IN VALERIO’S KITCHEN: The Best of Umbrian Cooking
Valerio and Arianna |
The Art Workshop International has been a welcome presence in Assisi, one of central Italy’s most coveted hill towns, for over 25 years. Our community of artists, writers, and other interested people has become a part of the fabric of the town, and we are proud of the relaxed, enriching environment we’ve created. AWI now offers a creative culinary course for people who love to cook. During this week-long session, Valerio Mogliani, who is the house chef of our headquarters, a 3-star hotel in the heart of Assisi, will help you to discover and celebrate the best of Umbrian cuisine. We’re extremely fortunate to have Arianna Calzolari as our interpreter and guide. A professional party planner and integral part of the hotel’s staff, she speaks excellent English and has lived in the area for her entire life.
The cooking workshop offers an in-depth immersion in the finer aspect of Umbrian cooking. Valerio will introduce you to the subtle interpretations of the region’s cuisine. We infuse the region’s famous ingredients—its truffles, olive oil, and wines—into simple, yet elegant dishes that both entertain the palette and please the eye. Included in the workshop are trips to Trevi, Umbria’s olive oil capital; Norcia, the home of the black truffle; a tour to a local winery, an ingredient-shopping excursion to Bastia, and a visit to the famous Perugina chocolate factory. |
Culinary Arts Program Details:
Pricing includes shared double room with private bath, breakfast and dinners at the hotel, and all transportation costs associated with day trips.
Students arrive Thursday., July 31, depart Wednesday., August 6; one week
3-4 people: $2,790 per person, $350 single room supplement
5-7 people: $2,575 per person, $350 single room supplement
Daily Program for Culinary Arts:
Valerio in his kitchen |
Day One, Thursday, July 31
• Transfer from the Perugia Airport to hotel in Assisi.
• Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel.
• Explore Assisi.
Day Two, Friday, August 1
• After breakfast, meet Arianna, the interpreter/planner, and Valerio, the chef of the restaurant.
• Drive to hill town of Trevi, the Umbrian capital of olive oil.
• Visit an olive oil mill, see how olive oil is produced, taste oils.
• Free time to explore Trevi.
• Return to the hotel for the APPETIZER COURSE. You will prepare typical Umbrian appetizers; bruschetta with garlic, tomatoes, and mushrooms sauce...and a Valerio speciality, spinach and carrots formato.
• Dinner at the hotel. |
Day Three, Saturday, August 2
• Drive to Bastia for food shopping and visit a hand-made pasta store.
• Return to the hotel for the FIRST COURSE (PRIMA), a special homemade pasta, strangozzi alla norcina, and gnocchi al sugo (potato dumplings).
• Dinner at the hotel.
Day Four, Sunday, August 3
• Drive to Norcia, a longer drive through mountain valleys to the Castelluccio Plain, world famous for lentils. Norcia, home of the black truffle, is also famous throughout Italy for its salami, sausages, and prosciuttos.
• Visit a "salumificio,” where they make salami.
• Lunch at a typical restaurant in Norcia.
• Explore Norcia’s historic centre with its wealth of food shops and lovely medieval piazza.
• Return and have dinner at the hotel.
Day Five, Monday, August 4
• Drive to Montefalco to visit a winery.
• Visit Montefalco’s historic centre.
• Return to the hotel for the MAIN COURSE (SECONDO): preparation of tagliata di bue (filet mignon with wild mushrooms sauce and balsamic vinegar) and traditional torta al testo.
• Dinner at the hotel.
Day Six, Tuesday, August 5
• Drive to Perugia to make chocolates.
• Visit the chocolate museum with an English-speaking guide.
• Return to the hotel for the DESSERT: preparation of panna cotta with wild berries (frutti di bosco) and green apple sorbetto.
• Farewell dinner at the hotel.
• This evening, you will receive your "Umbrian Cooking Course Certificate.”
Day Seven, Wednesday, August 6
Breakfast at the hotel For those who are not staying for another Art Workshop course, final farewells.
Included in the Program:
• Six nights double accommodation.
• All breakfasts and dinners.
• Four cooking lessons.
• English speaking guide.
• Excursions as listed in itinerary. |
Panna cotta with frutti di bosco |
Participants are encouraged to attend a two-week art or writing class after the Culinary Arts course. Also a Class in Italian Language starting Thursday, August 7 - Wednesday, August 13. Or simply prolong your stay, before or after Culinary Arts, if you wish.
|