Postcards from Italy

Dear Lauren,

I am writing to tell you how much fun I had with Peter and Brigitt in Santa Margarita. As it turned out, I had 3 five hour private sessions. They were great about moving the time frame around for me as I needed to take the train there. The hotel was only down a short hill. And what a wonderful hotel it was: the lobby was done in all manner of white; they have a very large breakfast area and we were able to eat al fresco all 3 nights. The ingredients were bought that morning at the market and we went from there. Every meal was 5 course. They specialize in dishes and ingredients from Liguria and this was very important for me as my daughter lives in Liguria. We prepared each dish, took it outside and ate it washed down with champagne or wine. In this way we could concentrate on one dish at a time and not wait until the entire meal was cooked. I really like this approach.

I highly recommend these two: knowledgeable and personable. They would be a great addition to your Cooking Vacations.

Linda Manning

Cooking With Chefs Pietro & Brigitte ~ 1 Day

Hello Lauren,

Thanks for all that you did to make our trip what it was. It was more than I expected. The whole experience was really special. I learned so much and had loads of fun with everyone. Thanks again. I definitely would consider doing this again. You are very fortunate to live where you do. Ciao!!!

Cheryl Hays

Dear Lauren and Rino,

Thank you for a wonderful time in Positano. We’ve been to Italy several times, but what made this trip so special was the people.

It started with Maria at our accommodation. She was not just a Innkeeper. She was Nonna Maria welcoming us to stay in a room in her home. Luigi at Le Tre Sorelle showed us how to cook in his Grandmothers kitchen. It was obvious that he enjoyed and was proud of his resturant. Been doing nothing but raving about our time in Positano. I passed on your info to several friends. Hope they get the chance to enjoy Italy like we did soon!

Thanks again,
Michael & Larry

Hi Everyone-
The week in Sicily was wonderful and I would highly recommend “Siracusa and the Sicilian Signora”. From start to finish, everything was perfect.

Despite the fact that our plane was a bit late, the driver was waiting for us as we exited the customs hall. Upon arrival at the property Fiora greeted us at the front door and escorted us to our first room. The room was lovely. We moved the next day to the twin bedded room, which was our room for the remainder of the week. It was directly off reception but we never heard a noise – in fact the entire hotel was quiet and it was fully booked the entire week. Our second room had a great view and the facilities were great – everything was very clean and was cleaned perfectly on a daily basis.

Our guide for the tour of Siracusa was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and very friendly. We had a very enjoyable day with her. In fact, we asked Fiora to try to book her for a day trip to Noto but she was not available. I would highly recommend her (and unfortunately I forget her name).

The time spent with Fiora visiting the market, cooking and visiting the vineyard was extraordinary. She was so giving of her time and in opening her home to the cooking lessons. Everything we made was excellent and the fish dishes that she cooked for us were first rate. I think the best thing about the cooking lessons is that she encouraged us to try to make everything under her watchful eye. And she knew that I was a bit hesitant about my cooking skills so was very encouraging on getting me to assist. While the classes were scheduled for certain periods of time, we always went over and she never hurried us along to finish within the time allotted. The wines she chose to serve with our dinners were excellent. Following our last class, she joined us for dinner in her home. Our other meals were served on the roof terrace which was just perfect. Fiora is very friendly and warm – her delightful personality added to the experience. I am not sure there are words to express what a unique and individualized vacation this was and how much Fiora added to this experience. I wish I was sitting on the roof terrace right now with a glass of wine and one of Fiora’s cannolis. (and the restaurant her sons own serves the best pizza I have eaten since I moved to London 10 years ago!)

I would highly recommend this vacation and your company to anyone. To me it was the perfect mix of activity and down time. I was not sure what to expect and had done little research on your company prior to booking. Everything was perfect and it is probably the best value for money vacation I have taken in years. I will recommend your company to my friends and I will think about booking again in the future. I am looking forward to holding my first dinner party with fresh pasta as the main course!

Thank you for planning such a lovely vacation – it was perfect.

Best Regards,
Jill L

Lauren and Melody,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for a wonderful time in Positano. Everything was wonderful and so beautiful. Our time at Albergo California with Maria and her family was a treasure, as was our time in the kitchens of Positano.

It was a perfect balance of cooking and touring, and all of the guides you recommended were excellent and certainly enhanced our experience.

I will highly recommend your service to friends and family, and will definitely be back!

Thanks, again, for a much needed perfect vacation!
Wil Neyland

Dear Lauren & Melody,

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the wonderful vacation we had in Italy! We were blown away by our experience in Positano last year, but this year was even better!

We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in Positano — is there a more beautiful place? It was fun to be back at the Hotel with Maria, and to cook with Chef Raffaele again. And then our week in Tuscany was just amazing! The entire staff at the villa was warm and inviting, and ready to make sure we were able to experience as much as possible in the area. We were made to feel so at home by everyone: from our driver Giovanni to Julia and Laura and Melina and Simonetta, and then our perfect host Fabrizio (and his beautiful wife and children)! By the way, we did a hot air balloon ride one morning which was breathtaking, and we also went to Volterra one day, and loved that as well. Thanks so much for putting this all together for us. I know you work so hard to make all of these vacations special, and we really appreciate all you do! We are already thinking of options for next year! If you have any suggestions, please pass them along!

Best,

Vicki

Lauren, I wanted to tell you that my cooking class with Maria in Venice was wonderful!!! She is terrific and knowledgeable, and I’ve actually been able to recreate what she taught us myself! Thank you so much for arranging this!

Peg Molloy

Hi Lauren!

Justin and I had a wonderful time in Rome doing cooking classes with Chef Eugenio and his staff. We also had a great time with Stefano and Francesca!!

Thank you for organizing our trip!

Truly a wonderful time

Jillian and Justin

Our cooking vacation was wonderful again. We enjoyed our short stay and lesson in Positano with Chef Rafaelle — very nice to see Maria at the Hotel and to cook with Rafaelle once again. We also loved the week in Tuscany with Fabrizio and team. What a wonderful place, incredible countryside, lovely people, great sights — just perfect! We will hopefully be back again next year for another cooking adventure!

Penny Reynolds

Hi Lauren and Melody! I had great time at the Pastry Is Your Passion Program Positano ….the hotel and the restaurants where I had the cooking classes were great..especially Chef Filomina! I was totally satisfied and have passed that along to Linda at Malone travel agency. Did you get my inquiry re: my order of wine and olive oil…along with the stuff I left at the hotel…has it been shipped? Thanks again for a fun and educational week!!!!!

Dianne Burns

Thanks To All of you at Cooking Vacations for a fabulous experience.
I did not think I could make the ride up that steep hill, but I did it and did not want to leave. The cooking experience with Chef Raffaele and being in a family owned and managed hotel made all the difference with my experience. Mamma, Barbara and all the brothers treated me like I was part of the family. It was great to see a family care so much about their property. Your program Lauren pointed out all the must sees in Ravello and beyond. Thanks Melody for your assistance. Thank you Guiseppe for the great translation and hope to see you all soon.

Austin Lewis
London, England

From Garden To Kitchen With Chef Raffaele ~ 5 Day

Hi Girls and guys,
Wanted to write and share my photos of the greatest cooking experience of my life. Venturing to Ischia and learning the cuisine of a non tourist place was a great idea. I ate, cooked, relaxed and relaxed more! It was just what the doctor ordered. I met a sweet man too and will be coming back to Italy sooner than planned. The vacation and all your assistance on restaurants, shopping, and activities changed my life.

Roseanne Davis
Dallas, TX

Hands On Cooking Ischia With Executive Chef Luigi~3 Day

Thank you for a great time on Ischia. Visiting a new destination after traveling all of Italy was a great recommendation-thanks to all at Cooking. Lauren keep the recipes coming, I love the newsletter each month. I will be ordering more of that delicious olive oil of yours as well. Happy cooking!

Philly Astet
Newport, RI

Ischia Island~Mediterranean Cooking & Spa Week~8 Day

Thanks to everyone at Cooking Vacations for a superb Grand Tour of Sorrento!
AnnaMaria and her family were just like being at home! The cooking classes, the tours with AnnaMaria and her daughter were so insightful. I could have never done any of it on my own. Thank you!

Anna Torti
Perth, Australia

Lucia’s Kitchen~Sorrento Cooking Classes & Market Tour~5 Day

A big thanks to all of you at Cooking Vacations.
Experiencing Naples and La Bella Cucina Napoletana was a dream of a lifetime. You assistance and patience in helping me plan and suggesting all the right things was amazing. A big thanks from Alaska.

Jenny, Blake, Sidney and Joe Jr.
Alaska

Cooking Classes & Culinary Tour Naples ~ 5 Day

To Lauren and Cooking Vacations Family
I cannot tell you how much I truly enjoyed my Italian Cooking Vacations! Traveling alone as a single woman was a challenge, but as soon as I arrived and Rino met me at the Airport, I knew I was in great hands. From the hands-on cooking classes to each and every tour, my Ravello experience was a most memorable one. I hope to come back soon and visit another part of beautiful Italy with Cooking Vacations.

Rhonda Jilbert
Ontario, Canada

Cooking with Chef Antonio and staying at their family Villa on the Amalfi Coast had me living a dream.
I want to thank Lauren, Melody, Giuseppe, Chef Antonio and Rino too-who drove me all over during the week for a great time and fun experience. I feel like I made a new family there with you all. Grazie grazie to all of you and hope to come back soon.

Kisses!
Sue Labrey
Detroit MI

Amalfi Coast Wine Tour & Cooking Class

Mamma Mia! Cooking Vacations & Company
Lauren, Melody, Guiseppe and Co.
I truly enjoyed the in-depth and expertise Pastry classes in Positano. I cannot tell you how I dreamed to make all of those wonderful sweets and already have recreated some of them at home. My husband is overwhelmed. The hands-on approach and excellent farm fresh ingredients also helped me understand the importance of simple fresh products. The photos from the market too were a blast! I will share them will you all soon, as soon as I come back to reality. Thank you all for making my visit to Italy a most memorable one. Kisses to Philomena-she has hands of gold!

Jane Brady
LA CA

La Dolce Vita, Dessert & Pastry Making Positano ~ 5 Day

Lauren, Melody, Rino, Giuseppe and Chef Maria!
Grazie mille for everything! Seeing Capri with a local and experiencing her kitchen in AnaCapri was an experience I will never forget. This cooking experience taught me the back to nature basics with a pro! Baci a tutti. I will keep cooking my Capri recipes from home.

Charlene Tillie
Switzerland

Chef Maria’s Cooking Capri ~ 5 Day

Dear Lauren and Company,
I cannot thank you enough for your patience and help in planning my trip of a lifetime. The Don Alfonso program was more than I would have ever imagined. Great food, people and classes. Grazie!

Georgie Hall
Tampa, FL

Don Alfonso Cooking Classes~7 Day

Ciao To Everyone at Cooking Vacations,
Thanks for a great experience in the Art & Cooking program! I loved every sunny Italian second of it!

Don Wong
New York, NY

Ceramic Making & Cooking On The Amalfi Coast ~ 8 Day

Hi Lauren, Melody, Rino and Staff at Cooking Vacations,
Just back from my Slow Cooking Positano tour, what a week and cannot thank you enough. I loved the concept of cooking and visiting all the artisan Slow food sites! I learned and improved my cooking now to great heights. Thanks to everyone!

Becky P
Chicago

Artisan Cooking Positano On The Amalfi Coast ~ 8 Day

Hi Everyone at Cooking Vacations!
It was great to meet you and Lauren. We had a blast and I was actually thinking that only one week ago I was on the beach in 80 degree weather. Today it was 38 degrees F when I woke up. Blah! Think we might be in for a long winter (sadly).
I’ll pass the note along to Amy. I know she had a ton of fun and talked about returning someday. I do have photos (4.5 Gig worth) but had to narrow it down to some of my “best” photos – 136 of them to be exact. If you like any just let me know and I’d be happy to send them along

Thank you!
My friend and i thoroughly enjoyed cooking with Eugene Rossi in Rome! this past July. He was very full of local culinary information for generations back– going to the ancient Testaccio Market was really exciting and great shopping too. I found a great pair of shoes for my daughter she adored! We will definately do it again!
Ciao! and Mille grazie for all your help!

