderful it was. Italy and taking cooking classes was my son's graduation gift. He is going to Culinary school in the fall. When he is asked what was his favorite part he always says the cooking class. We cooked so many different things, he asked what foods were our favorite and gave us choices. We are still talking about our lunch!! Thank You Chef Claudio, you are a Fantastic Chef!! Your Restaurant is beautiful and your staff took great care of us. We cannot wait to come back. The International Kitchen staff [was] so nice to me. I had so many questions and they were very helpful. I will refer your company. Paula and Jacob M., AL

Chef Claudio is a warm, understanding and most even-tempered individual--rare in the world of professional cooking. He accommodated the four of us with grace, and had us make a meal to our choosing -- even had to send out for a chicken which arrived in moments. We were then served our dinner in the lovely restaurant. The evening we spent with Claudio was very clearly the high point of our two weeks in Tuscany. Chef Claudio is certainly the Michelangelo of the kitchen. Arnold K., NJ

Chef Claudio was fantastic. We may return next year with our Gourmet Group. If we do we definitely would want to be with Claudio. His skills as a chef were the ultimate, he was very patient and friendly. This experience was one to be remembered for many years. We had a wonderful time and we are excited about possibly doing it in the near future. Thanks again, Bill and Diana M., CA

I really enjoyed being able to have the class in Chef Claudio's kitchen, to see how a chef really works on a day-to-day basis! Chef Claudio and his assistant were both very nice and freindly and receptive to our many questions, and of course the food was great. Sara C., UK

he evening with Claudio was fantastic! We couldn't have asked for a better chef or setting. Not only is he a wonderful chef, but he was a terrific teacher - he gave practical advice, shared hints, got us involved with hands-on preparation and was friendly and charming. This was an experience of a lifetime! We would highly recommend this cooking class - what a great way to experience authentic Italy! [The] information [provided] was good - maybe guidelines about what appropriate dress would be (the kitchen is extremely hot - you need to be comfortable) and bring materials for taking notes. Michelle W.

Class with Chef Claudio was excellent. Started with coffee at his restaurant in Figline Valdarno then went to his Country kitchen faciltiy. He was assisted by a young assistant chef named Nicola. It was very well organized, he explained everything, was very personable and patient and we all learned a lot. Especially enjoyed the lunch we prepared and the excellent wines to match. We were part of a party of eight and I think we would do it all again and will certainly recommend this to our friends. Warren K.

Thought Claudio was very friendly , patient and set a perfect pace for the class. Really cemented my appreciation for the simplicity of italian cooking needing only a few perfect ingredients David W., Canada

Chef Claudio was enthusiastic, charming and open to cooking whatever we liked. When we arrived he asked if we wanted to watch or cook. When we said cook, he was very pleased. He taught my daughter many different techniques, and helped me learn many new things about cooking ( although I thought I knew them already!). After three hours and at least 11 different dishes, we were seated in his beautiful restaurant and Chef Claudio served us dinner himself. He also saw to it that we made our train back to Florence and had us driven to the train station. I highly recommend this chef as a great option for cooking in Tuscany. Bobbi G., MI

Had a great experience working with the chef at Torre Guelfa and preparing several dishes with him. We were able to get a feel for how the Italians cook with fresh ingredients and make wonderful recipes with the foods (seasonal) that are available to them. The chef was very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was superb! Lillian & Ed Y. , IL

Last night my wife and I returned from Italy. We are very glad to be home but we can honestly say that this trip was hands down the best vacation we have ever enjoyed. The country, the art, the food, the people were all fantastic but one of the highlites which stands out of all the others was our day venturing down to meet with Claudio for a day of cooking. This man was patient, responsive to our presence and seemed to really enjoy his time with us as we enjoyed his company. It was obvious from the moment we arrived that Claudio would make this day special and the man did not disappoint. We are definitely going to return and under the International Kitchen program. Your hotel in Florence was lovely and the day as we mentioned was as good as it gets. Bravo Karen! Mike & Kim K., CA

We had a marvelous time with Claudio. It was one of the highlights of our 3 weeks in Italy. We actually found Figline very easily; it was finding the restaurant that gave us the problem. We arrived almost 30 minutes late but Claudio was very understanding and we immediately went to work. We talked about our preferences in food before we started to cook and he steered away from shellfish because I don't like it. In all, we made 7 different dishes, all were wonderful. We made appetizers to dessert! After we finished cooking in the kitchen, Claudio brought out a bottle of champagne which we enjoyed in the kitchen. We were then seated in Torre Guelfa Dining Room where we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. During the meal we were served 2 different types of wine to complement the meal. Thank you so much for all your help in planning this cooking class, and then re-scheduling it after 9/11. We have the fondest memories of that day, and look forward to scheduling another class when we travel again. Star & Barry S., CA

One day cooking outings are just great for those travellers who want to add a special day to their trip, yet retain the flexibility of moving around Tuscany. Eric and Sophie of Torre Guelfa restaurant in Figline Valdarno just can't do enough to make this a great day for you! I have some great pictures of Chris and I cooking in the kitchen, and then enjoying the feast when our wives joined us at the end of the morning. Glenn M., Canada