Yum...sigh...!

Explore delicious local Tuscan recipes from Bargan chef, Nicola Michelini during our 7 day course at the beautiful Villa San Rocco, Benabbio.

Relax at the Villa San Rocco a warm hearth deep in the heart of the Appenine mountains and surrounded by miles of extraordinary chestnut forests. 

The Villa is situated in the tiny town of Benabbio, half an hour from Lucca and an hour and a half from Florence.

All levels of cooks and non-cooks are welcome.

This inaugural cooking school is for

  - the merry at heart,

- those that love food,

- those that don't want to fall into a tourist trap

  - those want to be welcomed into a village and a home that has every luxury including kindness, quiet, and sanctuary. 

Some of the local produce including pancetta and pork sausages from local farmers, and locally produced olive oil, home made Italian chutney and cheese from the nearby medieval town of Barga...

About Nicola

Nicola Michelini is professionally trained and renowned in the district for his wonderfully emotional intepretations of traditional dishes that represent the area.

After running his own revered restaurant for many years, he is now dedicated to restoring grand villas throughout Tuscany, and to teaching the subject that he loves the most - great, memorable and exquisite food from local produce. 

Ardent lovers of food and the history of food will have a joyous time at our inaugural cooking school, which will be held in the last two weeks of October in 2010.

View over Benabbio in wintertime - the house is settled on the outer edge of the village but within walking distance to the few local shops.  Transport is available to the large and famous town of Bagni di Lucca, nestled on the river.

The Not So Every Day Experiences...

Every day will have a new experience, (weather dependent)

Long and refreshing walks into the chestnut forests to pick your own chestnuts, mushrooms and other local fare.  Hear the call of boars and try to search out one of the enormous hedgehogs that live in the area. 

Ride on horseback deep into the mountains to discover the source of delicious local Italian trout.

Visit local mills, olive and wine producers, and the famous Florentine "Mercato di San Lorenzo" for a truly Tuscan experience.

The school makes a point of being as faithful to local slow food production as possible.

Wander from the quiet and magical, endless forests of the area, to some of the grandest and beautiful historical passes, where Caesar passed with his armies, guided by star chef Nicola  and local walking guide, Kassia.

Honey from the local beekeepers, Huw and Sandra, a short walk around the mountain from the Villa.  Learn about beekeeping and honey production, and the plight of bees in Europe and what Huw and Sandra are doing to save them.

The Food...

Learn the different traditional techniques of cooking, with recipes that date back centuries - methods of slow cooking, and delicious meals that will make your mouth water.

This is an area where local people have developed a respect and love of food through the centuries - Villa San Rocco is dedicated to teaching these traditions and passing on this love for the delicious, the properly cooked, the freshest and most delectable treats from this often forgotten area of the Italian highlands.

The ever changing view above Benabbio - miles and miles of Tuscan chestnut forests, changing colour in October, provide food for the soul and for the table...

The local butcher!

Visit the famous Mercato di San Lorenzo - Florence's finest culinary produce market...

Our little olive grove just behind the house - a lovely place for picnics...with views over the surrounding mountains

Filling up on DOCG wines...Italian style...