Sunday,
May 9th, 2010
There are many splendid cities in Tuscany,
all with marvelous art, food and atmosphere. But
it must be granted that Florence, the Tuscan capital,
is supreme in art and food. Therefore our first
night and trip introduction will offer drinks on
the terrace at our Hotel, overlooking the city followed
by a welcome dinner at one of Judy's favorites
spots.
Monday, May 10th
Walking tour of the Mercato Central in Florence
where we will taste the very best olive oils, balsamic
vinegars and artisan cheeses. We will see the Mercato
through Judy's eyes as she shares her favorite
vendors, friends and foods with us. One of the culinary
delights of the trip. (yes, vendors will ship)
We will cross the Arno before our drive through
the countryside to Panzano, a charming village where
we will eat in the garden patio of trattoria Oltre
II Giardino. Visits with Dario the butcher who has
perfected all the great Italian cured meats and
a visit to an artisan shoe maker will be an added
highlight in this picturesque village with only
one main street.
Our day's journey will bring us to the lovely
Il Leccio Villa, our home in the Tuscany hillside.
Our dinner will be prepared by the villa and enjoyed
in the garden or dining room.
Tuesday, May 11th
Greve is a village filled with charm and character
as well as many unique shops. Greve developed predominately
as a market town which is held in its triangular
piazza lined with Porticos. Saturday is market day
in this quaint village and it will be a feast for
your eyes and stomach.
We will have a personal visit to the famous Macelleria
Falorni, known for its La cinta senese. The Cinta
Senese is an authentic wild breed of pork that eat
the wild acorns of the hillsides. Today Falorni
is the first in Italy to offer six products with
this special pork which are of top quality and prestige
in the country.
Time for shopping the friendly shops around the
square in Greve. A light lunch at the market and
then to a wine tasting and wine tour at La Volpaia,
a delicious way to finish our daily outing.
Returning to the Villa for a cooking class with
the fresh culinary treasures purchased at the market
will be a feast indeed.
Wednesday, May 12th
Siena, lives up to its title "luogo a
misura d'uomo or " a place made for
people." Its compact size will allow us to
stroll with our guide Stella through the contrada's
and see the magnificent Duomo and the Piazza Del
Campo, helping us understand Sienna's deep
history. There will be time for strolling and shopping
on your own. People generally flock to Siena for
its art, architecture and the Palio, the annual
horse race. The Sienese love life and therefore
good food and they are known for using more herbs
than all other Tuscan cooks. We will feast and sample
the culinary treasures on this magical day in Sienna.
If one declares Florence the heart of Tuscany's
culture, then Sienna is the heart of its magic.
Thursday, May 13th
Our drive into the mountains will take us to
our cooking class at the Villa Collegalle. The class
will feature classic Chianti specialties and also
include a balsamic vinegar lesson and tasting. Our
afternoon will be a visit to the Chianti Cashmere
Company farm to learn about the cashmere goats and
the heavenly products they create, from the luxury
creams and soaps to the hand woven cashmere.
Friday, May 14th
A visit to Radda , known as the hilltop village
of the region. Radda was a Florentine fortress in
1415 and has a magical view and Chianti charm. A
light Al Fresco lunch and then return to Florence
in the afternoon for an evening of a memorable farewell
dinner and great wines at the well respected Cibreo.
Saturday, May 15th
Depart Saturday morning with a short 20 minute
ride to the airport
For those wanting to add a day or two to the end
of their trip, contact the Hotel well in advance.
Booking Conditions
We invite you to join us, and invite your best
friend or partner.
We will be a small group of no more than 10, so
sign up soon. Room styles are given on a first sign
up preference.
Due to unforeseeable circumstances, it may sometimes
be necessary to alter the scheduled activities or
itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep any
changes to a minimum and, where they are necessary,
to make alternative arrangements which are of an
equally high quality.
The Savory Spoon Cooking School, Janice Thomas
and Judy Francini are not responsible for any injury,
loss or damage to person or property while guests
are in route to and from or while on this culinary
trip or participating in any of our activities.
Bring comfortable shoes since we will be walking
in ancient villages and an umbrella since it is
spring. Dress is smart casual and a dress for the
farewell dinner if you wish.
$500 deposit by February 25th
Balance of $3,400 due by March 15th 2010
Price includes:
- 2 nights in Florence
- 4 nights in Chianti Villa
- All meals with the group. Delicious breakfasts
daily at our villa and Tuscan lunches and dinners
al fresco or in carefully selected trattorias
and wine bars.
- Cooking Classes and All ground transportation.
- Airfare is not included
- Sign up early. Maximum of 10 guests
- Refundable only if space can be filled
- $500 deposit by February 25th
- Balance of $3,400 due by March 15th 2010
Cancellation Policy
Checks written to Savory Spoon Cooking School
Send your deposit checks to:
Savory Spoon Cooking School
12042 Hwy. 42
Ellison Bay, WI. 54210
All questions
will be answered at:
Janice: savoryspoon@aol.com
or Judy: divinacucina@gmail.com |
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Janice
Thomas
Janice owns the Savory Spoon Cooking School
in Ellison Bay WI and is known for her personal
approach to cooking, creating memories with
every recipe. She is the primary cooking instructor
at the Savory Spoon and a Culinary Guide in
Mexico, France and Italy. Traveling with her
students gives her creative and imaginative
cultural ideas to share with her students
year after year. She is a member of the International
Association of Culinary Professionals and
Women Chefs of America and has over 25 years
of experience in the culinary world. Janice
invites you to join her and indulge yourself
in an unforgettable experience.
savoryspoon@aol.com |
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Judy
Witts Francini
Judy has made her home in Tuscany for the
past 25 years. She speaks fluent Italian and
conducts walking tours of the market in Florence
as well as weeklong programs in Florence and
Sicily. She writes a monthly column "Diva's
Kitchen" for the American Magazine,
an English language magazine in Italy. Originally
trained as a pastry chef in a 5-star hotel
in San Francisco, Judy travels through Italy
meeting new chefs and gathering new ideas
and information to share with students.
www.divinacucina.com
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