Amazing local dinner experience - Lucia was an incredible hostess, she was Agracious, knowledgeable and talented. Her sister provided translation and was also an enjoyable team partner. We learned how to make two types of pasta, Orchiaetta with semolina flour (Lucia also taught us technique for different shapes), and a course flour made into cavatelli (three finger) pasta. The pasta was prepared with typical local pomodoro sauce. We also learned about local hardy bread and a food that prepares it for eating. We mixed water soaked chunks of bread with small chunks of tomatoes, onions, multiple kinds of olives and a strong flavored olive oil and mixed it all up. It reminded me of the flavors of Caprese with a Mediterranean flair. For desert we made cake dough prepared into tarts. We made three kinds, orange marmalade, dark sour cherries, and fig. There were chopped walnuts and almonds under the jam and small dark chocolate chips on top of the jam. The highlight was dinner together. Lucia’s husband, adult son, and multiple cousins joined us for lovely conversation and friendship. We drank local red wine and finished with Lemoncello and brandy. As a bonus, when Lucia’s son learned that I like quality whiskey, he brought out his favorite bottle for us to share. The experience was everything we could have asked for, and more. Mille Grazie Lucia!

Fun and delicious participative cooking class - Great fun and genuine hands on local experience with Anna Maria cooking a delicious lunch. Everything was well organised in advance with a minimum of fuss and so we had time to make the pasta together and prepare the other recipes. I was only sorry I had to leave in a hurry to catch my flight.! Highly recommended