Our
full program with Chef
Claduio,
A Classic Tuscan
Table with Chef Claudio, was
featured on "CBS Sunday Morning News with Charles Osgood," November 2004. DVD of
program available on request.
About the location: Tuscany...a landscape of wooded hills, olive groves, vineyards,
and hill towns. Vistas that have barely changed since Renaissance artists first beheld
them. On this culinary tour of Tuscany you will see the treasures of this
rich region, learning its cuisine during an intensive 6-night course.
Your week in Tuscany takes place in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno, set
in the triangle formed by the great cities of Florence, Arezzo and Siena.
Your
home will be at Chef Claudio’s picturesque B&B, cottages. The charming B&B is located just 5 minutes outside of town,
amidst the Chef’s vineyards
and olive groves. Each of the five air-conditioned bedrooms is delightfully decorated and equipped with modern
conveniences such as hairdryers and telephones.
A beautiful pool completes the setting. A notch above your customary B&B!
About the cooking lessons: The lessons are led by Chef Claudio Piantini. Claudio grew up in a typical Italian home,
where the quality of food and cooking was very important. At the tender age of 14, Claudio worked secretly as
a waiter in a fine restaurant and this was the beginning of an illustrious career. He recognized how the pleasures
of good food could unite people from all different backgrounds. Following his formal chef training, he became
a professional sommelier and managed a restaurant in Florence. His dream, of course, was to have his own
restaurant and returned to his home town to open Torre Guelfa Restaurant, which immediately put his rising
star on the culinary horizon.
In 1995 The International Kitchen was fortunate to begin a collaboration
with this wonderful, passionate and charming chef, whose delight in his art is totally contagious!
During your lessons, you will learn classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known for its refined simplicity.
You will prepare classic dishes such as ribollita and crostini, along with more unusual dishes such as
castagnaccio. Whether you are an advanced cook, or a eager beginner, Claudio is able to manage every
level, much like a conductor with each section of the orchestra. You will come away with a vast number
of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan chef, imparting his knowledge with infinite kindness,
patience and generosity. We truly love Chef Claudio!
Intensive Tuscan Cooking 'Stage' with Chef Claudio
Figline Valdarno, Tuscany
Itinerary
Day One - Sunday
- Arrival on your own in Figline Valdarno. Settle in to your accommodations.
- Dinner tonight will be on your own.
- Overnight.
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Day Two - Monday through Day Six - Friday
- After breakfast, participate in your cooking class with Chef Claudio Piantini.
The lesson will be held at either Torre Guelfa Restaurant, situated in the beautiful
square of Figline, or at Claudio's teaching kitchen at his B&B.
- During your cooking classes, which will last
about 3 hours, you will learn to prepare many traditional and seasonal Tuscan dishes. (Tuesday's class will
be preceded by a visit of the open-air market with Chef Claudio or his assistant.)
- Lunch to follow
based on your efforts.
- In the late afternoon and evening, you are free to join Claudio at his restaurant to
continue your culinary education for as long as you want!
- Dinner at Claudio's restaurant, Torre Guelfa.
- Overnight.
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Day Seven - Saturday
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Included in the 6-night Program:
- Six nights in a double room at Claudio's B&B cottages
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Five dinners
- Five hands-on cooking classes followed by meal with wine, water and coffee
(morning classes may not be private)
- Market visit in Figline Valdarno
- The opportunity to cook with Claudio in his restaurant in the evenings
Transfers from Florence are not included, but can be arranged for an additional cost. We are also happy to
help you with a low-cost rental car.
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Cooking Vacations 
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