A COOKING HOLIDAY IN A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN TUSCANY (Cortona)

Your mind will be lulled by the soft breezes of the Cortona countryside. Unforgettable light and flavours bring seasonal nuances as the years evolves. The warm earth, steeped in history and resonant with symbolism, the richness of scenery which arouses the senses, a land of chivalry and ancient traditions. This is the glorious setting of the **** star Relais d'epoca, situated in the heart of the charming Esse Valley, nestling on the border of Tuscany and Umbria, surrounded by the magical Etruscan landscape. 

 

The cooking class is a time to get together and enjoy discovering the cultural roots of the local food and wine.

 

 

 

The Italian cuisine offers many dishes and courses which vary from region to region and which are recognized around the world for the wealth and quality of the ingredients Italy produces.

The kitchen, first and above all, is about culture, socializing and creativity. It is also the best way to get to know the traditions of a country. Food...as a bond to the life, to the land, to a culture. Food...as an expression of love that finds in the passion and in the fullness of the ingredients, its own ritual of continuity -maybe through memory- or just the simple pleasure of savouring life in a tasty morsel.

This great richness, symbolically and gastronomically, expresses itself thanks to the use and reinstatement of traditional recipes rediscovered through creativity and professionalism of Italian chefs. By participating in this cookery classes, you are getting in touch with a cultural reality of a very precise identity, which has been part of Italian history. It is possible to learn to make traditional recipes, but more importantly to learn to recognize and appreciate the fragrances, flavours and combinations, which are always a part of the Italian table. Create typical Italian recipes and take the ancient culture back home with you. By following the classes you will realize, with time, the confidence that comes with knowing the basic principles and how to select the right ingredients to let your imagination run wild. Imagination is always an important ingredient to successfully create delicious recipes.

 

The restaurant

The elegant atmosphere and refined service enhance the pleasure of savouring each recipe made by synchronizing the harmony of our region's traditional ingredients. The silverware, the prized porcelain and delicate Flanders linen unite with the courteous hospitality that welcomes our guests as if in their own home creating a romantic and elegant setting from where to savour Tuscan cuisine with the a modern touch by a chef who prepares from scratch fresh pasta, bread, desserts as well as all our menu options. An excellent place for your cooking classes.

 

 

A choice of the menu:

  • Fish Trilogy: Salmon, angler fish and sea bass, with thyme potato mousse, lentil patty cake and maple sauce

  • Lobster medallions, marinated in citrus and mint with candied ginger and lime emulsion

  • "Pienza" pecorino cheese patty cake with Williams pear and rosemary sauce, edible flowers, and a crisp bowl of wild greens 

  • "Carnaroli" quail Risotto with its egg, stuffed drumstick and a crisp outer shell

  • Scallops wrapped in salt-cured bacon over a crisp leaf of artichokes seasoned with oregano and roasted hazelnuts 

  • Semola pici made the old-fashioned way with breadcrumbs and cherry tomatoes

  • Liver in garnishments with a vinsanto reduction sauce and golden egg cream

  • Was Once a Classic: made with modern touch in a mild Arabic sauce

  • Glazed Calvados apples with shelled gelato

  • Hazelnut donut with "Madagascar" vanilla gelato and Noble Wine of Tuscany reduction sauce 

 

 

 

                   

 

The Hotel

 

The hotel, offers 8 different accommodation options from its rooms, junior suites and suites. Romantic, with all of the best modern comforts compared to those offered by the 4 star hotels of Cortona and Tuscany, is the result of the owners passion for hospitality which led them to personality orchestrate the finest details, decorations and charm of each guestroom.

The restoration of the antique period dwelling and surrounding land placed special care in maintaining the original decorative elements, terracotta floors, exposed beams of the vaulted ceilings, while enriching the rooms with all the modern comforts. Each room's decor includes antique furnishings and luxury detailing. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a fruit welcome basket.

 

Deluxe Rooms
There are two deluxe rooms in the first and second floor. Romantic and queen-sized, the guestrooms include a bathroom with shower, while the second-floor guestroom enjoys a magnificent view of the relais garden and the rolling hills of Cortona.

Cottage deluxe
There are two small cottages in the garden. Cosy and private, they have an independent entrance and Jacuzzi equipped bathrooms.

Junior suite deluxe 
Facing the swimming pool, the suite includes a living room (with queen-sized sofa-bed) and a bedroom with an antique wrought-iron bed. The restoration efforts conserved the 18th century decorative elements: the vaulting ceiling, original period terracotta floors, and the brick arched way that divides both rooms. Bathroom with bathtub.

Junior suite deluxe 
Located on the first floor, this suite is very spacious and includes a small living room with an inlaid stone fireplace, queen-sized bedroom and a private bathroom equipped with a hydro massage shower and sauna.

Suite de luxe
Located on the second floor, the suite includes a spacious living room with queen-sized sofa bed, a bedroom with an extra-large 4 poster bed and a spacious bathroom with shower.

Suite Deluxe SPA
Wonderful suite with view of the pool and of Cortona, exclusive suite for 2 people inspired by a concept of well being. Located on the first floor of the facility, equipped with Turkish bath for two people, shower with chromo therapy, double whirlpool Jacuzzi tub and a spacious king size bed.
The suite offers relaxing areas, such as the elegant living room to enjoy some infusions surrounded by antique furniture, precious tapestries, paintings on the walls and the warmth of a fireplace burning on cold winter days.

 

 

 

 

Programme

Day 1

Individual arrival at Cortona, aperitif and welcome dinner

 

Day 2

Breakfast, cookery course with Chef Giuseppe Masciopinto and lunch tasting the recipes you've learned today.

Afternoon and evening free to visit for example Cortona.

 

Day 3

Breakfast, cookery course, and lunch, tasting the recipes you've learned today. 

 

Afternoon (without a guide) visit of a farm producing pecorino cheese at Pienza and in the end of the afternoon a wine-tasting in a very good winery (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano D.o.c.g.).

 

Day 4

Departure after breakfast

 

 

This cooking holiday includes:

  • 3 overnight stays with breakfast

  • 2 lunches

  • 1 aperitif and welcome dinner

  • a wine-tasting and visit winery

  • a visit of a 'pecorino' cheese farm

  • 2 x cookery courses in English

  • insurance

 

 

Period

All the year around. The restaurant is closed on Mondays

Participants

Minimum two

Prices p.p. 2012

Low Season 01/11/2011- 30/04/2011(excl New Year and Eastern) and 01/11/2012 till 28/11/2012

camera deluxe        € 860,00

cottage deluxe        € 960,00

suites        € 1.130,00

suite spa       € 1.430,00

High Season

camera deluxe        € 950,00

cottage deluxe   € 1080,00

suites        € 1.250,00 

suite spa       € 1.430,00 p.p.