Nancy Nickerson
FLA

One Day Cooking Class & Testaccio Market Visit

Buon Giorno friends and family,
I miss all of you! I am still in a dream state. My Cooking Tour in Positano left an indelible memory of new friends, delicious cuisine wrapped in beauty, laughter and abundant joy.

Hugs,
Kimballi

Hi Lauren and Melody
Yes I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking session at Tre Sorella in Positano and I must say the lady owner was very hospitable, explaining the steps taken. My daughter (who was sunning herself whilst dad cooked) joined us for the meal. Here is a picture below. My daughter works in Rome so I hope to make another visit and hopefully can attend a longer cooking session.

With Best Wishes
Keith

Lauren & Melody:
Thank you so much for everything! We had an amazing vacation, it was all I dreamed it would be and more. I have been telling all my co-workers about your program and of course showing off our photos of the delicious foodsJ Everyone involved were so nice and helpful from our cleaning girls to the drivers. We really appreciate that. I know the wedding had to be spectacular, I am sure you were a beautiful bride. I am excited to see any photos you might post. Yes, I have started a diet, I gained 7 pounds…LOL! We learned so much and will definitely use all the recipes when possible. As we say in Texas….”you guys got it going on!” LOL!

Best wishes and thanks for the experience of “La Dolce Vita”.
Glenda Burrell, Texas

Dear Lauren, Melody, Rino, Fabrizio and troupe:
I just wanted to take a few minutes and say thank you again for the wonderful trip. As summer progresses, I find myself thinking often of the great memories of my time in Positano and Tuscany as well as the breathtaking landscapes. It was fun meeting all of you and sharing a moment in your lives there. I especially loved the wonder, beauty and charm of Positano and the people there. As well, the peace and comfort of the Tuscany countryside was complemented by the friendliness and openness of the people at Podre del Anselmo and will always have a special place in my heart. I am including some photos for you. If meet anyone who is contemplating going to Italy, I will be sending them your way! Best wishes to everyone in the future and I hope I might see you all again some day!

Rebecca Schimelfenig
USA

Lauren,
Thank you very much for sending the Cookbook, it looks fabulous – Janet has gone inter-state with work for the day – you should hear from her by the end of the week. We loved the course and spending the time with you. Janet has already made the Italian Meatballs and it has our sons’ nod of appreciation.

K. McDonald
Sydney Australia

Hi Lauren Thank you so much for a wonderful time in Positano, we would love to come back and visit again soon. We are getting our pictures together now and if they turn out well, will send you some.

Many Thanks,
Kathy and Rick Blomquist

Dear Lauren and Melody,

We attended one of your organized cooking lessons in Positano on 20 October at the restaurant “Le tre sorelle”. It was excellent and the staff in the restaurant was great, all of them !!! We got many more recipes that what we thought!!! Everything was outstanding. Thank you so much and I will let you know when we are back in Italy so that we might attend another course in another city.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2011!!!

M. Taraborelli, Switzerland

Hi Melody and Lauren:
Thank you for an incredible AND unforgettable Italian cooking vacation. From the waiters, to the chefs, to Giovanna, Melody and Lauren, and the drivers, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We learned some small samplings of the hows and whys Italian cooking is so famous at the great restaurant Tre Sorelle. As an added treat, Giovanna, the granddaughter of the original owner, taught us a bit of the history of the restaurant where we worked. Giovanna narrated the chef’s work, as we eagerly took our turns making delectable fish dishes, pasta dishes, and amazing desserts! Also, the side tours, such as Lauren’s educational tour of Italy’s local foods at Positano’s delis, the tour of Michaelangelo’s Mozzarella production company in Sorrento, and finally the excursions to Pompei, Amalfi and Ravello were an added treat, and not to miss! Thank you again, for an unforgettable cooking vacation in Bella Italia. We cannot wait to return and learn some Italian along with the cooking on our next trip!

A Cooking Friend Always,
Kathy Steinhause

Hi Lauren and Melody,

Want to THANK YOU both for a memorable vacation. I had a great time and it was wonderful meeting you both. The dinner on Friday at Valle dei Mulini was amazing. Each course was as delicious as the next. And the finale was the trio of desserts each bite was delectable. I know we started off on a sour note, but you can be assured it all ended sweet. Reached home safe and now trying to get back into the rut. I’m sure you both are enjoying the cool mornings and nights and hot sunny days in beautiful Positano. Will keep in touch and send you pictures soon.

Thank you once again!
Warm regards,
Imelda

Dear Lauren,

I started a note to you all last night as well but I was so tired I wasn’t making any sense so I deleted it until this morning. I just wanted to express to you (the creative force/ mission/attender of details), Rino (without a doubt “the best Italian boyfriend/husband” in all of Italy not to mention navigator and driver through the twists and turns of the coast) and Melody (who was like a joyful song in her eloquent descriptions). You all have such a gift of welcoming and hospitality and love for your Italy. You made it come alive through the experiences, the classes, the tours, the amazing people we met which bonded our special group. Our pictures are not of beautiful ancient faraway places but are vibrant and alive because we got to be a part of the current culture. I take away the passion for living connected now in whatever I am doing whether it be pizza/ravioli making, treating my patients or just being with friends and family fully present. I remember one morning as I was sitting on the balcony watching a nearby very old lady still tending her garden vigorously stopping to have an animated conversation with a passing friend. As she said goodbye, she paused watching her friend leave down the path, she yelled at her and blew her a kiss before she started back on the weeds. These are the snapshots I will treasure. Also, a special thanks for opening your beautiful terrace and Positano vistas to Steve and I for the vow renewal ceremony and making sure we got priceless pictures to remember. I think this trip will live on as we give it away to others. Thank you for this unique experience!

Arrivederci

Kay and Steve

Dear Lauren, Melody and Everyone At Cooking Vacations,

Venice was magic and the cooking classes were more than we could imagine.

Grazie a million times over! Venice was everything and more. Having never been to Italy before your customer service and organized information and hands-on cooking classes were more than we could have imagined. Thank you again.

From the first night’s welcome dinner to the market walks with Sara we were just overwhelmed with the details and cooking classes. Looking forward to returning soon.

Grazie!
Todd, Cecilia and family
South Carolina

Venice’s V.I.P. ~ 7 Day

I wanted to write you all and tell you how much I learned to enjoy life while with everyone during the wine tour and cooking classes. Great job to the entire staff, Lauren, Melody, Giuseppe and Rino. The chefs and folks along the way made it so beautiful. Will send photos soon.

Thank you all,
Bob and Barbara
Burlington, MA

Vesuvio Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting Lunch

Thanks for a great off the track experience in Lucca with Chef Mauro. The antipasto, pasta, risotto, chicken, fish and desserts were gorgeous. This little town is a perfect spot to see all things Tuscan without the big crowds. I cannot stop looking at my cooking photos, I want to come back soon. Thanks again to everyone, it was a well planned and excellent way to spend my vacation.

Elizabeth Boward
Montana

Italian & Kosher Cooking By Maestro Mauro~4 Day

We had a fabulous time at the villa with Fabrizio. Fabrizio and his staff were so welcoming and warm. Regarding the cooking classes, not only did my husband and I learn a lot but the classes were friendly and fun. The setting of the podere is beautiful with the olive groves, the rolling vineyards and the horses adding to what was a wonderful experience for our 10th wedding anniversary. I will be sharing a few photos with you soon.

Barbara & Mike Colter
San Juan Capistrano, CA

The Tuscan Traveler’s Dream ~ 7 Day

My hands-on cooking class with the family at the vineyard was a great cooking class. I cannot believe how fascinating the wine making process is. The food we prepared with simple ingredients from the farm, we outstanding. I loved walking barefoot through the vineyard, I felt like a kid again. My photos do not begin to tell the beauty of the place, I will just have to come back soon with my husband.

Judy Eddleman
Australia

Amalfi Coast Wine Tour & Cooking Class

Top Chef cooking with a 5 star staff, and a great gang at Cooking Vacations headquartered in Positano! What a combination. Great recipe for the greatest vacation I ever had.

Tara Lee
Atlanta, Georgia

Blue Sky, Starry Nights & Cerulean Sea ~ 6 Day

Chef Eugenio was the most amazing Chef! His market tour, cooking classes and expertise in Italian cuisine made my classes so very interesting. Thanks to everyone at Cooking Vacations for turning an ordinary trip into an insightful and interesting vacation that put me in the hands of locals who cared and shared. Many thanks Lauren, Melody and Chef Eugenio.

Sam, Gloria, and our children, Jack, Jen and Julia.
Stanford, CT

Chef Eugenio’s Dolce Vita ~ 6 Day

The Vatican Tour was so interesting with Stephano our guide. We walked, learned and gained insight into things we could have never done on our own. Having a local lead us around Rome was worth every cent. Great stuff Stephano, Lauren and Melody.

The Brodwells
Pittsberg PN

One Day Rome City Tours, The Vatican & St. Peter’s, Food Lover’s Walks

Chef Fabio thank you. You taught me things even my grandmother did not know. Your 14th century castle and the itinerary were just gorgeous. Thank you all for a wonderful time while visiting Italy.

Ellen Berger
NY, NY

Roman Cooking With Chef Fabio ~ 4 Day

Lauren, Melody, Carlo and company, A big thanks to everyone in Italy who made our family dream come true. Visiting the homeland of my family and being with all of you who are locals to this beautiful area of Italy where my great grand father came from brings tears to my eyes. So refreshing to see that so life has not changed in this beautiful part of Italy and the cheese still tastes the delicious same way as it did when my bis nonno made it.

Ciao a tutti!
Giovanna, Marco and family
Johnston, RI

Chef Valentina’s VIP ~ 6 Day

My husband loved his 50th birthday gift. Thanks for the cake, the cooking and the Ferrari ride.

Liz Cohen
Paris, France

Rome To The Amalfi Coast, Cooking & Driving A Ferrari ~ 5 Day

Just a blast, we ate, drank and cooked our way through Tuscany, thanks Cooking Vacations for an extraordinary time!

The Blake Family

Thanks Cooking Vacation for turning a visit to Florence with Chef Monica into a family experience of cooking and fun. I cooked new dishes, visited Florence like a local and made new friends. A refreshing vacation that renewed my soul. Many thanks to all of you at Cooking Vacations who helped me make this happen.

Penny White
London, England

For The Experienced Cook & Food Lover ~ 4 Day

Chef Massimo in Montepulciano taught us the best Tuscan pasta I ever ate. In a short weekend, I learned, laughed and enjoyed life Italian style. Thanks everyone for a great time.

Tom and Leeah Turk
San Diego, CA

Tuscan Food & Wine Trails Tour ~ 3 Day

I miss you all already at the Villa Florentine. Thanks Benedetta and everyone who held my hand and embraced me like one of the family. The Villa was made for a Queen! It was well worth every euro! Loved it.

Ida Applegate
Hawaii

Slow Cooking™ Florence ~ 8 Day

Ciao Simonetta and family. Wanted to write sooner but getting back to real life was not an easy thing to do after a week with you. Thanks for sharing your home and knowledge in Cortona. Thanks for great cooking classes that really showed me hands-on what to do, and thanks for being so passionate and kind in your endeavor. Many thanks and I will be back soon. Miss Cortona so much.

