The great writer and Chef Julia Child famously said: “This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!” It’s a commonly known fact that she was, of course, speaking about French cooking. But we at Italy Hotline feel it’s the perfect approach to any culinary experience, regardless of the cuisine you are tackling!

With this in mind this April 2012 we are launching our all-new cooking classes with Chef Ilaria, a passionate, fun, food-lover who is excited to introduce travelers to the world of Tuscan cooking, and eager to share her little culinary tricks and secrets! Ilaria was interested in cuisine from a very early age, and remembers spending hours in her granny’s kitchen as a child, watching her cook and helping her out. What began as a hobby became her life when Ilaria decided to attend first a wine tasting course on her way to becoming a sommelier, and finally Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris from which she graduated with a Grand Diplome in Cuisine et Patisserie, in other words, cooking and pastry making. Ilaria likes traditional Tuscan cooking, but also enjoys giving “fresh spins” on old favourites. She was taught by Michelin Star winners, has worked in five of the finest restaurants in Florence, and is now offering private cooking classes for us in her beautiful home in the heart of Florence.

Our Chef will meet you in the morning in your hotel, and walk with you to her home located centrally just minutes from the famous Ponte Vecchio. She’ll welcome you in her spacious, luminous and beautifully designed kitchen with a glass off chilled Prosecco or – if it’s still a little early for that – a cup of real Italian coffee.

After this, it’s down to business! The Chef will arm you with a cooking apron, a Chef’s hat, and you’ll begin preparing dishes! The menus are always decided ahead of time, and are based not only on factors such as seasonal specialties, but most importantly on your personal preferences, wishes and any dietary needs you may have. Our Chef is very happy to cook for vegetarians, vegans, travelers with celiac disease or any allergies.

You will be preparing a four-course meal consisting of a Starter (“Antipasto”), a First Course (“Primo Piatto”; in Italian cuisine usually a pasta or risotto dish), a Second Course (“Secondo Piatto”; typically a meat or fish dish) and Side Dish (“Contorno”; typically a side of vegetables like artichokes, zucchini, broccoli, potatoes, etc) and, finally, a Dessert (“Dolce”) with a coffee and a liqueur.

Guests traveling with children often request to make fresh pasta, ravioli or gnocchi with our Chef – it’s increadibly messy, fun and something for the whole family to enjoy!

Since our Chef is also a sommelier she is very happy to serve each dish with a different, correct wine. These will be accompanied by an explanation on the wine itself, the serving temperature, the right glass to use and the flavours it developing from the food it is paired with. The price range is entirely up to you, and this wine pairing is something we will customize together with you and Chef Ilaria.

After you are done with the cooking, your Chef will set the table and you will be able to enjoy a meal with your party! It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and an event that your friends and family will never forget!

Below are some more pictures from our GOURMET COOKING CLASSES:

If you like, our cooking class may be combined with a brief Market Visit first. If the Cooking Class is done during the Spring/Summer, or early Fall and the weather is nice, the Chef is happy to host the lunch in her beautiful historic private garden.

by Ally Novgorodtseva