267070 Mon Nov 07 10:04:01 -0800 2005 7 26 International 0 1408304 For my 40th birthday next year my wife would like to take me and four friends to Italy to spend a week on a cooking course. What we are looking for is a residential course where three of the six of us can cook and the other three can learn about wine. Thought the clever people on this board might be able to help! Thanks, HMHB Mon Nov 07 10:04:01 -0800 2005 0 halfmanhalfbeer 1 1408305 lots to chose from...where in italy...town/city/?? thx Mon Nov 07 10:56:31 -0800 2005 1408304 0 doc 2 1408308 Corny though it is but would probably prefer Tuscany and / or Umbria. The Veneto would also be considered. Please don't stone me as a heretic but I am not a fan of Rome at all so would prefer to be north of there. thanks, HMHB Mon Nov 07 12:07:34 -0800 2005 1408305 0 halfmanhalfbeer 1 1408315 Divina Cucina in Florence. I know Diva to be well-informed from her posts on another board. Here the link to her website. Be sure to check out her blog, w/reports on her classes. Link: http://www.divinacucina.com/ Mon Nov 07 14:59:07 -0800 2005 1408304 0 cinghiale 1 1408316 Giuliano Hazan, Marcella Hazan's son, has a cooking school near Verona that sounds lovely ( I haven't been but I'd love to). I'm sure you can google his name and find it easily. Mon Nov 07 15:37:41 -0800 2005 1408304 0 georgeb 1 1408318 Rhode School of Cuisine has a property in Tuscany (they also have locations in Marrakesh and near Cannes). I have not been to the Italian school but I have done a week each at the Moroccan and French locations, and both were absolutely superb--I am definitely planning to hit the third school as soon as I can. E-mail me if you want a further testimonial! Link: http://www.rhodeschoolofcuisine.com/italian_cooking_school/location.html Mon Nov 07 15:43:57 -0800 2005 1408304 0 Julie 1 1408321 Had a ball at this school in chianti two years ago. http://www.tutti-a-tavola.com/ They have cut back to only three days, but still great. Link: http://www.tutti-a-tavola.com/ Mon Nov 07 16:05:08 -0800 2005 1408304 0 Paul 1 1408334 There are many options out there. I suggest you narrow it down by deciding what kind of Italian food you would like to be cooking (or alternatively what kind of wine you want to learn about!). The food you would learn to cook in Sicily is very different from the food cooked and eaten in Liguria. Tue Nov 08 00:57:53 -0800 2005 1408304 0 Kate