Mary Townsfeld
Sydney, Australia

Simonetta’s Kitchen & Herb Garden ~ 8 Day

Hi Lauren,
What a fantastic trip! There just aren’t enough adjectives to describe it! It’s the best thing I have ever done for myself. Everyone I met was so lovely. Please say thank you from me to Rino, Maria and everyone at the property, and everyone at the cooking class. Giovanna is an angel! Susan and I have spoken since our return and will hopefully keep in touch.
We really got along well and had many exciting adventures together. I have already tried some of the recipes I learned and everything turned out great. Family and friends were especially impressed by the limoncello tiramisu!! I’ve made it twice:) I’m anxiously awaiting the boxes of goodies I had shipped from the delicatessen and the wine store downstairs. I also met a very nice man while in Positano and we are planning to see each other again in November when things get a little quieter there and he is able to take some time off. I met him on my first night in Positano, on the steps of the little church in the piazza. If all goes well, we will have quite a story to tell someday! Thank you to all again for a life-changing experience. I plan to hold on to the ‘Positano Glow’ I’m feeling for a long time!

Ciao,
Michele

Chef Claudio was the best, I can finally make great Tuscan classics. Thanks to Claudio and his wonderful family and staff.

Tess Camidge
Newton, MA

Spa, Pappardelle & Pecorino With Chef Claudio ~ 6 Day

Lauren & Melody,

I do want to let you both know that the Secret Garden trip was absolutely fabulous. You guys opened up a world to me and Diane that we would not have experienced without the insights and the people we met. We learned a lot…including how to live life! It’s a treasured memory and I’m sad it went so fast.

Thanks,
Aliza
California

Hi Lauren/Melody,
I am back in India after a busy schedule at london.Thank you both for a wonderful stay at Positano- My husband insists that I must take him there and experience all the joy and fun we had.He promises to even quietly watch my cooking classes,ha! ha!. Will send you someof the pictures soon.Take care.

A big Hi to Rino.
Rama

Artisan Cooking Positano On The Amalfi Coast ~ 8 Day

Rigatoni with rib sausage and meatballs at La Tre Sorelle, on the beach at Positano. Glass of Prosecco while watching the boats and the sunset on the Tyrrhennian Sea.

I enjoyed the bustle and pace of the kitchen, the clanging of pots and pans, the efficiency of the heavy-duty burners and grinders and boilers and ovens, the incredible raw material – fresh seafood, marinated seafood, San Marzano tomatoes, pastas of various shapes, olive oils and herbs – the smell of which stayed with me for days -, the meticulous ‘prep’, the fast explosive action of cooking, the careful plating, and of course the colours and aroma and tastes of a mediterranean kitchen.

Chef made a classic Ragu Bolognese, starting with minced onions, carrots and celery and bay leaf, adding tomato sauce and red wine and beef and simmering for hours. I observed closely and stirred, and stirred and stirred.

Making Octopus salad with fresh Octopus from the Bay of Naples was a breeze.

Making my own Limoncello with Sorrentine lemons was fun and satisfying.

And pasta, pasta, glorious pasta

Rigatoni, Spaghetti, Vermicelli cooked in huge pasta boilers with the pasta water acting as a sauce starter. Always al dente. Sauces made with clams or squid or porcini, and tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Tossed together just before plating and topped with parmigiano, cracked pepper and olive oil. Simple and delicious.

We made Orange Caramel, with oranges steeped in caramelised sugar and Cointreau.

Eating what we cooked. Pasta with clams and ‘white fish’, crepes with porcini, cheese and lots of Aglianico, Campania’s most famous wine. With Chef Vincenzo, Lorenzo, Fiorenzo and Emanuel at Ristorante Mediterraneo, Positano.

We all ate together: Vincenzo, Lorenzo, Fiorenzo, Emanuel and I Ate what we cooked, always with lots of wine

Chef Vincenzo and I made a good team And I gained lots of new friends. Grazie and Ciao to Vincenzo, Lorenzo, Enzo, Fiorenzo, Rodrigo and Emanuel. And thank you Lauren Birmingham of Cooking Vacations for making this happen.

Argha
Hong Kong

Artisan Cooking Positano On The Amalfi Coast ~ 8 Day

Hello Melody and Lauren,

I adored Italy and loved the class with Cooking Vacations. Positano is magical! Perhaps we’ll visit Northern Italy next year and will incoroporate a fews days with your school at that time.

Thank you so very much for the wonderful recipes…can’t wait to “lovingly inflict” them upon my friends and family! I’m attaching a few pics from the class.

Give my best to everyone and again, THANK YOU, (profusely)

Ciao,
Regina

Grazie mille to Filippo, Matteo and Andrea for an excellent week of cooking and eating, and yes drinking that great wine. Our teeth are now purple! Many thanks again from our entire family.

Chef Trio With Brothers Filippo, Matteo & Andrea ~ 4 Day

Thanks to Chef Elena, the family and staff for making our experience in Siena most memorable. Our cookery classes, the wine, the new recipes were so inspiring and the property was just gorgeous. Many, many thanks to everyone for the wonderful time we all shared during our anniversary.

Phil and Bee Jackson
Colorado

Cooking With Wine Maker Chef Elena~ 6 Day

Chef Totti you are the best. Thanks for being patient with my cooking skills, I am proud to say I have recreated most of the recipes at home. The property, the service the passion was just more than I could ever have imagined. Grazie!

C. Newman and Family
Vermont

Cooking With Chef Totti ~ 8 Day

Thanks Carla and family for opening up your heart and kitchen to our group. The food, cooking, wine and side trips were beautiful. We loved it and will be back.

George, Mat, Penny and the Ohio Gang!

Tuscan Cooking With Carla ~ 5 Day

Lauren and Melody
Thanks for the greatest time of my life. Going to a cooking class and forgetting about the rest was a good idea. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time with Chef Guisy in the kitchen. Her family embraced me and I cannot thank you all enough. I have already emailed all the new friends from my trip. Excellent suggestion.

James Turner
Montreal Canada

The Family’s Kitchen & Wine Cellar ~ 8 Days

Chef Accursio thank you! Thanks for taking time to show me how, our group loved the experience and I want you to know how we all enjoyed and learned. The property was A+ and the experience itself was magical. Thank you all.

John and Lilly White
LA, CA

Touring & Tasting With Rising Star Chef ~ 8 Day

Thanks Chef Antonia for opening up your home, kitchen and cook book. We loved the experience. I learned so much about Sicilian cooking with Chef Antonia and her team. The garden fresh produce, old world recipes, visit to the Catania fish market and wine maker were a food lovers’ dream. Thanks for your help Lauren and Melody for putting this most interesting culinary trip together for me. Seeing Etna from the garden was like a page in a romance novel. Thank you so very much Chef Antonia. Kisses to all.

Bertie Esposito,
Vermont

Mamma Antonia’s V.I.P. Premium ~ 8 Day

Thanks for a great hands on cookery class, the wine was great, the planning superb. Chef Fiora Angela spent her whole day with us, in the kitchen and around the property. It was way better than staying in any hotel. Thanks for sharing, inviting us into your kitchen and sharing your family recipe book with us all. I cannot make the cassata as good as you yet, but will send you photos of what I did create. My family loved it and I am so very proud, thanks to you Chef. We really had a wonderful time and our women’s group want to return soon.

Mary Blake and the Wine Women’s Club, CT

Cooking With Chef Fiora Angela ~ 8 Day

Sicily is so beautiful and spending my week in a real olive garden with Chef Natalie was the best. Learning to make antipasto, fresh pasta, chicken with almonds and those Sicilian cannoli were the highlight of our trip. The visit to the fish market too was so colorful. Sicily is so spicy and we loved every moment. I have tons of photos I will send, but first need to try out my newly added Sicilian recipes to my kitchen. Chef Natalia and staff a big round of applause. Thanks Lauren for suggesting the perfect culinary vacation in Sicily.

Gabriella Berkshire
Casper, Wyoming

Cooking & Olive Oil Tasting ~ 2 Day

Grazie mille for the most extra ordinary experience in the culinary world ever. I have taken cooking classes all over the world and this one ranks up to one of the top three. Chef Luigi was hands on all the way, had us working and shared with us his technique and ways for authentic cooking. Our itinerary was just perfect and included just the right amount of tours, visits and meetings with local artisans. We truly enjoyed our experience and cannot wait to return. As soon as I settle down to reality will send some photos along. Thanks Chef Luigi for sharing, teaching and being with us in perfect cooking week.

Martha Clarke
West Chester, NY

Cooking & Wine Of The Italian Alps ~ 4 Day

What a great way to see and experience Venice! Thanks Lauren and Melody for suggesting the perfect cooking vacation in Venice for myself and family. The classes, market visits, city tours and excursions really put us with the locals. We learned so much, met new friends and felt like family with Maria in her kitchen. A big round of thanks to all of your for your perfection and professionalism.

Dr. Ellie Fairbanks and Family

Venice’s V.I.P. ~ 7 Day

Thank you for a wonderful time, words cannot express our appreciation. Chef Rosy your are an amazing lady. The food, the prosecco and all the tasty foods of the Veneto region was a food explosion for our group. All 8 of us are joining Weight Watchers now that we returned. It was worth every bite. Thank you all. Lauren and Melody thank you as well, great planning and professional service all the way.

Jack Sullivan and Family
Boston, MA

Cooking With Chef Ivano In Veneto ~ 4 Day

Chef Giorgio and his team in Verona were excellent. The foods we made we so delicious and most of all we enjoyed while we learned. Verona was such a romantic city for us and our Couples Cooking, which was tailor made based on your own interests was the perfect way to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Our Anniversary cake that Chef Giorgio made was too beautiful to eat. Thank you for your generous gift and offering us the cake as well. We will remember it forever.

Ceceila and Jack Thompson
Springfield, CT

Cooking With Executive Chef Gianluca ~ 4 Day

Hi Melody and Lauren. First, let me tell you that we had a tremendous time on our vacation in Positano. Everything ran smoothly and Angela and Constantino were the best hosts. Such a charming B&B. I’m still working on pictures, but will be away for a long weekend. As soon as I get back, I’ll send some to you. Elinor, Marty, Nancy and me are all exchanging photos so we have quite an assortment.

Melody, thanks too for taking the time to say goodbye as we headed to the airport – we appreciated your kindness. Although it was hard to leave Italy, we were surprised by being bumped up to First Class Club World on our flight from London to Chicago! Made going home a bit easier.

Take care ~
Maryellen

Hi Lauren, My daughter Gervaise and I had a great time with Chef Eugenio Rossi. I didn’t write down the names of the dishes but I have pictures and can describe the ingredients. One really helpful hint: Always put garlic into “cold” olive oil and then bring up the heat. This way the garlic infuses the oil and it doesn’t burn and make your dishes taste bitter. Thanks Lauren.

Toni Estrada
USA

One Day Pasta Class

Dear Lauren,

Thank you so much for setting up a wonderful trip to Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

I so much enjoyed my cooking experience. Please thank Chef Roberto and Pietro for a fun time with lots of laughs, and of course all the new cooking techniques I learned. My time with Mamma Rosa was great, now everyone wants me to make homemade mozzerella for them.

Unfortunately the marinated eggplant I purchased from Emilia was taken from me at the Naples airport, too much liquid. I begged with the security guards to eat it and not throw it out, but…..Anyway if she can ship me a small jar it would be greatly appreciated. Send my best to Mario, and Melody

Once again Thank you so much for a memorable trip and a great time.
Arden Ginsberg

Dear Lauren,

Thanks for setting up all the classes and the custom tour for me during my trip to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. I had a great time!

The class on Capri with Roberto and Mama Rosa was great. Roberto was excited to share with me all aspects of their zero-waste and organic farm. I really enjoyed the hands-on and personal cooking experience. The simple high-quality courses were perfect and were well complimented by the setting and hosts.

I really enjoyed the pizza and cheese making class too. Antonio delivered the tour with passion and excitement. I think it is every guys ream to make pizza in a real wood fired pizza oven. It was nice touring the family property and seeing the family participate in the cooking and upkeep.
Thanks for setting up the private tour of the factories around Sorrento. I got to see the large scale and small scale production of Limoncello first hand.

Fred Groth
Boulder, CO

Chef Maria’s Cooking Class Capri~1 Day

I came back a little fatter, but considering all I cooked and ate, I am not surprised. Those tomatoes from the marketplace and the fresh organic herbs really made that pici pasta a hit. Many thanks to you and your staff for wonderful experience at the Forconi Estate. Cannot wait to go back.

