Tuscany

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Map of Location

About the location: Figline Valdarno is a small, ancient Tuscan town about 35 kilometers southeast of Florence. Claudio Piantini, owner and chef of the famous Ristorante Torre Guelfa, has built a small B&B on his country property. Five bedroom cottages, all unique and with ensuite baths, and a beautiful large swimming pool complements the large, professional style kitchen Claudio has built to accommodate students during their culinary holiday in Tuscany.

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!

In Terre Di Toscana

Figline Valdarno, Tuscany

Two and Four Night Itinerary

Day One

Arrival on your own.
Welcome cocktail followed by dinner at the famous Torre Guelfa Restaurant, where you will first experience Chef Piantini's delectable Tuscan cuisine.

Day Two

Breakfast.
Your first hands-on cooking class with Claudio to prepare your dishes for lunch. A variety of Tuscan dishes, appetizers, first and second courses and desserts, will be taught. The class will be held either at his restaurant or in the teaching kitchen located on the B&B property.
Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure and overnight.

Day Three

Breakfast. Those on the two-night program check out and depart. Buon Viaggio!
For those on the four-night program, continue with a morning cooking class with Claudio to prepare your dishes for lunch.
Afternoon free, perhaps to visit the famous Chianti area.
Light dinner at Torre Guelfa.

Day Four

Breakfast.
Morning at leisure with lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, a cooking class at the restaurant Torre Guelfa to verify your cooking "stage" in a restaurant open to the public.
Farewell dinner at the restaurant and if requested, Claudio will be happy to introduce you to his collection of grappas.

Day Five

Breakfast and checkout.

2008 Price Per Person

Four-night program: US$1150 based on double occupancy
Single supplement: US$175

Two-night program: US$430 based on double occupancy

2008 Tour Dates

On request year-round for a minimum of two people. Please inquire for availability.

Note that cooking classes are not available Sunday.
Unavailable January 10-February 9, 2008.