Join Chefs Antonino, Francesco, Antonio and Raffaele for hands-on cooking in Positano’s Secret Garden on the splendid Amalfi Coast. With them you will learn how to make regional antipasto, fresh pasta, local fish, meat or pizza in the heart of Positano. This program features our Chefs’ seasonal and regional recipes based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Our Secret Garden program takes you on a culinary tour of the famed Amalfi Coast and its Mediterranean cuisine with our team of chefs, all while you soak up the culture and visit fun artisan food stops and landmarks.
We welcome you to our professional Mediterranean kitchen for authentic hands-on cooking classes where you will create a series of wonderful dishes using different recipes, techniques and styles. At each lesson you will make antipasto, pasta, a main dish and dessert. After each class, everyone eats the foods that were prepared in class. Toast with a glass of local red or white wine (included), and end with a sweet dessert like lemon Tiramisu, Capri cake or delicious babà soaked in limoncello. This one-of-a-kind cooking program brings you up close and into the kitchen of the Amalfi Coast’s most celebrated chefs – the ideal tour for the real foodie. Also included is a visit through the countryside to our family cheese-maker where we will make and taste the area’s best!
Our program includes three hands-on cooking classes (you may always add-on more if you like) with lunch or dinner following. Our chefs learned the secrets of Italian cooking from their grandmothers and in culinary school. In each cooking class we use only fresh organic products that are seasonal. You will experience southern Italy’s cooking styles, foods and wines in this unique food lover’s program.
During the week, you will also learn the technique of making authentic Neapolitan pizza with our award-winning pizzaiolo, pizza-maker, who learned to make la vera pizza Neapolitana, real Neapolitan pizza, in Naples. This authentic pizza making class shares the secret recipe for mixing, kneading and stretching delicate pizza dough and baking it at a high temperature in a wood-burning oven for a perfect crispy crust.
If pasta is your favorite, you can choose to make fresh, hand-made pasta with seasonal sauces. Fresh pasta making is an art in Italy, and in Positano you will learn to make it step-by-step! Believe it or not, Italy boasts over 1,000 different types of pasta, including gnocchi, ravioli, tortellini, cannelloni, orecchiette, casarecci, and garganelli, to name but a few.
Our charming Secret Garden™ Positano program is hosted at a villa-style Bed & Breakfast located in the center of town and overlooking the sea. Each bedroom has a private terrace and sea view and is surrounded by a flowered pergola and greenery. Cool ceramic tiles line each large bedroom, with a private bathroom and shower in each room. Additional amenities include: hairdryer, safe, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Breakfast is served each morning, and daily maid service is provided for your convenience.
The Secret Garden™ is truly a magical setting, terraced with lemon trees, and plush green gardens and set under spectacular bougainvilleas overlooking the sea. Guests can sunbath on their terrace, walk to the beach or relax at one of the cozy sidewalk cafés with a freshly squeezed lemonade. Step out your door and stroll past cafés, bookshops, and trattorias that spill onto the sidewalk. A panoramic view spans Li Galli Islands and the Amalfi Coast. The Tyrrhenian Sea is literally at your feet, and the beach is just a short walk away. As the sun sets, sit back on your terrace and watch the world-class yachts and local fishing boats ripple through the cerulean waters. Shuttle boats connect from each of Positano’s beaches and sail along the Amalfi Coast. From Positano’s port you can also take a water taxi or a private boat service to Sorrento, Ischia, Capri, Amalfi and Naples.