Mr. C. Rogers London,
England

The Secret Garden program in Positano was a wonderful cooking experience. Chefs Rosa and Antonio are amazing cooks and we really learned a lot. I will never forget the size of those beautiful yellow lemons. Our Lemon Cake was really a hit when we came back and created the menu for our friends. Happy Cooking.

M.L.B
New York, NY

Dear Lauren, Just returned from beautiful Italy. Our last ‘adventure’ just before we left for our trip home was the cooking class with Chef Rosa. What a fantastic experience! The entire family was wonderful–so charming, so welcoming, so well-prepared. Loved the people, the up-to-our-elbows cooking, the eating, and the tour of their family property. We would recommend this to everyone!!!! The family was phenomenal! And we would not hesitate to recommend it to everyone! Thank you for all your patience and assistance in arranging this excellent ‘farewell-to Italy” for us!

Best, Sandy Rothschild

Dear Lauren

We arrived back from Roma today and had a wonderful cooking experience! Thank you for organising this wonderful experience for us.

C. Coyne
Ireland

Chef Eugenio’s La Dolce Vita ~ 6 Day

We so enjoyed our stay at the Secret Garden in Positano and meeting Rachel was a delight.

Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon,
Boston

Hello Lauren,

I am finally getting around to sending along some pictures from our trip to the Foconi Estate, The Podere del Ansellmo in Montespertoli. Liz and I had a wonderful time. We learned alot and had so much fun. The entire staff was great and fun to cook with.

Thanks again!
Mark and Liz Kurowski

Hi Lauren,

Griffin and I so very much loved our cooking class.The chefs were so incredibly nice and warm. It was really a pleasure to meet them. The recipes were great. Our taxi driver was so enjoyable as well. Positano was beautiful and our boat trip to Capri was superb. So as you can see, we loved the cooking class (the people were so great), we loved the boat trip and we really liked Poitano. Will be in touch for future travel

Karen Brill
Boston, MA

Positano ~ Kids Cooking

WOW! What an amazing trip I had, Positano and Venice were the highlights
but all parts of it were fantastic.

I wanted to thank you so much for the cooking experience in Positano, it
really was fantastic, The market tour and meeting the locals was great as
was cooking with Roberto & Pietro.

I was hoping you could please forward me the recipes from the pasta making
class w Roberto? Everyone is keen experience my wonderful cooking and I
can’t bare to let them down

Sally McMann
Australia

Venice’s V.I.P. ~ 7 Day

Lauren, I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking experience, especially the time spent with Antonio and Mama Rosa. Feel free to use me as a reference for future clients. As soon as I download my photos, I will send the cooking ones on to you for your website. Let me know if you ever get down to the Atlanta area as I would be glad to host you for a few days. Safe travel back to Italy this week and give my best to Melody and the cooking chefs.

Debbe

We had an excellent time at Villa Ortaglia. Terenzo and his wife were very gracious hosts. The villa was beautiful. What a wonderful experience. We are already talking about going back and have recommended to friends.

N. Tarini USA

Hi Lauren,

We had a great time in Italy, thank you for everything you did to make our vacation so wonderful. We did receive the recipes and we will enjoy making everything for our friends and family.

Kath & Mike Forbord
Wayzata, Minnesota

I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how wonderful the cheese-making demo with Mamma Rosa was. It was a big hit with everyone. As soon as we walked into the kitchen, we knew that this was a great call. It is really tough to plan an itinerary that will appeal to everyone, but this excursion did.

I was a little concerned because I am the only foodie in the group, but everyone had a blast. It was very authentic.

Anyway, thanks again and I will be in touch for my next trip.

Best Regards
B. Bereznak

Lauren, I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our cooking experience with Fabrizio. He and his staff were simply delightful and we spent all day preparing and eating a fabulous feast. He properly paired the wines to go with the appropriate courses. Afterward, we toured his horse stable, olive grove and vineyard. He went through the process of turning grapes into wine which we found very interesting. He then invited us to swim in his pool but we decided to further tour the region on our own. I highly recommend his cooking school whenever you have reason to send people there. I would love to return one day and we can’t wait to try some of the recipes we learned that day.

Best, Dale Finn

I just want to reiterate the tremendous time we had as your guests in April..I cannot tell you how many times I think about the incredible hospitality of the people of Positano, the great cooks and the ease in planning that is your trademark! I am so happy that we found you and I certainly am coming back in April again for an adventure…Your friends, cooks and all the people that made it happen will never be forgotten..Especially you..I truly miss Positano….Regards to the family

Deb Gray
New York, NY

Dear Lauren, Caitlin and I had a wonderful time at the Secret Garden Positano. All the planned activities were perfect and we met such wonderful interesting and warm people. The B & B, the cooking lessons, Mario, Enzo etcall made our trip one to remember. Caitlin returned to Florida and I to Michigan so all is well.

Keep in touch! Love, Carol

Positano ~ Kids Cooking

We just came back from lunch where Jack was delighted to impress our guests (who ordered gnocchi) with the story of how he actually MADE gnocchi. Lexie wanted everyone to know that she went on the ROOF of our hotel. I think you are in the business of making beautiful memories there!

Best- Michele Switzerland

Positano ~ Kids Cooking

Dear Lauren, As promised, attached is a link to photos (probably more than you would like – sorry!) from our week in Positano. As we told you when we left, we had a really terrific time – the program was perfectly suited to our family – indeed, it would be hard to imagine something better if it had been designed just for us.

Thanks for everything. Good luck with your business – this is a great idea – and we hope to have another opportunity to cook again with you in Italy soon.

Best, Chris and Leah Tahbaz
NY, NY

Positano ~ Kids Cooking

Dear Lauren,

I just returned from my trip to Italy and I have to say the cooking school at Villa Ortaglia was the highlight of my trip. Wonderful people ( the owners) and a beautiful house and pool. It was all that I wished for and more.

Thank you for all the hard work you did to help me.

Sincerely,
Ray Lucchetti

Tuscan Cookout Cooking & Scenic Tours ~ 6 Day

Hi Lauren,

Thanks so much for making my dream happen – I had a wonderful time & Fabrizio & his cooking “family” were wonderful. I’m looking forward to my next cooking adventure & will contact you soon.

Regards, G.A.

Hi Lauren:
We had a great time with Fabrizio and at the Forconi Estate. Food, people, cooking couldn’t have been better and the location is just beautiful. I will email you photos when Victoria sends them to me.

Regards,
Gayle

Cooking & Wine Tuscany ~ 4 Day

Dear Lauren -

We truly enjoyed our vacation and all the activities you scheduled for us! Thank you and Melody for all your efforts. I will send you some photos as soon as I get them downloaded.

Thanks again – Miles and Alison

Chef Eugenio’s La Dolce Vita ~ 6 Day

Just wanted to let you know that we enjoyed Villa Ortaglia immensely. Terenzio and his wife Mara were very gracious hosts. My wife, daughter, sister , my son’s fiancee and her sister enjoyed the cooking classes very much. We also had ample time to take trips to Cortona, Sienna, San Giamonao, and Assissi. Also, the tour Terenzio took us on was extemely enjoyable and interesting.

Dennis,
Colorado

We had a wonderful time in Italy and loved Villa Ortaglia.

Mr. Mrs. Ross

Tuscan Cookout Cooking & Scenic Tours ~ 6 Day

Lauren , I just want to thank you on the two trips I booked with you. The Forconi Estate cooking weekend was just fabuolous. The food was great , it’s amazing how they make the recipes look so easy and taste so good. Fabrizio is a man that displays a great passion for his wine and the food that accompanies it. The stay at the estate was topped of with a midnite trip to the wine cellar where we sampled his next release of wines.

The palazzo which we stayed in Venice was far more beautiful than I ever could have imagined, made more delightful by the host and owner Maria Grace. Her restaurant recomendations were excellant which were only topped by the delicous breakfasts served in the classical dinning room.

With your help you made me look good. Eileen and I now have memories which will last a lifetime.

ciao and grazie
Chris P., MA

Cooking & Wine Tuscany ~ 4 Day

Hi Lauren – and Melody!!

Bryn and I have returned to the chilly Northwest, and miss Constantine, Angela and beautiful Positano!! Thank you for a wonderful cultural experience, it really was impressive. Thanks again for a lifetime experience!!

Kristin Joyner, Washington

Dear Lauren & Melody, I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how wonderful the cheese-making demo with Mamma Rosa was. It was a big hit with everyone. As soon as we walked into the kitchen, we knew that this was a great call. It is really tough to plan an itinerary that will appeal to everyone, but this excursion did.

I was a little concerned because I am the only foodie in the group, but everyone had a blast. It was very authentic.

Anyway, thanks again and I will be in touch for my next trip.

Best Regards,
Brian B. PA

What a way to learn and we did learn. Chef Antonella and Anna were just great. The 2 Chefs, 2 Kitchens: City To Country Cooking gave us an insightful view into both the city and country of Bologna. Far from the tourists, Bologna is a beautiful well-kept city with elegant people and excellent cuisine. No wonder why it is called la citta grasse-we ate our way through every food hall, cooking class and restaurant. And the best chocolate too.

Glen and Sara
Atlanta

2 Chefs, 2 Kitchens: City To Country Cooking ~ 6 Day

Chef Antonella we still are amazed at how fast you fold over those tortellini. Thanks for your warm welcome, excellent classes and great food. Anna our Food Lover guide was amazing and knew both food stops and landmarks with notes on both. We just loved, loved our Bologna program with you. Lauren and Melody will send photos soon.

Maryann Bartell
New Zealand

La Grande Cucina With Chef Antonella~ 5 Day

Discovering Bologna and the hills that produce so many of the rich products was an experience that put us in the hands of master artisans. We could have never done this on our own. Great rustic cooking with our team of Chefs. We spent time in the kitchen working hands-on, visiting the farmhouse and ranch where the kitchen’s produce comes from each day and we learned with locals. Great experience. Bologna and its countryside has so much to offer. Thanks Lauren and Melody for the suggestion and your professionalism throughout our planning.

Dr. D and Anna
Portland, OR

Truffles & Tortellini With a Michelin Star Chef ~ 4 Day

Thanks Chef Giuseppe and everyone at the Castle for a wonderful cookery school experience. We enjoyed how Italians do it. The food was so fresh and the care that went into each cookery class was clearly seen. Our excursions took us to places we would have never found on our own. Thanks to everyone in Stressa on Lake MAggiore for making our culinary vacation most memorable.

Elizabeth and John Austin
England

Cooking In Stresa With Chef Giuseppe ~ 4 Day

Chef Francesco I did it, I finally were able to recreate those wonderful recipes in my own kitchen. Thanks for your patience and help during each class. Our Cooking Vacations tour to the Italian Riviera was most splendid. Our cookery program was a total immersion and we loved each day of it. Thank God England is so close and we can return again soon. Many thanks to all who welcomed us into their culture.

Mary and Dick Bacon,
London

Cooking In Cinque Terre ~ Weeklong

Many thanks to hostess Barbara and Chef Alessandro in Sestri Levante for the great cooking classes in traditional Ligurian cooking. Your staff, precision in planning and the fun made the experience just perfect. Chef Alessandro you are the best Chef ever. We loved everything we made. Now we have to work it all off back home. Thanks again for a truly fantastic time in Portofino. I promised Barbara I would send photos of the recipes I prepared at home, because I did not do such a bad job after all. Take care and photos on the way.

Gene and Mary Gaglione
Stanford CT

Portofino & Cinque Terre’s Riviera ~ 4 Day

Excellent cooking and compliments to the Chef! I never thought I would have been able to do that recipe for wild mint soufflé with passion fruit and Piedmont hazelnut ice- cream. Thanks Chef Salvatore for your patience and encouragement. Best of all we learned, made new friends and ate our way through your kitchen. Grazie.

