Sorrento – Lesson with an Italian Family

Our cooking lesson with Zia Angela in Sorrento was a highlight of our vacation. There were some logistic issues in getting to the lesson from Naples but once that was settled the rest of the day was simply amazing. The authenticity of the experience was what made it so great. We felt as if we really were helping to prepare Sunday Dinner Italian Style. Brent C., TN

The class was great! I went along with it because my wife wanted to do the class and they needed both of us to sign up. But it turned out to be a lot fun and I was very happy that I did it. My wife loved the class and learned a lot. Scott and Andrea W., Chicago

Our hosts picked us up at our hotel in two cars and brought us to the villa in Sorrento. This is a beautiful location and the hosts were very down to earth and gracious. They served us a lovely breakfast poolside and allowed us plenty of time to enjoy it. The class was very informative and entertaining and all our questions were answered. The trip to Uncle Charlies wine cellar was definitely a special moment. Uncle Charlie is an expert on making wine and is also very entertaining. We enjoyed our meal so much and our hosts joined us after for lovely conversation. My husband was hesitant when I told him we were attending a cooking class on our trip to Italy, but it ended being one of his favorite parts of the entire trip. Our hosts even took my father to the local police station and acted as interpreter to report his wallet being stolen in Naples. All of us agree that this was a wonderful experience and that we would definitely do it again. Michael R., NJ

The welcoming breakfast, with fresh orange juice from the trees above us was magical. We also enjoyed tasting the fresh mozzarella cheese that was so different tasting than the cheese we have back at home. The family that hosted us were very warm and generous. We enjoyed learning about how Carlo made his wine. The cooking class was fun, though most of the things we learned I already knew how to make. Zia Angela is a retired elementary school teacher, and we scored with that since we brought our three kids with us. The ambiance of the villa was breathtaking. My children enjoyed the croquette game that they brought out for them. It was a fabulous day. I would definitely recommend it to our friends. Shayna C., FL

The cooking school experience was wonderful. We were welcomed into Villa Ida, Sorrento Italy and made to feel like old friends. We cooked a full course dinner, dessert, first, second, and third courses along with a great selection of home made wines to pair with our courses. We were shown a few secrets of the house to making the food. The meals were delicious and everyone was welcoming and friendly. I would recommend it as great experience to others. We were welcomed into the a lovely home with outdoor lush gardens (lemon, orange and olive trees around the property with many beautiful flowers). The kitchen was well equipped for a medium size group. We started by going over the planned menu. We then began preparing the food. We began with preparing a Panacota since this took the most time to prepare and then set. The next course as stuffed zucchini flowers, pasta and fried zucchini, stuffed meatballs, cherry tomatoes cooked in wine, evoo and fresh herbs, as well as scalloped potatoes. Each dish was paired with our selection of their home made wines from their wine cellar. We enjoyed the experience. Mark M.

It was a good cooking class. I was not catered for with my dairy allergy. But I brought my own butter / milk / cheese. However, it would have been useful to know what was 'on the menu' in advance so that I could have brought dairy free soft cheese. Overall. It was a good mornings entertainment, but would not hurry back. [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] Very courteous. Jane R., UK _Response from The International Kitchen:_ Thank you for your feedback, Jane. We were unfortunately not informed of your dairy allergy prior to the cooking class. We ask that any food restrictions/allergies be advised at the time of booking.

We loved our hosts. They were warm, friendly and very professional. Their home was beautiful. The evening was perfect. My husband enjoyed visiting with Uncle Charlie over some wine and a good cigar. Very relaxing and homelike. The other guests this evening were equally enjoyable. We had a very special evening with Angela and her daughters, an evening we will never forget. We have been traveling Italy and France for over three weeks and this was one of our highlights! Sherri D., IL

We had a wonderful experience in Sorrento at our cooking class. We very much enjoyed our hosts and hostesses and thought the food and location were excellent. It was very nice that they treated us like honored guests in their home. William E., FL

We had the most fantastic experience at the Cuomo home for our cooking class! Angela and Roberto welcomed us into their home as if we were family and showed us how to make delicious and easy traditional Italian food. We enjoyed picking fresh basil and tomatoes from their garden to make the pesto and had a great time frying up meatballs and zucchini flowers. Uncle Charlie, who is truly passionate about wine, showed us into his cellar and shared his wine with us, talking about family traditions that had been passed along for many generations. We spent the afternoon in their lovely garden enjoying homemade buffalo mozzarella, homemade wine, and the meal that we had prepared. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and are truly grateful to the entire family for opening up their home to us! This was the highlight of our trip! We did have a bit of an issue with scheduling. Many of the dates/times we were hoping for were not available, but were not listed on the site as being un-available. Lisa K., NJ
Response from Karen at The International Kitchen: "Glad you enjoyed the class.  We try to keep current with the schedules, but our Italian partners are not always so good about letting us know!!"

