cookitaly.com - cookery course tuscany

Tuscan Romagna is an idyllic part of Emilia-Romagna lying south east of Bologna on the old road to Florence. Here deliciously peaceful small towns and villages nestle amid stunning rolling hills; ancient villages of pretty piazzas with tall clock towers, of narrow cobblestone streets and medieval stone bridges that span gently gurgling rivers and streams. The area is known for its superb Sangiovese wines, its rich gastronomic heritage and for its people, who are cheerful, hard working and hospitable, and lovers of all fine things to eat and drink! Do come and cook in this corner of gourmet Romagna which for over 500 years was ruled by the Grand Dukes of Florence. A little bit of Florence, a bit of Romagna, a few days of Italian cooking in a delightfully unspoilt area....it all adds up to a memorable time!

In tiny picturesque Portico I offer very special short hands-on cookery courses for no more than 4 (discriminating !) guests at a time. You stay in a family run Hotel du Charme of just 15 rooms, so you are treated like an honoured family guest. The excellent restaurant specialises in mushrooms, truffles and game and the strong wine list of over 150 labels was selected by the sommelier / chef second son of the family.

The cooking classes take place practically next door, in an apartment on the ground floor of a 600 year old Palazzo believed to have once belonged to the family of Dante�s beloved Beatrice. The local architect owner lets us use her wonderful kitchen with its huge Tuscan fireplace dated 1499! She sometimes joins us for a meal, setting the table beautifully with fine family linens and Faenza and Portico ceramics.

In the nearby small country town of Tredozio I have happened on another very special venue: Palazzo Fantini which is Tredozio�s most distinguished building. Dating from the 1500's and remodeled in 1753 by Lorenzo Fantini, it is still lived in by his descendants and continues to plays a very active role in the community to this day. Its splendid large formal gardens are among the great gardens of Italy and in summer months it is the enchanted setting for courtyard concerts and plays. The Palazzo also houses a museum of country estate life.

The cooking classes - for just 4 to 8 Cook Italy course guests will be held in the splendid large kitchen at Palazzo Fantini itself. You will be accommodated in another Estate property, the scenically located and elegantly appointed Torre de Fantini which offers refined country accommodations. In a beautiful and tranquil hilltop location, it is just 10 minutes walk (or a few minutes drive) from the town and has the added benefit of a wonderful large swimming pool overlooking the fabulous views, for up to 10 guests to share.