Elyse and Tom Riley
Scottsdate, AZ

Executive Chef Cooking & Museum Tour ~ 3 Day

Our All Women’s Cooking Week was so much fun and such a great culinary experience. Traveling as a single woman at first was a little bit scary but Lauren and Melody really made me feel secure and listened to all my needs and they guided me to the program that turned out just perfect. I not only cooked great new recipes, but relaxed, and made new friends. I never felt alone. Villa D’Este was superb and I felt like a princess. Thanks again for a vacation I almost did not take. Glad I did it.

Patricia Jacobson
Fort Worth, TX

Culinary Tours For Women Travelers Lake Como ~ 4 Day

It was more than I ever had expected, the classes and food knowledge and market visits-wow! So nice to see how tradition remains the same and works. Many thanks to our wonderful Chef Pina. The fresh pasta with the spring vegetables was the best.

Sally Bennet
Chicago IL

One Day Cooking Class On Lake Maggiore

Grazie to Chef Matteo and everyone who made our trip so special. We loved your recipe for Pesto. The tours were so insightful, the herb garden, Cinque Terre and the market visits were so pretty. We loved every minute of it. Genoa was a beautiful city in contrast to Cinque Terre, and the planning and help from Lauren and Melody who were so detailed oriented helped to make for a streamline stress free vacation. For our first time in Italy, we were so pleased and hope to return soon.

Jack and Ellie Conners
San Fran, CA

Pasta & Portofino

Ciao Chef, Chiara and everyone in Genoa who made our trip so memorable. The cooking classes were hands on, so important, the food, the market visits and the group we traveled with as well were just fantastic. Great detail from Cooking Vacations on every aspect of our trip, and great restaurant and shopping tips as well. Lauren and Melody, thank you kindly.

Nick and Leah Delbono
North Dakota

On The Italian Riviera

Puglia & Positano… Lauren – I am so excited and really want to thank you because without you and Cooking Vacations I would never have ventured out on my own and I really love it now.

M. Lewandowski
Philly Penn.

Culinary Tours For Women Travelers Puglia ~ 8 Day

Grazie Chef Giuseppe and the entire family in Umbria, thanks for teaching us how to make the delicious stringozzi and most of all thanks for your hospitality. We had a great time and are telling all our family and friends about it. Thanks to Lauren and Melody who helped us choose the right program and see another side of Italy with an excellent Chef, somewhere where we would have never dreamed of traveling to. Grazie, and we have even recreated the recipes back home in our own kitchen.

Damian and Tammy Aloe
Salt Lake City

Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto With Chef Giuseppe ~ 7 Day

Thanks Letzia for teaching me how to make Taralli, and I made them just like you. Being in the kitchen with such a great team and learning how to make authentic dishes was just amazing. It is one thing to be a good cook another to teach so well. Great job and we loved everything we made. I learned the true meaning of cooking simple, fresh and local, what a joy. From Conversano to the trulli, we loved every step and will come back soon. Great job and we will send photos.

Gretta Simone
Washington DC

Letizia’s Kitchen ~ 8 Day

Melody and Lauren
Thanks for a wonderful time cooking, exploring and visiting artisan markers of all thing tasty in Umbria. Learning the philosophy of Slow Cooking and all things from nature was so refreshing, and staying at John and Liliana’s with Anna in the kitchen was as real as real can get. Anna was amazing how she worked the pasta and turned fresh veggies into tasty sauces. Our tours were perfectly planned and the local artisans were so kind and welcoming. Thank you a million more it was the vacation of our dream.

Tara & Sam Jones
Australia

Slow Cooking Umbria With Chef Anna ~ 4 Day

Perugia was more than I imagined. Chef Giuseppe and Elga were such great hosts and Lauren and Melody were so helpful in planning all the details of my trip. The classes were so well taught, the foods were fantastic and I learned so much. I came home and fresh pasta and sauce for my whole family. I still can remember waking up in total silence and feeling like I was in paradise. Thanks for a great time, Mary and I really enjoyed every minute of it. We both cried when we left. Bravo.

Marion and Mary Horst
Concord, MA

Chef Peppe’s Family Kitchen ~ 8 Day

Lauren and Melody thank you for your assistance in planning my dream vacation. Everyone was so helpful, Chef Luciana was more than I could have imagined her patience with us in the kitchen, excellent food and now I have to join weight watchers to get back on track. It was well worth it. Ciao e grazie.

Mary and the gang from CT

Cooking & Truffles With Chef Luciana ~ 7 Day

Cannot express our thanks enough to everyone at Cooking Vacations for a grande time. Diamonte and Saclea were so interesting and Chef Antonio was a great teacher and cook. The food was such an experience as well.

Betsy and Mike Kelly
Calgary

Chef Antonio’s Old World Calabria ~ 8 Day

Chef Giovanni and family-thank you! We enjoyed our time with you in the kitchen, our day trips to Scalea, Maratea and Diamante, the cantina, the lemon farm and those chili peppers. Great cooking and we had a blast. Mario our driver was so kind, he drove us over 1 hour away to see where our family came from. Cannot thank you all enough. Will send photos soon. Thank you all again.

John Merante
Pennsylvania

Trattoria Cooking With Chef Giovanni ~ 8 Day

Calabria was a dream come true and Chef Rosa was just wonderful. Off the beaten tourist track, I loved this quiet side of Italy. Mike and I came home and prepared all the recipes, they almost tasted like Rosa’s. Thanks again to Chef Rosa, her family and staff for a memorable week in Calabria.

Mike and Fabia Testoni
New York

Country Cooking With Rosa

A big thanks to everyone in Rosanna’s kitchen, our kids truly enjoyed the experience from the tours to Pizza, Tropea and more to the cooking classes, we really enjoyed it all. Thanks.

Mike, Jenny and Brady Family
Florida

A Culinary Adventure ~ 8 Day

Lauren, You taught me more in a week about how to live life than I’ve learned in 59 years!

E.B.

Thanks for such a great trip. We had an excellent time and the cooking classes and chefs were great, as were the excursions. I thought the program was well organized, all encompassing and even when the weather didn’t cooperate, they still made sure we fit everything in. It was a good balance of free time and organized events and I liked that we were put in groups to meet new people, as well as have free time on our own. I thought it was good value for the price as well.

We loved it and would definately consider booking another vacation with you in the future. Please ask Melody to send me the price list for ordering olive oil and wine from you, I would like to make an order soon.

Thanks!

Sara Skalley

Ravello…
A 4-hour cooking class this morning with Chefs Ranier and Franca — AMAZING!

Rebecca
Toranto

From Garden To Kitchen With Chef Raffaele ~ 5 Day

Thank you! We had a fabulous time. The agroturismo, Montechiaro, was the very best – Carla and her daughter Cristina, together with Nicholas and Teresa, were wonderful teachers and generous to a fault. The rooms were terrific, the meals great, their flexibility and customization very helpful, and we were very happy there.

Anna, our guide for the tour of the cheese factory and balsamic vinegar maker and in Bologna, was also wonderful – tremendously knowledgeable, kind, and generous. The tours were wonderful – far more informative and special than we had imagined before! And her introduction to Bologna was also very good, giving us an excellent orientation to the city, the food market and to restaurants that we enjoyed as well. Your clients should know how lucky they will be if she is available for their visits… and the bed and breakfast was just perfect. Charming, pretty, comfortable, air conditioned, and very well located for all that we wanted to do. Paula, the hostess at the bed and breakfast, was also wonderfully helpful, and made us feel very well taken care of.

The entire trip exceeded my expectations, and I would be more than glad to be a reference for both the Bologna and Montechiaro parts of the itinerary. Please let them know for us how happy we were with our time in both places.

Warm thanks – Molly

2 Chefs, 2 Kitchens: City To Country Cooking ~ 6 Day

Dear Mara and Terenzio,

We are at home enjoying the beauty of a vividly colorful New England autumn, but yet recalling the wonderful memories of our week of Villa Ortaglia’s Cooking Vacation in and around Montepulciano.

Our vacation with you exceeded our expectations–something that rarely happens in life. The Villa Ortaglia is beautiful and the views of the surrounding vineyards and San Biagio are breathtaking. You are attentive hosts who paced our week so well, routed our daily excursions with such care, shepherded us through Valdorcia, and even stayed up like a parent to make sure we were home at night. Dinner at Le Logge del Vignola and La Grotta were beautiful and delicious, and we would probably not have found them or eaten there, if they hadn’t been part of our package. Our spa treatments at Terme Montepulciano were “just what the doctor ordered” to relax us after our twenty-four hour trip NYC/Frankfurt/Pisa/Montepulciano and several days of sightseeing. The cooking school aspect of our week was what really made it special. Learning about your vineyards, winemaking, your labels, and your business in the US–and especially drinking your wonderful wines both from Tuscany and Verona were highpoints. Two evenings of cooking with both of you and Maria and then eating and drinking together in the beautiful Villa Ortaglia kitchen was like living in a movie set. And best of all, we enjoyed your company.

We have wonderful photos (which we will share when we get them organized) which will remind us of our Villa Ortaglia VIP Premium Cooking Vacation.

We send you our best wishes and hope that Mara has had a good trip to Verona.

Fondly and sincerely,

Cheryl (and Bill) Edelen

V.I.P. Tuscan Cooking At The Villa ~ 8 Day

Our trip to Cinque Terre, Italy was a wonderful success. We enjoyed our stay in beautiful Rapallo. We especially enjoyed our cooking classes as well as our trip to Cinque Terre. Our guides were AMAZING!! Thank you for ALL your hard work.

Jane Hanratty & Joan Barry

On The Italian Riviera

Bella Laurena~

We really experienced it all! We returned to Los Angeles last evening and are moping around this morning wishing we were back in Positano! You have picked a cherry from life!

Thank you for all you assistance in our trip. We missed you in Venezia, it was fairytale beauty – sun, good food, wine (of course) gondolas, water taxis, sight seeing boat tour, walking tours, and an incredible hotel.

Roma was also awesome. I wanted to call you from Venezia and Roma – and mentioned it many times – but did not want to deal with the purchase of a calling card, etc. You were on our minds. Roma was nice, on Via Veneto, and some sightseeing. Sam and I were to do up the city at night, but I was exhausted!

Lots of love and soon lots of pictures. We are home safely.

Gary D
Los Angeles CA

To the staff of Cooking Vacations:
My husband & I thoroughly enjoyed our Cooking Vacation in Trevi with Chef Giuseppe.
Chef Giuseppe was a great teacher and helped us learn so much during our three sessions in his kitchen! We really enjoyed the variety of foods we prepared, and the dinners in his restaurant were outstanding. His wine recommendations and selections were excellent! We’ve tried some of the techniques we learned, and are anxious to try the recipes as well. It was a unique experience, and a very memorable vacation. It came at the end of our 2 weeks in London & Italy, and it was the perfect way to wrap it up.
We will never forget!

Ann & Dave Mertes
Urbandale Iowa

Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto With Chef Giuseppe ~ 7 Day

My Dear Positano Pals,

It was so much fun reading all your emails when we got home. That was on Saturday, 9-20 around 3:00 p.m. pacific time, midnight Italy time. We had been up since 4 a.m. to catch our flight out of Rome. Needless to say,

Sunday was a no brain day. We could hardly function even after sleeping almost 12 hours. Our coffee maker decided to give it up that morning so we had no coffee!!!. Yikes!!! I had to get to the store pronto and buy a new coffee maker and food. The cupboards were bare!

Spending time with all of you made my trip to Positano extra special and so much fun. Amanda and I are going to enjoy our laughs together for years. Jenny, I was so sorry to hear of the losses suffered by your friends and family, and am glad all escaped with life and limb in tact. If there is any way I can be of help please let me know. Kathleen, kudos to you for getting your pics in order so fast and sending them to us. I really enjoyed seeing them. I will send mine as soon as I can get them into my system. I haven’t even looked at them yet.

