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. To start with, the villa itself is beautiful and a wonderful place to stay. Every day is thoroughly planned, including break and rest times. The classes themselves will reveal something new even for the most experienced cooks. The quality of everything from the linens, to the buses, to the tour guides (be them Giuliano himself or those explaining their own farms or facilities), to the food and wine (perhaps most importantly) is higher than one could imagine. And everything is done with a down-to-earth essence that brings you right to the heart of things and lets you ask any questions you wish. I also came home with a renewed sense of purpose in my own kitchen, which is never a bad thing. 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 and are very appreciative of all that you and Lael did to make the trip such a memorable one. – Andrea Feldman and 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 and 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. All of us feel that we learned some valuable skills as well as having fun. Congratulations on a great program. 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
I was unceasingly impressed with your attention to detail and your concern for our comfort and pleasure at all times. – Jean Loewenberg
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. You all made everything so easy. We packed in a lot, but never felt rushed. It’s your hospitality and good nature that will keep people coming. – Parker and Virginia Griffith
I had the most fabulous time ever at your cooking school at the villa. 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! The field trips were fantastic and informative. Marilisa was unbelievable with her knowledge and enthusiasm on wine etc. 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”! I would recommend this school to the most sophisticated or to someone who has never been to Italy before! – Dawnelle Tanner
I have just returned from a week at the school with Giuliano Hazan. How did I like it???? 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. It was so much more that just a cooking school. It was a wine, food and cultural experience of a lifetime. I am a caterer, so my knowledge of food and wine is perhaps greater than the average cooking enthusiast. I was not disappointed in the level of expertise and knowledge of everyone involved. Marilisa Allegrini and Giuliano Hazan were wonderful teachers. – Bette Fraser
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… Marilisa charmingly taught us so much about wine… Every day was special, exciting, and delicious… The day trips were so educational. Lunches were delicious — we couldn’t pick our favorite lunch because they were all so good… 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 and Eric Wright, Seattle
Read Dawn and Eric’s Photo Journal