Mediterranean gardens and lemon groves dot the Amalfi Coast, and gardens grow almost all year long producing red cherry tomatoes, plump eggplant, zucchini and sweet oranges. Olives also grow in abundance thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate, fertile volcanic soil and salted sea breeze, all of which provide perfect growing conditions. Organic herbs of basil, sage, parsley, oregano, rosemary and mint, line gardens and fill pretty terracotta pots set on terraces. The local organic herbs that we grow in our garden are used in our cooking classes, along with our own first cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
John Steinbeck lived in Positano in 1953 and wrote, “Positano bites deep, it’s a dream place, that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”
Over time, Positano has attracted artists, writers, and photographers who came to capture its magic. It is a little Moorish-style village that was discovered by American and British troops at the end of World War II. Positano's small winding streets are filled with tiny cafés, terraces, and artisan shops selling ceramics, limoncello and antiques. Take a walk along the stone pathway, the one little street that leads to the beach. Visit the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza Flavio Gioia, a Romanesque structure that was completely rebuilt in 1700. The people of Positano celebrate the town’s feast day every August 15th, when the locals carry the statue along the beach with a parade of musicians. A spectacular firework display follows.
In the 10th century, Positano was part of Amalfi’s Maritime Republic, and rivaled Venice as an important mercantile power. It was an important center during the 16th and 17th centuries, when its ships traded in the Near and Middle East, carrying spices, silks and precious woods. The advent of the steamship in the mid-19th century led to the town’s decline; and some three quarters of its 8,000 citizens left for America, with most settling in New York. Gracing the pathway is the Palazzo Murat, originally built by Prince Joachim Murat, whom Napoleon designated as King of Naples in 1808. Murat wanted to lead the simple life, yet built a grand palazzo. He was killed in battle and never enjoyed his palace.
The majolica dome, Positano’s landmark, is that of the Chiesa Madre, or the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. It has a green and yellow majolica dome, topped by a cupola. It was built on the site of a former Benedictine Abbey of Saint Vito, a 13th-century Romanesque structure, and was almost completely rebuilt in 1700. The church has a carved wooden Christ, a masterpiece of devotional religious art. At the altar, is a 13th-century Byzantine painting on wood with the Madonna and Child, known as the Black Virgin. Legend claims that the painting was once stolen by Saracen pirates, who, when fleeing during a raging storm, heard a voice from the heavens, say: “Posa, posa!” “Put it down, put it down.” When they placed the statue on the beach near the church the storm calmed, as did the Saracens. Positano was saved, and the town’s name was established. Others claim the town is named after the god Poseidon.
On Positano’s famous beachfront is Tre Sorelle Ristorante, and Music On The Rocks. This lively area offers great people-watching opportunities. The footpath, Via Positanesi d’America, follows the sea and connects the Spiaggia Grande with Fornillo Beach. Three Saracen towers watch its shore: the most famous ones are, La Torre Trasita, La Sponda and Torre Di Fornillo, all from the 14th century. Set in the sea just a short distance away, are the mysterious islets of Li Galli. Legend has it that they were once mermaids and now have turned to stone.
This program is scheduled from Saturday to Saturday, however you may check in and start your program on any day of the week. If you do start on a day other than Saturday, you will start your activities on that day, and all activities described will be included during your program.
***While on land in Capri and if you want to see all the sites with ease, we suggest that you reserve a private car tour with Signor Costanzo our favorite driver. Costanzo will drive and guide you to each point of interest, while pointing out fascinating historical sites and facts along the way. He will drive to the highest peak in Anacapri, and to hidden gardens and villas where emperors once reigned. A 4-hour excursion in the driver’s sporty Capri Car is available from 1 to up to 6 people, upon request (The Capri Car driver’s fee is extra).
Amalfi
The town of Amalfi is rich in culture and history. The small town, perched on the coastline, is dominated by Amalfi’s Cathedral and its main streets are lined with small shops and elegant bars. Merchants display their wares outside and nothing could be more pleasant than browsing through stalls of herbs and spices, jewelry, shoes, the beautiful handmade Amalfi paper, and local lemon specialties such lemon soap and lemon liqueurs. Suggested is a stop in at one of the oldest and most famous pastry makers in southern Italy- dating back to the 1800’s. A look inside reveals a sweet showcase of chocolate drenched eggplant flavored with pine nuts, liqueur and orange; fragrant ricotta pear tarts; candied lemon and orange dragged in dark chocolate; or festive pastries of the day! Whatever you decide to order, take a seat outside in the piazza at one of the small café tables that overlook the greatest people-watching site on the Coast.
