TUSCAN WAY'S SEVEN-DAY COOKING COURSE

IMMERSES PARTICIPANTS IN FOODS

AND CULTURE OF SOUTHERN TUSCANY

                COCONUT GROVE, FL -- A seven-day cooking course offered by Tuscan Way, a provider of packaged and custom tours to Italian destinations, immerses its participants in the foods and culture of southern Tuscany. One may also purchase a 5 night, 4 night, or 3 night package, or, you may come and visit us for a custom cooking class and dinner on your way to Rome, Florence, or Venice.

                Staying at "Casa Innocenti", the picturesque medieval home of the chef and host, Carlo Innocenti, in the small village of Arcidosso, guests are taught "La Cucina Povera", the simple and flavorful style of southern Tuscan dishes.  This was the peasant's cuisine -- limited availability of imported food stuffs and an astounding abundance of locally grown organic vegetables, herbs and beef, led to the creativity of Tuscan cooking, which relies on freshness, flavor, and simplicity.  The relaxed, informal style of cooking, a glass of local Tuscan wine always within arm's reach, the small group (maximum of eight guests), and the personal attention given by the host, produces a member-of-the-family atmosphere not found in more formal cooking schools.

                Carlo Innocenti teaches five hands-on cooking courses throughout the week, hosts a wine-tasting session and leads his guests through local markets, restaurants and vineyards.  Four excursions are planned to nearby villages that include Montalcino, known for the Brunello vineyards that produce the celebrated Brunello wine; the pretty seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia; and Sovana and Pitigliano, with their ancient Jewish ghettos and Etruscan tombs.

                Carlo is a man of many resources -- an experienced wrought-iron artisan (many of his works are showcased in the home); past owner of two discotheques and the exclusive Harry's Bar in Punta Ala, southern Tuscany's famous beach resort; teacher of Tuscan cuisine to elite clientele in Switzerland; and photographer and cinematographer for his own documentary production company. 

                The five-story "Casa Innocenti" dates back to 1100 A.D., is the highest house in the village, and is next door to the village's castle.  "La Cantina", the elaborate wine cellar and one of several dining areas, is on the bottom floor; the first floor has a living room, dining room, a large rustic kitchen where the classes are held, patio and garden; floors two through four have bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, private kitchens and a library.  Views from the windows take in an entire piazza, the village, castle and Monte Amiata, Tuscany's highest mountain.  Ancient terra-cotta floors and wooden beams give rooms traditional Tuscan warmth and furnishings are Italian antiques, artifacts and paintings.