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An Intensive Tuscan Cooking "Stage" with Chef Claudio
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Tour
Description |
 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! |
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What's
Included |
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6 nights in a
double room at Claudio's B&B cottages
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Daily buffet
breakfast
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5 hands-on
cooking classes followed by meal with wine, water and coffee
(morning classes may not be private)
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Market visit in
Figline Valdarno
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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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| Tour
Itinerary |
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 Day
One - Sunday
Day Two - Monday
through Day Six - Friday
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After
breakfast, participate in your cooking class with Chef
Claudio Piantini. The lesson will be held at either Torre
Guelfa Restaurant, situated in the ancient and beautiful
square of Figline, or at Claudio‘s teaching kitchen at his
B&B. During the class, 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.)
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Lunch to follow
based on your efforts.
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In the late
afternoon and evening, feel free to join Claudio at his
restaurant to continue your culinary education for as long
as you want!
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Dinner at
Claudio's restaurant, Torre Guelfa.
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Overnight.
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| 2008 Price
Per Person |
US$2150 per person for 2 people, based on double occupancy
US$2850 for 1 person
Upgrade to Hotel Villa Casagrande in town possible, please
inquire for details and price.
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| 2008 Price
Per Person |
On request any
week. Please inquire for availability. Sold out: March 16-22,
May 11-17.
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