Oct 15, 2024
Authentic Tuscany Experience - Loved being able to spend time with locals and leave the tourist scene for a while. Spent an authentic afternoon in the home of Cristina and Marco which felt like visiting old friends who happen to live in the heart of Tuscany. On top of the incredible experience, the food was amazing and we left with new recipes to go home with and share. We made new friends not only with the host, but also with the other couple who were also traveling and looking for same type experiences . We have no words to express our gratitude to Cristina for opening her home to complete strangers.
Review provided by Viator
Oct 6, 2024
Amazing Cooking Adventure - This was one the highlights of our Italy trip! Cristina was our host and met us at the market and introduced us to the local vendors and foods of the area. She picked out fresh vegetables and other foods to use in our dishes. She drove us in her car to her beautiful home in the countryside! It was amazing to visit her personal home where she taught our small group how to prepare Italian appetizers, main dishes and dessert. It was a hands on experience and everyone was able to be involved in the pasta making technique and dish preparations. After the work was complete we sat down family style at the table to enjoy the amazing food that was prepared. We look forward to cooking at home all of the recipes that she shared with us. Cristina was so personable and made everyone feel completely welcome in her home and like we were all life long friends!
Review provided by Viator
Sep 24, 2024
Amazing experience being welcomed into an italian home to cook! - We had an amazing time connecting with Maria “Christina” at her countryside house outside of Florence. It was a beautiful setting, with the cooking class part of it being relaxing with great instructions. The food was amazing, from the appetizer, past dish and dessert. We will always remember our day with Christina at her house and the authentic italian experience we had there. It was worth every penny and will be a day you remember for a long time. We can’t wait to try all the methods and recipes at home!
Review provided by Viator
Sep 7, 2024
Amazing ravioli, tiramisu and hostess - Christina was a fabulous hostess for our cooking class experience. She picked us up near the market in Florence and after a very pleasant ride we arrived at our beautifully restored country home. She shared some local history and much about herself all in near perfect English.
Upon arrival she quickly went to work organizing and preparing the dough from scratch for the ravioli which we then let rest while we switched to preparing the tiramisu. Once that was prepared she whipped up some fresh typical bruschetta and a meat & cheese board. We each took turns delicately soaking the lady fingers in a delicious local mocha coffee. We each then took turns creating the pasta for our ravioli. This tour is interactive if you want it to be and instructional if that is what you’re after. The meal was absolutely stunning. Every bit of the meal had a purpose and flowed with the next. The wine was also local and a perfect pairing for our tastes.
The four of us agree that we would absolutely recommend this 3-4 hour cooking class in Christina’s lovely home!
Review provided by Viator
Aug 2, 2024
Wonderful, relaxing day cooking in the country - Cristina was a delight and we loved seeing her home she restored and the beautiful area.
She was very patient teaching us to make wonderful bruschetta and raviolis.
We can definitely make at home now.
We would recommend to all.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 1, 2024
A Culinary Gem in the countryside of Florence: Cristina’s Cooking Class - For an extraordinary culinary adventure, Cristina’s private cooking class in her breathtaking Florence country house is a must. From pick-up to drop-off, every moment is infused with warmth, culture, and deliciousness.
Cristina, a talented architect, has transformed her historic home into a masterpiece of elegance and charm, complemented by stunning views of the Tuscan landscape. Her husband, an archaeologist and jazz music curator, adds a unique touch to the experience, blending history and culture seamlessly.
Cristina is more than a cook—she’s a passionate guide into the heart of Italian cuisine. Her genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of local traditions make you feel like an old friend rather than a guest. Food has always been a form of communication for me, but Cristina’s class elevates this to an art. Each dish you prepare is a story, connecting you with the essence of Italy in a truly heartfelt way.
In summary, Cristina’s cooking class is a remarkable fusion of culinary artistry, Florentine culture, and personal connection. It’s an enriching journey that leaves you with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Italian cuisine. If you get the chance, don’t miss out—you’ll be inspired and delighted.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 29, 2024
Unique Experience In Florence - This was a memorable, unique experience that is hard to replicate. We learned to make pasta from scratch and enjoyed our meal with a beautiful view from our host's 12th Century restored porch. This is not to be missed.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 11, 2024
Pasta making in the countryside of Florence - Our excursion to the countryside of Florence to learn to prepare and cook pasta was extraordinary. Our hostess, Maria Cristina, picked us up in the city near our hotel and drove us to her lovely secluded country house in the hills outside Florence. The views and scenery on the way were breathtaking. Once at the country house, Maria Cristina gave us a complete demonstration on the making of pasta dough, and the process for making several types of pasta shapes and varieties. She also demonstrated the preparation of delicious sauces and side dishes as well as the freshest fruit salad and gelato imaginable.
Maria Cristina was so very warm and friendly, in addition to being quite knowledgeable regarding the geography and history of Florence and the countryside. We had such a wonderful time thanks to Maria Cristina’s continual actions to teach us, feed us, and commune with us, She made us feel like we were visiting a close friend.
And now – my wife and I will be able to make pasta.
Alan and Teresa Mandell
Review provided by Viator
Jul 7, 2024
The Perfect Experience!!! - We cannot recommend this enough! My husband and I loved our time with Cristina. It was so much more than just the food. You will not regret spending an afternoon at her beautiful home. We keep saying we have to come back to Florence simply to have this experience again. Plus we can now cook amazing recipes at home and dream of Florence.
Review provided by Viator
Jun 20, 2024
Best experience in Tuscany - Cristina was so lovely! This was the best ending to our time in Tuscany! We had a wonderful meal, wonderful drinks and learned so much from her! Beautiful home and kitchen.
Review provided by Viator