Ravello follows. This quaint town, often called the city between ‘Sea & Sky’, is suspended high above the coast, with sweeping views that span everything from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the mountains inland.
Ravello
Ravello is hailed the ‘International City of Music’ and is known for its precious panoramic view from the gardens of Villa Cimbrone. The town is perched 350 meters over the rocky spur of the Amalfi Coast separating the Valle del Dragone from the Valle del Regina. Today, Ravello is world-famous for its outdoor music concerts. Visit Villa Cimbrone, once the residence of Greta Garbo, wander through the lush gardens and the Terrazza Della Rosa, or stroll down the path that leads to the Terrazzo dell'Infinito (Terrace of Infinity). This natural balcony is adorned with imposing marble busts. From this unique vantage point you can see the distant Cilento Mountains and the Licosa beyond the sparkling sea, the lush Amalfi Coast, its distinctive terraces of colorful lemon trees, and the typical whitewashed houses that cling to the rugged coastline. Stroll along the streets and alleyways and discover little gems of churches, chapels, and noblemen's residences. Also see the Cathedral, Villa Rufolo, San Giovanni del Tauro, and Santa Maria.
****You may also reserve a private Guided Tour With Angela, native Ravello resident and eloquent art history expert who will take you on a walking tour to the gardens, pathways, villas and churches of Ravello. (Guide’s fee is extra, please reserve in advance.)
$2,800 per person, based on double occupancy. All taxes and Italian VAT included.
$685 single supplement, high season (April to October).
$465 single supplement, low season (November to March).
Upgrade to a Superior Suite with kitchenette, expansive and spacious, sweeping sea view, starting at $350 per person, based on double occupancy.
***Positano has many stairs throughout. This property entrance is located at street level, but does include a few stairs. People who do not like to walk or have health problems should take note and are advised to read up on the landscape of Positano. We suggest walking shoes, sun block, and a hat for Capri and Pompeii.
Classes can be added on to your program at an extra cost. You can add on additional classes during the week to the 3 that are already scheduled. We are always at your service to answer questions, and add on extra cooking classes.
Join us overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea on our villa terrace and learn how to make Limoncello. The Positano lemons used in making authentic DOP Limoncello, blossom and bloom four times per year. We start off the class with an informal discussion on the history behind the lemons and how they made their way on the Amalfi Coast. Learn our secrets on cooking with the Amalfi Coast lemons and take away with you our Lemon Lifestyle™ Recipe Booklet. Get peeling and watch the famous lemon liqueur come alive before your eyes. Tastings included.
Learn how to make hand-made pastas such as gnocchi, vermicelli, perciatelli, fettucini, and ravioli. The fresh pastas are accompanied with seasonal vegetable, tomato, meat or fish sauces to make the perfect lunch or dinner. Lunch or dinner follows with the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of red or white wine, included. (Additional wines, beverages, and more are available at a surcharge).
Learn the secrets of Italian desserts such as sweet taralli, wine biscotti, pizzelle, tiramisu, cannoli, pastiera, zeppole, torta Caprese, and gelato. Italian desserts made with the fresh fruits of the season, organic milk and cheese make delicious desserts sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Tastings follow with the desserts made in class. Toast with a glass of red or white wine, included. (Additional wines, beverages, and more are available at a surcharge).
Seafood cooking class. Learn how to clean, prepare sauté, bake, or grill a variety of local fish including: spigola, bass, calamari, seppia, cuttlefish, cozze, mussels, vongole, clams alici, fresh anchovies, orata, sea bream, coda di rospo, monkfish, or pesce spada, swordfish. The fresh assortment of fish from the sea are unique to this area of the Mediterranean. Lunch or dinner follows with the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of red or white wine, included. (Additional wines, beverages, and more are available at a surcharge).
USA: 20 Park Plaza, #400, Boston, MA 02116, USA |
T: 617.247.4112 | 1.800.916.1152 | F: 617.247.4850
ITALY: Via G. Marconi, 177-84017, Positano, Italy • T:
39.339.604.29.33
Email: info@cooking-vacations.com | © 2000-2010