Our time in Tuscany was wonderful and relaxing. Our little apartment in Sinalunga was a real treasure. If any of you plan a trip to Tuscany, contact me for info. We spent our days driving through the countryside and hill towns relishing the fine food, views and historical sights.

I hope all of you are well and settling back into your daily grinds a little more relaxed.

Ciao, ciao for now.
Fondly, Bonnie

Dear Melody and Lauren,

We thoroughly enjoyed our Cooking Vacation. As Mom said on the way home, it was all we hope it would be and more. The cooking was a wonderful opportunity for a mother/ daughter vacation. We’re eager to try our recipes with our family and are planning to do meatballs for a family reunion on Mom’s birthday the first of August. I have plans for the shrimp pasta and a pizza for my family this week. Please give our thanks to all our wonderful hosts who taught us Amalfi Coast cooking. I’m already enjoying our olive oil from Mama Rosa’s.

Thank you Lauren,

I always love your recipes and thoughts! I miss Positano! We are in the process of adopting a child from China, so our next trip will be there to get her. I am so glad we went through your agency to Italy! It will be a memory for our lifetime!

Joy Carter

Puglia!

I enjoyed it immensely. Another wonderful trip to Italy under my belt thanks to cooking vacations. What a fabulous area. I really enjoyed Conversano, while it was not Positano with the beautiful sea there were many endearing qualities. The people, the food, the landscape, the wonderful towns, the produce, the wine, the tour guides – all things beautiful. I really enjoyed the diversity of the trip since we cooked three days, spa three days, toured and had a bit of time to ourselves. It was really action packed.

One of the most interesting things is that when I was in Positano I purchased a black and white framed photo from one of the Galleries of an older (old) couple walking down a cobblestone lane/street holding hands. The photo was taken in Matera. So when we got to visit Matera I felt like I was connected to it. What a wonderful town and such great history.

I loved the two young ladies that we had as our tour guides. Annalisa and Catia were so informative. And since they were both born and raised in the area there were lots of inside things they knew about which got us right in with the locals. Most enjoyable. I have been in touch with them since the trip. Me and Catia just got along so wonderfully I almost felt related to her. Annalisa introduced us to Italian music and made me a cd of Italian singers that included Mia, Vinucio Cappasello, etc.

Maritza and her daughter were also fun to be with. I felt like I was with relatives. We laughed, ate and cooked. I also got a minute to meet Litiza’s dad who was wonderful – I got a few pictures with him.

The spa was also a crazy and wonderful experience. I enjoyed it so much – it was so relaxing. Although the women only spoke Italian and there was a bit of translation issues I was just fine with the experience. When in Conversano do as the Conversanians do is my policy.

The Villa was beautiful the staff great.

All in all in was a total submersion into the culture and I felt like I was at a study abroad program. I felt like I learned so many things with the language, food, wine and people.

I would travel again and again with cooking vacations.

Thanks ladies.
p.s. still working on photo album but once completed I will send so you can view.

Marie Lewandowski
Philly, PN

Culinary Tours For Women Travelers Puglia ~ 8 Day

Dear Lauren,

Secret Garden Positano-
We just wanted to take the time to say grazie!! Our trip once again was amazing and well planned. Spending time with you and your family was a feeling of family. We feel a special bond has formed with Gina, Adam, Siena, and Chloe, and for this we feel blessed.

The trip to Sorriento with Antonio and Mama Rosa’s family was our favorite day. Antonio was extremely knowledgeable and has such a passion for the foods and culture in Italy. Your expertise and love for Italy shows and we thank you.We miss Positano so much and are already planning our next visit.Our travels were enriching and enhanced through the eyes of family. The whole experience was filled with lemons and olives, smiles and hugs, and colors only dreamed of.

What cooking vacations is not ? It is NOT getting up with the birds, it is NOT being herded on and off a bus, NOT being led by an umbrella or flag, and it is NOT eating tourist menus! It is a true lifestyle…

Ciao!
Susanne, Steve, and Liam Shand
New York

Greetings Melody and Lauren:

Many thanks for all your work in organizing our terrific Secret Garden cooking vacation in Positano. Nancy and I had a terrific time and have been trying out all the recipes for our families and friends! I hope all is well with both of you and all in Positano.

Elinor Ginzler
USA

Lauren,

We had a very nice time on the trip in Puglia. The accommodations were beautiful and the staff very helpful and kind.

The cooking instructor, Patrizia, was equally wonderful and pleasant. We would thoroughly recommend her to others.

The excursions were great with the highlights being Matera and Alberobello. We even had a few added surprises such as the trip to Martina Franca with a visit to a horse farm and also to Altamura for their famous bread.

Thank you for all of your organization for this trip.

Donatella

Letizia’s Kitchen ~ 8 Day

Dear Lauren,

Nancy and myself want to thank you for helping us book our Cooking School trip in Venice. We just returned yesterday and everything from the accommodations, cooking school, tours and transportation were first class. We want to specially say that Linda and her partner Martina were most helpful in showing us around Venice and all the areas that most visitors do not get to see. Linda was most helpful in enlightening us about the history of the lovely city of Venice with her knowledge and perfect English…We really felt at home in the “Palace” and Maria Grazie was the perfect host .

The cooking lessons given by Maria and Sebastiane Molani were not only fun, but delicious! We certainly will be contacting you next year to visit some of the other cities that you have to offer.

Regards,
Kathleen Salata

Venice’s V.I.P. ~ 7 Day

Lauren,
I echo Molly’s sentiments on a wonderful cooking vacation. It hit the perfect notes for us both at Montechiaro and in Bologna. I, too, would be happy to be a reference. Thank you for your wonderful assistance in putting our trip together.

Kathy Turner

2 Chefs, 2 Kitchens: City To Country Cooking ~ 6 Day

Hi Lauren Our trip to Italy was fantastic thanks to you-the most memorable part was the special occasions you set up-namely the cooking class and tasting dinner at Tre Sorelle-wonderful experiences not to mention the aprons we have for lasting memories-thanks a million for all your efforts and splendid hospitality

- Best Regards
Dr. P.E. and wife Barb
Boston, MA

Dear Lauren,

Bob and I had a wonderful time with Mamma Rosa and Antonio! It was a very special experience for us and we look forward to taking more classes someday. Since it was my husband’s birthday, I stepped back from the kitchen and let him be the student and I, the photographer.

Many thanks for making the arrangements for us to have this special cooking experience! My husband was thrilled with his present!

Cheers,
Blair R.
Seattle, WA

Lauren, our cooking vacation was a wonderful and rich experience that we would recommend to friends, family and strangers alike. Both of the classes were excellent in their own unique ways and were terrific compliments to each other. The logistics and lodging were perfectly thought out and coordinated and that made us able to relax and just get in the spirit of the Amalfi coast. And Positano was indeed perfect, thanks for that suggestion. Wonderful! Molto bene!

Regards,
Barbara Doyle
USA

Cooking Vacations provided me with the perfect solo getaway. Everything from the accommodations to the cooking classes to the excursions were so well planned. Having stayed in beautiful Positano, I was also grateful for Gianluca’s exceptional driving abilities on the narrow winding roads that would have otherwise terrified me (and did scare me, when I was other drivers!). Of course, the highlights of my trip were the cooking lessons. To cook on the beach with the gracious staff of Le Tre Sorelle was so much fun. Chef Salvatore an amazing teacher as well; he was clearly passionate about his food, and his hospitality was amazing. Cooking in his kitchen with his fresh produce and eggs right out of his own garden was truly a wonderful experience. This is one vacation I hope to repeat again someday in the future.

Aimme
sunny California

Victoria had a wonderful time. Fabrizio, Melina, Simonetta and the rest of the staff made such a fuss over her. We met a lovely German family with a son and daughter 13 and 15 years old (Victoria is 14) and an Irish family who had younger children, so she wasn’t the only adolescent. She had never met people from other countries so it was a wonderful experience for her. She loved the pool and went to visit the horses several times a day and Kristen took her for an advanced hour and a half ride. And of course, Fabrizio is Fabrizio….!!

G. A. Damiano
NY, NY

Lauren, I cannot thank you enough for this fabulously fun and interesting trip. I loved the fact that there were only 7 of us in the group—smaller is so much better for these things! Fabrizio and his wonderful, warm family were a joy, as was the entire staff at his podere—I so loved every minute. And you, my dear, are a gem! How can every endeavor that you undertake NOT be a huge success—you’re so caring, conscientious, and attentive, Lauren—how could you not succeed? I forwarded the agenda of this Tuscany experience to a woman that I met at a wine tasting last night because she’s very interested, as well as having told tons of people about this super trip. Even though we had previously visited almost all of the sites that we toured, it was still great because Fabrizio pointed out things that we had previously missed—always better through a native’s eyes, of course.

B. Morris
Cranston, Rhode Island

Cooking & Wine Tuscany ~ 4 Day

Lauren & Melody -
Thank you for all of your assistance — my trip was fabulous – Rocco was a very amiable and gracious host — His wife and sister were wonderful teachers — I learned a lot and had quite a bit of fun in the process. They made me feel so welcome in their kitchen and their love for and knowledge of Ischia is evident and really enhanced the experience.

Didn’t take a lot of pictures and since I got back late last night haven’t had a chance to upload them yet — if there’s anything worth sharing I will certainly pass it to you. I’m afraid I’m going to have to focus on work for a bit (banking — yikes!!) before planning my next trip, but I would love to explore more cooking vacations in the future and will certainly keep your offer in mind.

Ciao and mille grazie!

Susan

Ischia Island~Mediterranean Cooking & Spa Week~8 Day

Hello Melody & Lauren,
Before I went to Italy, I tried not to get too excited about my Cooking Vacations trip. I didn’t want to get my hopes too high, and then be disappointed.

From the moment I first stepped into my room at the property, till the last glimpse of Positano as I looked back from the road to Naples, my Cooking Vacation was a delightful adventure!

The chefs were informative, patient and fun to work with. The staff at the Hotel were always helpful and gave us many good ideas on places to go in our free time and how to get there. (Maria was like an adopted Italian grandmother, who always made us feel at home).

It was fun to get on the bus for a tour and find some other people from the classes that you had not yet met. The tour guides (especially the lady in Ravello) was so full of information that sometimes I would turn on the video camera just so I could record what she was saying!

Please keep me informed of other vacations that you arrange. (I’m in the process of putting pictures from my trip on a Shutterfly site, so let me know if you’d like to see those.)

Thanks,
Barb

Dear Lauren

Firstly a very big thank you to you and your staff for making my cooking experience in Italy such a memorable one.

The chefs and staff – especially Fortunata and Philomena who were absolutely outstanding as teachers – willing to impart their love and knowledge of food and recipes to me, where I learned to make such delicious regional dishes such as Torte Caprese, Torta Di Formaggio, fresh squid ink pasta, wood fire pane, Profiteroles al Limone and panna cotta with strawberry sauce amongst many other wonderous and delectable recipes.

This was truly a major highlight of my travels through Italy and I would not hesitate to use Cooking Vacations again and again to learn to create beautiful food, first hand, from chefs around the world.

With kind regards

Laura Gluckman

Dear Lauren & Melody,
Helen & I arrived at Naples airport in time to catch our flight thanks to expert driving by Rino !! We made it home to US safely. I had a wonderful time in Positano. We had a great room and they couldn’t have been nicer. Loved all the cooking!! And eating of course. I enjoyed everything you include in the week; would have liked a little more time in Ravello. Positano is truly a special place, for me a magical vacation that I will remember the rest of my life.