My friend Lynn and I arrived at Zia Angela's on time at 430 p.m. for our class. We walked from downtown Sorrento and didn't realize the distance to their location so we just made it on time. We were met by Frederico and his 3-year-old daughter who was already in her apron. So cute. We met the other six guests for a relaxing coffee and lemon cake by poolside and got to introduce ourselves before starting the class. During the class everyone got to participate by peeling, chopping, stirring and whipping with a few laughs thrown in as well. Even though my friend and I come from a rural area, we enjoyed going to the garden to pick herbs and cut some lemons from the trees. It was a nice touch. The tour of Charlie's Wine Cellar and the gardens gave us a good perspective on how the whole family is involved in the classes on different levels. Even though we didn't meet Zia Angela, we met 3 generations of the family, all of who were very gracious and helpful. The meal we prepared was so delicious. Not only because we did it but because it was an introduction to some new flavors and ideas in cooking. I am now not afraid to try a tiramisu myself! The particular program is a perfect partner for The International Kitchen. They are a little piece of heaven in a busy city. Behind the walls of the property you are in another world of tranquility. Charlie was kind enough to drive us back to downtown which was a god send since we were so full of food and wine! We will be interested to know when the babies arrive! Isabel M., Canada

The location and grounds were beautiful, the family was wonderful and they treated us like we were one of their own. We learned about cooking, culture, history of region and even sampled some great wine. The entire experience was more than we could have wished for and we will never forget it! Thank you so much for offering it. Lorelle D., CA

This was the highlight of the 18 days spent in Italy. This was a last minute decision to take this class and and you all were so accommodating getting us a class on such short notice The setting was beautiful, and the family was so wonderful! They made us feel like we were a part of their family. The food we prepared was delicious! I would highly recommend anyone thinking of doing a cooking class to go for it!! It was fantastic!! Connie S., Marsha R., and Helen S., SC

Loved the cooking experience. Held in a family owned villa, had great family feel, very welcoming. Gentle easy patient guidance during class. Our meal was wonderful and the staff worked hard to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Left with recipes, the only disappointment, recipes a little unclear and inaccurate. Jeannie and Shawn L., Debra and Douglas K.

There was nothing that we did not like. Both cooking classes were different which we liked. The first one was with an Italian family, and the facilities were lovely. Unfortunately it was cold that evening so we couldn't enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting, but everything was set up inside and they were very organized. There were 10 people in the class so we had limited hands on, but everyone had a chance to help prepare the amazing meal. We loved the menu, and the food was excellent. An added bonus was meeting with the father in his wine cellar and having a tasting. This worked out perfectly,b ecause if gave the staff time to cook the meal. I will definitely make some of the dishes. Our husbands (who are not cooks) loved the evening. [The International Kitchen staff:] Everyone was great on your staff. [Regarding their hotel in Sorrento] I want to move there and spend the rest of my life in the hotel. Karen, you were right-it was worth every penny. The staff was amazing and took care of everything. They got us an amazing driver to take us around, recommended wonderful restaurants, and always greeted us with a smile. There is no way to explain the lovely breakfast we had each day as we sat outside looking over the water-sigh, will you send me back? Michael & Ellen G., FL

The cooking class in Sorrento was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. Cooking with the entire family from the mom and daughter teaching us very special recipes in their family to the little niece who was there getting cooking lessons in her summer break to the father teaching us about his wine making and tastings were truly unique and special. We shared great talks with the family and the experience was truly personable. Would recommend this to anyone to make their trip extra special. Thank you so much. [Regarding The International Kitchen staff:] Yes, very helpful. Went out of their way to make sure we could find a class that fit within our schedule. Nitika B. and Robby D., Canada