Tavarnelle Val di Pesa - Lesson with Chefs Cecilia and Massimo

Our class at Osteria la Gramola in Tavarnelle was a delightful highlight of our visit to Tuscany. Massimo and Cecilia were warm, generous, and informative hosts and cooking instructors, and the meat, soup, and dessert courses we prepared were truly delicious (including the tastiest biscotti we had in 2 weeks in Italy.) We learned a lot - Massimo and Cecilia very patiently answered our endless questions about their cooking, their lives, and Tuscan food and drink - and enjoyed a very satisfying lunch from what we and our classmates helped prepare. We would highly recommend this class. Judy, Melanie, & Paula, PA

Just a note to say that the cooking school at Osteria Gramola is to be prized. It is not a school, but an experience in fine cooking. The host and hostess are expert in their fields and run a very fine restaurant. Thank You, Bob & Debbie P.

We had a wonderful time. Cecilia and Massimo could not have been more gracious. It was a very "hands on" experience. We would highly recommend Osteria La Gramola to anyone. We ate at the restaurant two other times and had wonderful meals. When you go to the restaurant, don't be afraid to push on the door. The first time we went it did not look like they were open when, in fact, they were. Tim & Lynda C., MI

The experience was wonderful. Cecilia and Massimo were gracious hosts who helped us have a real hands on experience in the kitchen. They shared information about local food, wine and olive oil with us. It was a great experience. Tricia H., GA

All parts of the program were above our expectations and we consider it one of the best parts of our trip to Italy. Anon., VA

Massimo and Cecilia were outstanding. They were so pleasant to us and wonderful to be around. Massimo gave us a great lesson on regional wines and olive oils. Cecilia gave us great instruction on making a wonderful meal. It was a group of 5, which was perfect. It gave us the opportunity to ask a lot of questions and get to know Massimo and Cecila better. Bobbi S., WV

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Tuscany. My friend and I took a class from Cecilia and Massimo from [L'Osteria] La Graoala in Tavarnelle and were very, very pleased. So much so that a few nights later we took them 8 empty bowls and had them fill them for us so that we supplied food for 15 people at our villa. We included some of the dishes we learned to cook...homemade pasta with a duck sauce and tiramasu. I would certainly go back and take another class when we return to Tuscany. Joanne S., VA

I have been in the food and beverage business for 32 years. One hour of the class was devoted to an explanation of local Tuscan wines and olive oils (while our meat simmered). Sommelier Massimo taught me more in that one hour than I had previously learned from many visits to vineyards and from my wine reps. Chef Cecilia took us through 3 courses of true Tuscan cooking. The class was more about cooking than technique. It was fun! Cecilia's easy going manner kept everyone at ease and at the end we sat and enjoyed the meal that we had prepared. Cecilia and Massimo are generous with their time and the wine. I would go again in an instant. Thomas O., Hilton Head, SC

The best part was that my friend and I were the only two people in the class! We had the complete attention of Cecelia and Massimo, who were wonderful, informative and passionate about what they do! The class also happened to be on market day, so we were able to purchase fresh ingredients from the local market. Upon returning home to London, we had an Italian themed dinner party and prepared the wonderful dishes we learned at La Gramola. We would definitely book another lesson through the International Kitchen. Bravo! Nicole B., UK

Thanks so much for the most wonderful experience as part of our trip to Italy. We had a delightful cooking class/lunch with Cecillia and Massimo…they made us feel we were in their home and enjoyed all of the class and the results were spectacular. In fact the food was so good we returned the next evening for dinner and again, it and they were terrific. Again, great program. We will use it again. Arnie H., IL

Cecila and Masimo were warm, friendly and very welcoming hosts. We enjoyed the opportunity to become part of their kitchen, to learn about their techniques, to have them share their recipes and to reap the benefits of the experience. The additional discussion of olive oils and wine were enlightening and gave us new insight to bring home. David B., VA

Our cooking class was just wonderful. Cecelia and Massimo are just charming people and passionate about their work, food and Tuscany. We all (7 of us) enjoyed the class, recipes, information about wine, olive oil and our delicious lunch. Lisa B., Washington D.C.

Massimo and Cecilia were engaging and infectiously proud of the heritage and culture of their region. While the food and wine were plentiful and wonderful, the insight into the history and culture associated with the wines, oils and food was enchanting. Young C., NJ

I enjoyed tasting the wines and oils while our food was cooking. I loved the location. The hosts were wonderful. I did like that they gave us the recipes. They converted the metric, but unfortunately, they measured some ingredients like the flour in weight, whereas I am used to measuring in cups. I am not a very good cook, so that was kind of a bummer when I attempted to make biscotti back home! Jennifer J., GA