Thank you both for everything,
Liz Blake

Secret Garden – Positano – was just the perfect trip for me! It had a balance of cooking and opportunities to explore the treasures of the Amalfi Coast. Since I have never traveled outside the United States, I was thrilled that this opportunity was available. The cooking classes were so enjoyable — and I liked the fact that everyone got a chance to do everything Salvatore and Giovanna demonstrated. It was “hands on” with a great deal of laughter. (As a former second grade teacher, I can vouch that this philosophy is the best way to learn.) The foods were so fresh! It was as if my taste buds “woke up”. The flexibility of your programs was as impressive as well: I had wanted to learn how to bake artisan breads, and you were very willing to accomodate my interest. However, since this was my first time traveling, I wasn’t sure about the time factor, so I decided to save it for a future trip. The accomodations at the Albergo were everything I had hoped an Italian vacation spot would be. To be able to go to sleep listening to the waves break on shore in Positano was relaxing. Our driver, Reno, was so conscientious and polite. Usually I am extemely nervous when someone else is driving — especially on steep, winding roads, however, I had no anxiety, and felt very calm with him at the wheel. Please be sure to thank him for me. (I had hoped to thank him when he took us to the airport, but Reno wasn’t our driver.) I was very pleased with the availability of the Cooking Vacations staff. When our flight was delayed in Dusseldorf, a phone call to you was all it took to relieve two very worried travelers from Illinois, USA. The wine and olive oil tasting was fun and educational as well – I appreciate the fact Cooking Vacations support local businesses, and tell their stories. (It would have been fun to tour a winery and visit an oil grove to learn more, and get a first hand look. Maybe include a lunch and tasting at a real vineyard and olive grove?) My experience was so enjoyable that Peg and I are considering another Cooking Vacation — we are thinking perhaps the Tuscany region would be a culinary delight with many things to see and do. Until then… Grazie e Ciao!

Cheryl & Peggy

Hi Giuseppe (and Lauren and Melody)!
I had the most amazing time on our cooking vacation with you in Positano. I really appreciated all the tours, classes and wonderful food you packed into our too few days there. I already have four people who have said to me, “If you go again, I want to go with you.” When we went through customs the man ask me why I was in Italy. I answered for a cooking vacation and I am ruined for life–I will never have food that wonderful again. Thank you for all the details you put together so that I could just enjoy every minute..and I did! I’m going to try to attach some photos.

Sandy

We had a wonderful time. All our friends are envious and are now trying to figure out when they can visit Positano. As you know, our only disappointment was not being able to enjoy Ravello, but we really can’t hold you responsible for freak weather events. What we can do is praise Rino for his patience, sense of humor, courage and driving skills. I’ll be writing a review for TripAdvisor later this week. It will definitely be a very positive one. (Jessica made the lemon cake and brought it in to work today.) We look forward to reading future issues of the journal and seeing new recipes.

Ciao,
Bruce

Lauren and Melody,

Just a short note to thank you for providing us with a memorable week in Positano. I was looking forward to our trip for some time always with some fear of over anticipating. In fact our visit was everything we hoped for and more. Positano is one of our favorite places after many many visits to Italy and Europe. Staying at the Hotel was a joy. The location is perfect with an incredible view every morning of Positano and the Mediterranean sea, and Maria and her family just made us feel at home. Maria is a very special lady.

Cooking with Chef Salvatore was really fun, and then getting to eat what we cooked plus what Salvatore cooked for us was amazing. Our cooking classes with Salvatore allowed us to get a good feeling of the people and village life up on top of the hills overlooking Positano, something I really enjoyed.

Thanks for making everything happen just as it was supposed to happen, our side trips were great and perfectly arranged. We did not feel like we were being herded around. The flexibility and free time allowed us to enjoy Positano at our own pace, and yet there was enough structure so that we were able to enjoy many of the beautiful things the Almalfi coast area has to offer. We could interface with the people who live and work in Positano, who are so gracious, warm and interesting. We will remember the views, roads, beauty, lemons, but what we will remember most are the people we were fortunate to meet.

As I am writing this, my wife just said to me “we are going back again – right?”. It would be pretty hard not to.

Thanks again,

Glenn and Joanne Dethloff

Dear Lauren,
We were very pleased with our cooking classes with chefs Massimo and Andrea in our Food & Wine In Medieval Montepulciano experience. The meals we prepared were exactly we wanted to learn. They were both easy to prepare and will be elegant enough for us to serve to our friends back home. In the two plus days we were their we we experienced three fantastic meals plus the the two tastings of what we had prepared. The accommodations were outstanding. The view at the top of Montepulciano needs to be seen to be appreciated, the room had all the amenities and our hostess more than willing to accomodate all our questions and requests.

Thank You,
Nancy & Bob
Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada

Good day Lauren!

After a 30 hour (yes that’s 30!) flight home we are safely back.
I just wanted to thank you so so much for all the hard work in planning and making sure that the trip was a HUGE success! Everyone is immensely satisfied. We all just recounted the days and the events of our week probably for about 29 of the hours that we were travelling home.

Lauren, I know that you realize how important these experiences are to people. Some of the group had never been in italy and, for example, Shirley and Bill are SEASONED travellers. I believe and I know that you all do too that is so essential that every type of client is happy–you can be sure that this group is thrilled to way over the top! Then of course, there are all my great goodies! How very kind of you to chooses the “sponzapane” bowl for me! You know how much I loved the piece at the vineyard and every time I use it (and you know I will!) I will think of that perfect day but especially of you! The cruets are fun and I know the pastas will all be delicious! I think you were way too generous and appreciate all the treasures!

Finally, I am thankful for our friendship and the blessing of being able to work with you! All of you–Rino and Melody and Giuseppe (how wonderful is he?!?!?!) have always been so kind and we are truly truly thankful!!!

I could ramble on more and more –but i think you get it! Mario and I (and the group too!) love you all very much and can’t wait to plan another “adventure” in italy–please know that you are ALL always welcome in Pittsburgh. We’ll be in touch for some spices and some oil. I hope the summer continues to busy and happy and easy for all of you and if I can do anything on this end —just holler! Enough!

I’ll talk to you soon.
BIG BIG hugs all around,

Maria Merante
Pittsburgh PA

Chef Monica in her private home kitchen in that gorgeous city of Florence was the highlight of my trip! It was so interesting to be at home with Monica and learn about how the real people shop, cooking & eat. The classes were hands-on, the foods spectacular and the experience was one of a life time! I met a great chef and made a friend!T.C., San Francisco

Lauren and Rino,

Just a quick note to thank you once again for creating the perfect trip to celebrate Carrie and my 25Th anniversary. We had a fantastic time and the memories will be with us forever. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from you.

I did leave a review on Trip Adviser and feel free to use us as a reference if you would like.

Please let us know if you are ever in Chicago. Hopefully our paths will cross again!

Best,

Mike Donahue

Lauren & Melody

Thank You Very Much – for the recipes and the picture! It brings back excellent memories.

You girls rock… and does Raffaele, too!Barb

Dear Melody and Lauren,
At last I’m sitting down to say a very big thank you for the lovely time that Alice and I had with Cooking Vacations in August. We had such fun and absolutely loved the cooking experience we had in Positano, especially in the hands-on approach we had in the restaurants with the two chefs we met.

We loved our hotel and Maria and her entire family were unbelievably friendly, helpful and generous in their attitude to their guests. We loved returning to the hotel everyday and felt so welcome. Thank you for arranging such wonderful accommodation for us. Our room was perfect for the two of us and we loved our beautiful view from our balcony. And yes, I do brag to my friends that that is where Under the Tuscan sun was filmed!!

The last cooking experience was the most memorable when you filmed the lesson of mozzarella making and the ravioli (which was so delicious) etc up at the restaurant on the hill.(I’ve forgotten the name of the restaurant and the chefs names.) Is there any possibility of us receiving a copy of the DVD you made? We would so love it as an instructive tool as well as a fantastic memory of our wonderful time we spent in Positano. I notice that you Melody were taking notes that day and wondered if it would be possible to have more detailed recipes for that lesson? ( for example the ravioli recipe needs more detail.If you would supply us with edited recipes that would be so great.Thank you.)

I so enjoyed you article on cooking with Maria in Anacapri, Lauren, well done. It’s especially special as you had just been there before we went over for our day in Capri. We had so much fun with all the other people we met during the cooking week and have kept in contact with them which is nice.

And lastly thank you to Rino for his patient and helpfulness everytime he took us out on excursions. It was so nice to get to know you all a little more after the week we spent in Positano, and it makes such a difference when you recognise and have the same person to deal with everyday. We really felt like we wanted to return again to experience some more of that winderful La Dolce Vita that Italy is so famous for. Thank you for helping to make our time in Positano rich with memories and we look forward to returning to the beautiful Amalfi coast oneday soon.

Fond regards,
Tricia and Alice Kay

Lauren,
How wonderful! I saw this just before I left for Italy on March 20th. I had a rewarding cooking experience and I was also able to see much of the Amalfi/Positano/Sorrento/Ravello area and I plan to return next year. I loved being in Italy during the “off season”. It was valuable to see these areas for myself and I’m so glad that I took your advice and stayed in Positano. The views and ambience was much more enjoyable than the hustle and bustle of Sorrento. I liked being in Sorrento . . . but only for a few hours.

Congratulations on the article. I am a fan of Elizabeth Berg’s work!

Julie

Lauren, Melody and the rest of the Cooking Vacation Staff,

My trip was fabulous much credit given to the friendliness of your staff, the chefs and the Italian people I met.

I came home with a new lease on life in my kitchen. Today I went to the market and purchased fresh fish. Amazing what Italian olive oil adds to its taste. Unfortunately I can’t find a decent tomato at my market. One would think I ate enough tomatoes in Italy to last a lifetime. I added tomatoes to every meal I ordered. I’m hooked and am on a mission to find comparable tomoatoes.

Probably most memorable was the experience Chef Salvatore. The staff invited us back for dinner and provided transportation to and from our residence. They had even kept the wine we hadn’t finished at lunch.

Lauren your home is beautiful; the views unmatched. The afternoon spent there will be remember as time spent with new friends in a foreign country in which I felt totally at home.

Took Joyce to Giovanni’s. He was hosting a wine, cheese and olive tasting and insisted we join in. We both ordered wine to be shipped home. My close friends are anxious to attend my wine tasting.

I am hoping to return.

Melody I would like my pastry now. I didn’t want to bore you at the time but I have a lung disease that impedes my ability to eat occasionally. It was such an occasion the morning I met you and walked through the markets. What lousy timing. Although I did have several occasions to imbibe in Italian treats.

Also, I have duplicated your Amaretto Sours.

Thank you for a memorable experience.

Should any of you chance to visit MI know that my home is open and I would relish the opportunity to show you around Ann Arbor and our wonderful fresh water beaches.

Please keep me on your mailing list I enjoy your newsletter.

Fondly,
Patrecia

Lauren,

You always make my day when I get our little updates. I never told you how much I enjoyed my time with you in July, it was WONDERFUL!!

Dear Lauren and Melody,
Mille grazie for a truly spectacular week. What really blew me away was the depth of the cooking lessons. I thought we might do one or two recipes each time, but the wonderful chefs gave us in-depth instructions on an entire menu from appetizers to desserts. The ceramics class was another delightful experience, where we were welcomed like family and instructed by charming and experienced teachers. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it all–and especially the warmth and caring from the family at our villa property. I feel as though I have another extended family in Positano. Thank you both for making it all possible.

Eve

Watercolor Painting With Pasquale & Hands-On Cooking ~ 8 Day

Please accept my sincere thanks for a very lovely week in Positano. We enjoyed our cooking experiences and hope to make some of those wonderful recipes at home. Tell Melody the same. We especially enjoyed Antonio and Mama Rosa so you can tell them how terrific they are.

Sincerely, Helen
NY, NY

I had a WONDERFUL time on my Cooking Vacation with you all. Thank you for everything. I will forward photos once I get caught up with my “real life” here at home. I hope I can return for another Cooking Vacation with you all soon. Thank you for the Acqua Pazza recipe. It was the best fish dish I can recall eating!

Mary Beth

Dear All,

It was so great to spend time with you in one of the world’s most beautiful spots. I had such a lovely vacation and you all were an important part of what made it so much fun.

I hope that those of you who had the great pleasure of visiting other cities after Positano, had lots of adventures and I look forward to hearing about them. For myself, I am back to work and trying to adjust my sleep pattern. I’m hanging on to my vacation as much as I can, even to the extent of cooking a dinner last night. Lauren and Melody, please extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who welcomed us into their kitchens. It was a unique experience and a great privilege.

