Guest
Testimonials
From Sarasota dinner tables to Italian villas — hear from the students, travelers, and food lovers who have cooked and explored with Giuliano and Lael.
What People Are Saying
Italy Cooking School Testimonials
This class was worth every penny and more! Giuliano, Lael, their daughters, and everyone involved are all the most delightful and interesting people. The villa itself is beautiful and a wonderful place to stay. The classes themselves will reveal something new even for the most experienced cooks. In the end, the class seems like a bargain for what you get from it.
Maria Cloos
It was the most fun we've ever had on a trip together and we were sad to see it end. Everything about the trip was magnificent — from the villa itself to the field trips, lunches and most of all the classes. We know how much effort went into making everything come off without a hitch.
Andrea Feldman & Larry Atlas
We so appreciate all the planning that went into making every day special, both Giuliano's masterful cooking and patient, good-humored instruction and Lael's deep knowledge, fascinating stories and gracious manner in taking care of our every need. We'll remember this week for the rest of our lives.
Janice Toran & Bob Bogomolny
We all agreed that this was one of the best and most comprehensive ways we could have ever done a cooking class. You all put on a first class operation and we appreciate everything you did to make it so informative and memorable.
Bonnie Osborn
Thank you both so much for organizing such a splendid week. We expected a lot, but you exceeded our expectations; the quality of our field visits was a real surprise and gave us a much better appreciation of how foods and wines are made in northern Italy.
Anna & Tony Wild
Everything about the class was great. The location was beautiful, the field trips were more than we anticipated, the wine seminars were informative, and the cooking was both fun and educational. You exceeded all of our expectations.
Steve Young
Cooking school was perfect. I loved that it was about technique as much as anything else. You're a marvelous teacher, meeting each student at his or her level. That's a true gift. The daily field trips were amazing. Clearly, these are not things that the average tourist gets to experience.
Lorna Flynn
Thank you so much for the fabulous week of cooking, eating, and being immersed in the sights and life around Verona. This was the most perfectly conceived week, doing everything I love to do!! I cooked several of the recipes we made my first week back.
Addie Powell
The field trips were great fun. The cooking lessons and the wine lessons were outstanding, not to mention the actual food and wine! The Villa is splendid. But the real memory will be of how much fun we had with everyone. It's your hospitality and good nature that will keep people coming.
Parker & Virginia Griffith
I honestly can't think of a thing I would change. My family has been thoroughly enjoying the recipes I brought back with me, and have enjoyed the stories of experiences as well.
Cookie Sudberry
We had a fantastic time and I really can't tell you that I would change a thing in that entire week! Marilisa was unbelievable with her knowledge and enthusiasm on wine. The villa was way beyond our expectations. I really didn't want to leave. You all made us feel so comfortable and made us feel "at home"!
Dawnelle Tanner
I told him they could raise the prices and it would still be a bargain! It was one of the most memorable events of my life — so much more than just a cooking school. It was a wine, food and cultural experience of a lifetime. Marilisa Allegrini and Giuliano Hazan were wonderful teachers.
Bette Fraser
I was unceasingly impressed with your attention to detail and your concern for our comfort and pleasure at all times.
Jean Loewenberg
Other Testimonials
"It may sound like a cliché, but it was truly a dream-come-true. My trip last May was everything I had hoped — and oh, so much more! Arriving at the Villa was surreal, rivaled only by awe upon being led into my elegantly appointed quarters. Each morning I awoke with such eager anticipation for the trip that awaited us that day and the culinary adventure planned for that evening. I was NEVER disappointed — not for a moment — not once. To be able to cook alongside such a highly regarded professional in the culinary world was humbling without being intimidating… Marilisa was delightful. I felt that the unison of introducing the wine with the food was seamlessly orchestrated. I just simply loved it all!"
Barbara Zawoysky — Clifton Park, NY
"The field trips were all memorable. Even the 'locals' don't have the opportunity to visit the types of places we visited. Very, very special."
Leon Perakis — Palo Alto
"I feel as if I have a whole new understanding of Italy and its food and wine."
Mitzi Klukvin
"I find myself at 6 a.m. deboning chicken and making fillets, peeling peppers, and making cutlets at 11:00 in the evening. Again, this is not the me I have known all these years. Thank you for my new epicurean interests."
Elaine Grey — Boston
"The Villa is spectacular, and one can imagine checking in and never leaving."
Susan Martin — Washington, D.C.
"Our room, view, and breakfast were wonderful… Every day was special, exciting, and delicious… We learned so much in class. You gave us so much information… We wouldn't have changed a thing. You thought of everything, right down to the most minute detail."
Sophann Schleifer — Scottsdale
"We have fond memories of spending our honeymoon cooking at Villa Giona, so we were thrilled to be able to celebrate our anniversary there at your alumni class this May. We hope to return again someday — thanks for sharing this special part of Italy with us."
Dawn & Eric Wright — Seattle
Ready to Create Your Own Story?
Join Giuliano and Lael for an unforgettable week in Italy or an intimate evening in Sarasota.