What we do: Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi run Caldesi Restaurant , and Caffè Caldesi, in Marylebone, London and their countryside restaurant Caldesi in Campagna in the 'foodie haven' of Bray, Berkshire. Their passion for Italian cuisine led them to set up La Cucina Caldesi in London, a school devoted to courses on Italian Food and Wine. For the fifth year running they will be taking their school to Tuscany, this year they are returning to the popular Hotel Rotelle, in Torrita di Siena, close to Montepulciano, Giancarlo's home town, in the heart of Tuscany. The course will be running for two 6-day sessions in late July 2009. In 2005 their school was filmed, at Hotel Rotelle, for a BBC2 documentary series entitled “Return to Tuscany” which was shown in 2006. A BBC cookery book with the same name was also launched in May 2006 to accompany the series. The recipes from this book will be used as the basis of the course and a signed copy will be given to every student. |
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Course outline
Immerse yourself in Tuscan life; meet the people, enjoy the countryside, the local food and wines. Giancarlo and Katie are experienced chefs, their competence shows in their three successful restaurants. They have an abundance of patience and knowledge and will take the time to make sure learning is made easy and fun.
By the end of the course you should feel confident that you will return home knowing that you can make focaccia, pizza, fresh pasta, sauces and desserts and that your skills with fish and meat have also improved. The course is very much hands-on with the emphasis on practising whilst having fun. Experienced cooks and beginners welcome.
What makes this course special are the things you wouldn’t see as a tourist. By introducing you to some of Giancarlo and Katie’s family and friends in Tuscany you will have an insight into the lifestyle of the Tuscan people. There will be the opportunity to meet local Tuscans from small producers of seasonal preserves from their small holdings, to successful wine growers. From one Italian extreme to another there are the countless local attractions nearby in the Val d'Orcia such as the beautiful hill-top towns of Pienza, Montalcino as well as the wonders of Giancarlo's home town, Montepulciano, just a short drive away. If you let Katie and Giancarlo know your special interests they will do their best to ensure you are catered for. Visits over the last few years were organized to see pig-farmers, cheesemakers, honey producers, hairdressers and designer stores; Tuscany has much to offer!
Breakfast is served between 8am and 9am every morning and will include homemade bread and jams, local meats, cheeses, fruits and cereal. Each cooking day starts at 10am and finishes with lunch which is always enjoyed at the hotel. We will be working in the hotel kitchen for the food preparation. In the evening we will commence cooking between 5-6 pm and eat our meal at around 8.30pm, often eating al fresco.
All cooking lessons are optional and Katie and Giancarlo will not be offended if you would rather opt out and enjoy the view over the Tuscan hills. Bread and Italian patisserie are made daily. Delicious local wines and Prosecco are included for lunch and dinner, however the well-stocked bar is at your disposal should you wish to splash out on a Super Tuscan or enjoy a Grappa.
Immerse yourself in Tuscan life; meet the people, enjoy the countryside, the local food and wines. Giancarlo and Katie are experienced chefs, their competence shows in their three successful restaurants. They have an abundance of patience and knowledge and will take the time to make sure learning is made easy and fun.
By the end of the course you should feel confident that you will return home knowing that you can make focaccia, pizza, fresh pasta, sauces and desserts and that your skills with fish and meat have also improved. The course is very much hands-on with the emphasis on practising whilst having fun. Experienced cooks and beginners welcome.
What makes this course special are the things you wouldn’t see as a tourist. By introducing you to some of Giancarlo and Katie’s family and friends in Tuscany you will have an insight into the lifestyle of the Tuscan people. There will be the opportunity to meet local Tuscans from small producers of seasonal preserves from their small holdings, to successful wine growers. From one Italian extreme to another there are the countless local attractions nearby in the Val d'Orcia such as the beautiful hill-top towns of Pienza, Montalcino as well as the wonders of Giancarlo's home town, Montepulciano, just a short drive away. If you let Katie and Giancarlo know your special interests they will do their best to ensure you are catered for. Visits over the last few years were organized to see pig-farmers, cheesemakers, honey producers, hairdressers and designer stores; Tuscany has much to offer!
Breakfast is served between 8am and 9am every morning and will include homemade bread and jams, local meats, cheeses, fruits and cereal. Each cooking day starts at 10am and finishes with lunch which is always enjoyed at the hotel. We will be working in the hotel kitchen for the food preparation. In the evening we will commence cooking between 5-6 pm and eat our meal at around 8.30pm, often eating al fresco.
All cooking lessons are optional and Katie and Giancarlo will not be offended if you would rather opt out and enjoy the view over the Tuscan hills. Bread and Italian patisserie are made daily. Delicious local wines and Prosecco are included for lunch and dinner, however the well-stocked bar is at your disposal should you wish to splash out on a Super Tuscan or enjoy a Grappa.
