In Terre Di Toscana

First let me say that Chef Claudio, Daniella and Sabrina were wonderful and thoughtful throughout our stay. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend it to anyone. Our first night eating at the restaurant was a shock - the quantity of food (5 courses) was intimidating but each dish was so delicious that we ate the whole meal from beginning to end. The experience of several courses of delicious food was repeated throughout our stay. The instruction was thorough and well thought out, clear to understand and every participant had abundant hands-on practice. Chef Claudio has a very even temperament at all times, he was very patient with us and made everyone feel comfortable and relaxed with our assigned tasks. He was eager to demonstrate techniques and discuss the "why and where" of ingredients and techniques. His garden was the source of many items we cooked. I think his favorite phrase was "Perfetto". Our cooking partners, who we met on our first day, were delightful. I expect to maintain friendships with several people we met at chef Claudio's for many years to come. The B&B was surprisingly modern and comfortable for an old Italian Estate, although we had to get used to the small "tub" in the bath. The grounds were hilly and planted with olives, grapes, pomegranates and a garden of bounty. We collected mushrooms in the woods on site for a couple of the dishes we made (delicious). The place gave a feeling of the Italian countryside. The pool was fun and well-used by all the class participants. The temperature was wonderfully warm for May. The B&B is well located for day journeys into the Tuscan countryside and we took advantage of that with trips to nearby ancient castles and towns and exploring Chianti wine country. I should say that driving the narrow roads around Figline Valdarno can be perilous… All my questions and concerns were immediately addressed by the Chicao staff in a very courteous and friendly way. Robyn, in particular was wonderfully informative and responsive (Thanks Robyn). Dennis W., MD

I am a professor of Italian and I have taken Italian cooking before but this trip surpassed my expectation in every way. Claudio is a wonderful and caring chef. We leanred so much from him and the trip was entirely "perfetto." Nex time Umbria. Connie M., IL

The entire experience was superb and far exceeded my expectations. Claudio was a wonderful teacher and an incredibly gracious host throughout our stay. His staff was "over the top" in meeting our every need/request. Our accomodations at a nearby Villa were wonderful. And the food/wine . . . words can't describe. The entire experience was a very memorable highlight of my trip to Italy. Leann B., Minneapolis, MN

Claudio, Sabrina and the whole family were so welcoming and hospitable during our stay. They went out of their way to make sure that we enjoyed our time with them. The cooking experience and the tasting experiences were extraordinary. The accommodations were excellent. We all had a wonderful and memorable time in Figline and will recommend it highly to our friends. In addition, Karen in Chicago was very helpful in answering preparation questions and helping us to arrange a rental car--which surprisingly also turned out to be a pleasant experience! Dennis K., Washington DC.

I wanted to write to tell you what a great trip we had in Figline Valdarno. Claudio and his sister Sabrina are wonderful hosts, and the experience, instruction, and dining surpassed our highest expectations. Claudio is a truly gifted chef and restaurateur, and Sabrina helped us plan fun road trips throughout the region when we weren't at the restaurant. We have amazed our friends with the dishes we learned to make. We're already thinking about a return trip in Summer 2006. Thank you to you and the Piantinis for a fantastic vacation. Ciao, Erik L