Pictures to follow as soon as I upload them.

Best to you all,
Liz NYNY

Marissa thoroughly enjoyed all of her cooking classes ( and I thoroughly enjoyed eating all the great meals ). Marissa said she would love to come back to the Amalfi coast to live some day. We can see why both of you live there… it is a magnificent place. We actually looked forward to all the bus rides between Amalfi and Positano to see the wonderful views. Please feel free to count on us as references as satisfied customers for your cooking vacations. It was a great experince for both of us.

Best Regards,

Tim and Marissa Nechvatal

The holiday was one of the best I’ve had. Would highly recommend it to anyone. If i had the choice of Tuscany or Cuneo – I would return to Cuneo. Not only is the cuisine interesting, but Cuneo being less of a tourist destination is more authentic. Giorgio and Stefania were brillliant. They even invited me to their home for champagne. And the chef’s, Marc and his wife Amy were a real delight. I will keep in touch with all these people. I have very high standards and have dined and stayed in a lot of the best restaurants/hotels around the world, and as an overall experience vs value for money, the programme Giorgio put together was terrific.

Thanks again Lauren for all your help.
Cheers Julie-Ann New York, NY

Cooking & Wine Of The Italian Alps ~ 4 Day

The cooking class was incredible in Tusany–Fabrizio, Simonetta and the whole crew are fantastic! Loved it. Thank you for taking such good care of him, we look forward to working with you for future trips.

Thanks again,
Sue Twin Travel

Cooking & Wine Tuscany ~ 4 Day

Hi, Lauren. Thanks for keeping in touch. We had such a good time that we’re still talking about it to all our friends. I’ll figure out how to EMAIL you a picture of me and Fabrizio drinking Belinis.

R. Morrell

I am back, a week goes by so fast.

How lucky you are to be such a magical place –Positano-, your enthusiasm is contagious.

I hope to hear from you. Also, I would love the biscotti, cookie and swordfish recipes.

All my best,
Susie J Carolina

I had a wonderful evening with Fabrizio and Sandra! What a beautiful property, and of course the surrounding countryside was “to die for.” Tasting the fresh olive oil and wines was a great experience.

Dinner was excellent – I will have lots of good material, and photos, to work with as I prepare articles for the Packet. Fabrizio and Sandra were wonderful hosts, and you were so kind to arrange this for me and my nephew – he loved making gnocchi with pumpkin suace.

With thanks, and deep appreciation, Faith

Faith Bahadurian
Food Ink

Even though I am back in my office, my heart is in Positano. The villa is amazing…great location, the view was amazing..and the suites are fully equipped with lush furniture, a fully stocked kitchen, marble baths, and a wide terrace. Once I have my vacation time set-I am coming back to your lovely little town.

I made nice friends in the classes and everyone had the chance to roll out gnocchi and stuff ravioli. We had a special cooking class with a visiting Ex. Chef who showed us his technique for stuffing giant orange Italian squash flowers. He was an artist in his preparation. We ate a basket of the golden fried treasures with great Fiorduva. A great local white wine~thanks for your recommendation. The wonderful restaurant you took us too in the small cove was so characteristic,…cannot stop thinking about that famous pastry shop- that special Amalfi dessert-eggplant drenched in chocolate and orange was a treat. The chef came rolling out with the just-made desserts and passed around samples for all. I must say, I had taken another cooking program years ago, but your personal touch and presence on site made a big difference.

Gina C. NY, NY

THANKS, we had a great time. Chef Rossi was very nice, we and our daughter had a great time with him. The location was great and the apt fine so all worked out very well.

We went to the same little restaurant place every morning (since 1836) I think and it was great to be able to get to everything in no time. We cooked our favorite saltimbocca,,, Siggy our daughter said she couldn’t care less about the Vatican, and the other old rusty buildings, but she loved the cooking and couldn’t get enough of that. hopefully we get to do this again sometime.

Thanks a lot, all the best Sigga

Chef Eugenio’s Dolce Vita ~ 6 Day

We had a good time making pizza. The evening started with Chef Eugenio giving us a little history on pizza at the table of his restaurant. We then watched as his pizza-maker made a pizza while we watched and Chef Eugenio explained the process. When the example pizza was made, we went back to the table and ate it. It was delicious. As a family, we all sat down and enjoyed our pizzas with soft drinks and wine. The kitchen also provided us with some nice grilled vegetables sent from the “boss”. After dinner, we got to pose for a picture with the chef. We finished our meal with ice cream.

It was a fun experience and a nice change from all of the busy sightseeing in Rome. The pizza was great and the chef was very hospitable.

Mike H

One Day Pizza Class

Hi Lauren,

Just a quick note on my trip–it was fantastic and Fabrizio made my birthday truly special. I will never forget it. He really is a little treasure of a person and went above and beyond for me. I am e-mailing the English couple, Nigel and Sarah (what a HOOT they were!) who were on their honeymoon to try to get photos; they were the ones with the dig. camera. They told me they’re on this trip for nine weeks (must be nice!), so it might be some time before they got anything to me. Thanks again Lauren, and if you have dates or anything for Positano, PLEASE let me know…

Angela

Hi,

Yes Lauren we loved the cooking class and will recommend the experience to anyone vacationing in Rome. We have some shots I will forward. I’ve already incorporated some of what he taught us to tweak the dishes I’m used to making. Now we must redo the kitchen so I can safely set food on fire. That is great fun.

Eugenio is such a nice man and a total joy to be around.

Thank you and Eugenio so much.
Sincerely, Patricia

One Day Cooking Class – Roman Traditions

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Fabrizio at the Forconi Estate in Tuscany and thank you again!

G. Pizzaro
C.A.

This is the best trip I have been on in a long long time. The weather is beautiful, and Letizia has done such a wonderful job on the hotel. Really, she has made it so that it seems you are living here like the local people. I will come back here again definitely.

Her cook is amazing! She has no formal chef training, but has been cooking recipes in the traditional way, and learned from her grandmother and mother, etc. I highly recommend this vacation to anyone who wants a true experience of how it is done in a traditional southern Italian home! So far, I have had 3 cooking lessons and another one this evening in a Trullo at Letizia’s home. The whole cooking experience has been perfect! I need to learn Italian!

I have many pictures and will definitely send them to you soon. I will be staying here an extra day until the 12th of September. The old town Conversano is beautiful, so many churches and history. The town is quiet, which is exactly what I was looking for.

The staff is so nice and helpful, it is like being with family or good friends every day. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Mari Elena is. To sound selfish, I hope Corte in Puglia does not get too touristic. I could stay here and be quite comfortable for the rest of the time I am in Europe …Thank you so much for recommending this place

P. D’Alesio
CT, USA

Letizia’s Kitchen ~ 8 Day

Thank you for the pasta class in Rome, Mum was incredibly happy with her birthday present, as was I. Thanks very much,

A. Bradley
London, England

One Day Pasta Class

We really enjoyed our stay here at Ortaglia. The way you treat us like one of the family. We wish we could spend more time here.

God Bless… M. & E.
Santiago Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA

Tuscan Cookout Cooking & Scenic Tours ~ 6 Day

Ciao! I had a wonderful time here at Ortaglia. Because of your warm hospitality, great cooking and beautiful home you made my first trip in Tuscany a memorable one. Hope to be able to visit Ortaglia again in the future. I wish you more happiness and success.

Cheers, D. Pacho Manila,
Philippines

Thank you so much for your hospitality at Villa Ortaglia. You have a beautiful home & we will treasure the memories of our stay here. You made us feel like we never left home. Mille Grazie!

From E. & A. Pacho Manila,
Philippines

Your beautiful home at Villa Ortaglia & the Tuscany landscape beauty are surpassed only by your wonderful and sincere hospitality! Thank you for your kindness!

Sincerely, A. & E. Banez Electra,
Texas

Ciao! Lauren we had the best vacation of our lives! We can’t wait to go back next year, we of course would visit Venice first and then go to Positano. The cooking was unbelievable.

Steve and I have traveled through Europe and the U.S. and have been afforded many beautiful sights, people, and customs. However, we have never felt this way about any place except for Martha’s Vineyard. Our Lemon Life-Styles experience was magical! I was so sad to leave, kinda like taking the Islander and pulling away from Vineyard Haven. We have already recommended this trip to a few friends.

S. Shands,
NY.

I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in Sicily, the highlight of which was my two days at Villa Siciliana. Donna Antonia Giuliano (Natoli) is an absolute sweetheart. Thank you for your kind assistance in helping me organize my own “cooking vacation,” particularly on relatively short notice. The villa is a gem.

Pete Rosanthal
New York, New York

Mamma Antonia’s V.I.P. Premium ~ 8 Day

Staying at Villa Ortaglia was dream-like. Maria the chef, and Terenzio, the villa’s owner took care of our every need. The cooking classes, set in their Tuscan kitchen were excellent. We learned how to make Crostini Toscani, Fegatini (liver pâté), Pici all’Aglione, Ribollita, Fiorentina, a unique Tuscan meat, and wonderful desserts. Her Tiramisu and Cantucci recipes are the best. Cannot wait to go back.

Corinne Preteur
New York, New York

Our Lemon Lifestyles program with you in Positano was incredible. It was wonderful. We did not want to leave. The villa is perched high above the pastel city, with a panoramic view of the Amalfi Coast. The cooking classes were well organized, fun and best of all we have been able to make them all at home.

Charles Cohen
Boston, Massachusetts

Lauren; Last week my husband and I were in Rome and he had his cooking class w/Eugenio Rossi and I wanted to let you know he had a wonderful day!!! He really enjoyed himself and I wanted to share this with you. Everything went beautifully.

Thanks so much!

One Day Pasta Class

Becky and I really enjoyed our stay at Villa Ortaglia! The Villa and surrounding vineyards were just fantastic! The hospitability and warmth extended by Mara and Terenzio would be hard to exceed. The cooking classes with Maria and Mara were a lot of fun and most rewarding in that we dinned on the results, and what a reward that was! Thanks again for the wonderful vacation package the Villa and the area were like a little piece of Heaven.

B. Wallace
Arlington, Texas

We had such a great time at Ortaglia – it was truly an experience I will remember for ever. I have told everyone I know about your incredible kindness and hospitality and that I enjoyed the experience so much more because of the passion for all things Italian, but especially Tuscany. We would have never seen the monks chanting, or had wine at LePresi in Montalcino; no one can believe that grand mom made us lunch and brought the grandchildren to visit – amazing, or learned the history of Pienza! Could not believe the wine tastings we were treated to!!! I learned so much about Italian wine. THANK YOU!! It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend here, but nowhere near as beautiful as Southern Tuscany and Ortaglia in September, I am sure. I will just think about all the stars in the beautiful sky and hope to visit again soon.

M. Moncaco
New Jersey

Lauren – Italy was a fabulous adventure that met every expectation. Thanks for all your help in arranging good places with good people. The Forconi Estate was tremendous and the excursion to Venice was a great adventure. Alessandra was such a gracious host. My travels the first week went well also – each of our concerts were well received and very fun to do. Made international travel feel more like we had something to give back and a special way to connect – rather than just 'taking' like a tourist. Just wanted you to know my time was just terrific

J. Warner
USA

It was a lovely weekend thank-you. We thoroughly enjoyed the cooking lessons which were also very useful. Our Cooking Vacations program in Cinque Terre was in a lovely location and you were right to advise that weekend as we felt as though we were waited upon hand and foot by Marco and Giovanna. All in all we were both very impressed and were very happy with our Cooking Vacation!

A. Edwards
London, England

Chef Valentina’s VIP ~ 6 Day

Hi Lauren,

Just to let you know how much we enjoyed the day at the cooking school Forconi Estate and the vineyard. The food was magic and we were treated so well. We appreciate all the organizing you did and would recommend the day to anyone who wants a typical Italian experience.

B. Sheards
Australia