I'm intersted in booking cooking classes(5) in the hills of Tuscany as a 40th birthday present. Although the birthday is approaching rapidly (12/31/02), we would like to go in the Fall of 2003. Italian born (English speaking) instructor preferred. Any suggestions? I've read a bit about the Rhode School of Cuisine but haven't seen any reviews.
Posts: 4 | Location: Chicago, IL USA | Registered: 19 December 2002
Michelle-- Take a look at the listing of Cooking Classes in the main Italy section of SlowTrav (in the Food section). Some of the folks involved in running these courses (Divina Cucina; Tuscan Women Cook) are regulars on the Board, and will be happy to answer questions.
Thank you for your help! I'm looking for a week-long program and will be with my boyfriend (he's the cook and it's his birthday). I've heard some good things about the Rhode School of Cuisine....do you know anything about it and when would you suggest coming for spectacular weather?
Posts: 4 | Location: Chicago, IL USA | Registered: 19 December 2002
I saw their site this year for the first time.. the property looks incrediible..and as you wanted an Italian chef... Do you know someone that actually went there? I happen to prefer the food in fall. But if they are having classes in May or June, late spring early summer is fun too.
Summer is too hot to really cook, but you should see what kinds of food your boyfriend likes and try to get sample menu's of what will be taught in the different seasons.
September is still high season here.. and can be really hot.. I would go towards October..and hope for some fall stews..and slow cooking to go with fabulous wines.
I would second and third Colleen's motion for October; fresh porcinis, chestnuts, truffles, game (avoid taking walks in forests!), wonderful apples and pears, and still some tomatoes coming in from the South of Italy, maybe even the tail end of the grape picking, great dark green veggies, and the heavier dishes taste better when it's cooler, plus cheeses (I'm getting hungry!) It can be chilly and rainy or Indian summer beach weather. Take some Vitamin C; colds are a real risk in the variable weather.
Posts: 2054 | Location: Suburban Philadelphia | Registered: 08 July 2002
Michelle- I would ask the school to provide you with references of people you could contact who have taken a course there. If they have had happy customers that shouldn't be a problem! Good luck. colleenk
Posts: 2704 | Location: Cambridge, MA | Registered: 18 August 2001
At the "Cooking School" section of Italy, there is a description of "Tuscan Women Cook". There is also a very positive review of TWC there from a member of this forum. The sample daily event calendar at www.tuscanwomencook.com certainly looks wonderful. A full week at TWC in Montefollonico and a day with Diva visiting the food stalls and enjoying a lunch at the San Lorenzo market in Florence would make for a very memorable culinary experience. There is no doubt in my mind that fall would be the best time to go.
Peter
Posts: 1366 | Location: Essex Fells, NJ and Longboat Key, Florida | Registered: 21 July 2002
I heartily second Peter on both recommendations. We spent an evening with the Sutherlands (TuscanWomenCook) and Judy (DivinaCucina) and really enjoyed their company, their knowledge and the food. They both offer great sounding classes.
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