Buon giorno! Join Chef Denene Vincent on this exciting culinary adventure to the Tuscany region of Italy! Wine tastings of deep, red Italian wines, hand made pastas, fresh Pecorino Romano cheese, cold pressed extra virgin olive oils, rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves and meals enjoyed al fresco like a true Italian. These are just some of the cultural and culinary experiences you will enjoy!

Our accommodation for the week is a restored stone olive mill surrounded by centuries-old olive groves. All the bedrooms have amazing views across the countryside overlooking Lake Trasimeno – spectacular!   

Enjoy your free time with a swim in our private pool, stroll the landscaped terraced gardens, borrow the on-site mountain bikes and cycle around the area countryside, enjoy a hike through the ancient olive groves or just enjoy relaxing with a good book poolside under the Tuscan sun.

Our itinerary for the week includes gourmet food and wine, two cooking classes preparing regional Tuscan cuisine, a vineyard tour and tasting, an olive mill tour and tasting, day trips to Florence, Montepulciano, Cortona and much, much more!

 

Small group size guaranteed!

(6-8 persons)

 

 

 

 

SAMPLE MENU IDEAS

 

Fresh Strozzapretti Pasta with Asparagus and Porcini Tartufo Cream Sauce
Summer Zucchini Squash Blossoms Frittata with Mache Salad
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops with Smashed Red Skin Potatoes
Hand Rolled Ricotta Gnocchi Pasta
Antipasto Misto – cured Italian meats, olives, cheese, tomatoes, crostini toasts
Italian Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs
Fresca Pecorino Cheese with Wild Honey
Tuscan Slow Braised Peasant Chicken
Risotto Lemon Rice Pudding
Selection of Regional Italian Cheese
Tuscan Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Gorgonzola Ravioli with Toasted Walnuts
Bruschetta Misto – pomodoro frescha with basil; prosciutto and mozzarella; sautéed wild mushroom herb; cannellini and tomato
Chocolate Hazelnut Crostata Tart
Porcini Mushroom and Herb Risotto
Tuscan Pici Pasta with Fresh Tomato Garlic Sauce
Herb Encrusted Pork Loin with Gorgonzola Sauce
Fresh Cantaloupe Melon with Prosciutto
Summer Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Farmer’s Market Tuscan Tomato and Ricotta Tart
Italian Trattoria Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fresh Pasta with Zucchini Blossoms and Saffron
Italian Chocolate-Vanilla Gelato Espresso Affogato 

 

 

 

DATES
Saturday, June 18th – Friday, June 24th, 2011
 

LE CHAT GOURMET CULINARY ARTS
11874 Bunker Hwy.
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
517.663.7322