Rome - Lesson with Chef Stefano

For the Rome cooking class with Chef Stefano, we booked a half day class and it lasted almost 7 hours - - - it was a bit lengthy, but very enjoyable. We learned new techniques with Stefano, although he did 90% of the cooking. We would have enjoyed a more hands-on class, but we learned a lot! Debra, CA

My friend and I booked a cooking school with Stefano Cirillo on November 6, 2007 in Rome. I just want to let you know how much we enjoyed both the class and Chef Cirillo. He was extremely knowledgeable about the food of the region and the dishes he expertly prepared. His delivery and demonstrations were well organized. Not only were we treated to passionately prepared foods but we learned so much from him in the process. We were more than pleased with the school and would heartily recommend it to anyone who is planning a stay in Rome. You will be treated extremely well and learn a great deal about Italian food. Salute to Chef Cirillo and The International Kitchen! Linda M., ID

We enjoyed so much attending your class and were delighted to meet you and your warm, friendly staff! Your recipes were delicious and we enjoyed the day spent with all of you immensely! ... We told [our family] about you and what a wonderful experience our day with you was, and I am sure you will be hearing from them because they said they would love to meet you and have you cook for them! Again, thank you for your hospitality, your welcoming attitude and most of all, the creative and delicious lunch you and your staff prepared for us! For us, this was one of the highlights of our trip! Thanks again for a marvelous day! Harriet and Bo K., USA

Stefano was knowledgeable, passionate and very engaging. The recipes were more complicated than Barbara's and, unlike Barbara, Stefano did not provide written recipes, requiring a lot of note-taking. Would have been nice to have the recipes. The afternoon walk along the Appian Way was an unexpected delight as were the autographed copy of his book and the homemade grappa that finished off the day. Pamela U., USA

The teacher was fantastic - very clear. Let us do hands on. Great translation into American food and cooking... Great style and sense of humor. Lots of patience. Helped us understand how to mix flavors. Great value for the money. Small classes. I would definitely use anywhere. Celinda L., Washington D.C.

The chef brought us to the market and pointed out the different foods that were indigenous to the area, then we went to his cooking location for a wonderful culinary experience. He was very informative and entertaining. We were able to try and make many wonderful dishes and learned about appropriate wine choice to go with them. The only addition I would have like were the recipes and the step by step directions in making them. I spent a great deal of time writing everything down and would have liked to enjoy the experience more. The food, company and his associates were great. Jan G., US

Chef Stephano.. was GREAT! My family would rate our experience 15 out of 10 !!!.. What a charming experience Chef Stephano, his wife and staff provided. All the tips and techniques he explained made sense and were things I will use everyday in my own Kitchen. Everything was very well prepared, very well presented, and very intimate. We were concerned about the expense before attending.. All of us (3) felt the expense was justified when we saw all the time and work Chef Stephano put into making sure our experience was something we will talk about AND USE for years to come. I loved the fact that EVERYTHING was delicious and elegant, yet simple and easy to do. I would HIGHLY recommend Chef Stephano....Chef Stephano was everything we hoped for and more.. Thank You Jan

[Please note these clients did both the gastronomic tour and half-day cooking lesson.] Hi Robyn! Just a note to let everyone at the International Kitchen know our class with Chef Stefano in Rome was just fabulous!!! We were picked up early and spent the morning on his gastronomical tour. Each stop was more interesting and delicious! His historical knowledge was amazing. Then we were off to his home for the afternoon of cooking and eating, eating, eating, and eating some more!!! He and his assistants, Cynthia and Patricia, were so good to explain each step of each recipe and the history of why we were using the recipes. As an extra special treat, they had created a very special birthday celebration for me (since it was the same week as our class)--it's a birthday I'll never forget:):):) As with our class with Samira in Paris, my husband, Hank, is still talking about our fun experience. We highly recommend taking classes from Chef Stefano. Many, many thanks ... we both look forward to taking another class wherever our future travels take us!!! Marla R., TX