Matera kookcursus

Bottom line up Front: Best excursion we have ever had. Details below- We do not usually write reviews for places unless they are incredibly great…this trip and meeting with Greg and Silvia warrant our best effort to date! Our trip to Italy was made complete when we made our booking with Silvia and Greg for their cooking class in Matera, the Matera Cooking Class. Expecting a solid Italian cooking lesson (my husband Rick has been on a quest the last few years to perfect pasta, so was super excited) we booked a lesson with Matera Cooking Class (saw them on Air B&B and Expedia) from the gorgeous city of Matera. After connecting with them directly, we were picked up in Matera and taken on a simply spectacular drive to their farm right outside Matera. The “Farm” is actually way more than a farm…their residence is an part of the ever growing and popular Agriturismo that is taking Italy by storm. We started with Greg walking us through the vast Olive grove that surrounds the stunning farmhouse, kitchen/restaurant, and accommodations. Greg’s knowledge of the working farm was one of the most unexpected but truly beneficial surprises of the day. Olive tree and olive growing science, how their farm fits into the overall agricultural landscape of the area, the secrets of growing without the use of chemicals or pesticides, how to make a fantastic dessert from one lemon and a pack of sugar, all delivered with the passion of Italy that only comes from being in love with what you do and the land you do it on. We could hear Emanuele’s wine bottle cork pop open when we closed our eyes walking in the fields (Greg will explain when you are there). Bravo! After the farm intro we went and meet with Silvia, the cooking teacher for the afternoon. One word-incredible. She is so energetic and passionate about Italian cooking that one can not be almost taken back by how much she “feels” Italian cooking as much as she actually cooks. So gracious, so knowledgeable, and such a great teacher, we were guests, chefs, and friends in less than 2 hours. The cooking program she walked us through was designed on what we were looking to do. My husbands ongoing competition for the best pasta with a well know US television chef (his cousin) fueled his desire to learn all he could from one of the best chefs we have ever met. He took notes, pages of notes, as Silvia worked her magic. The result was the best meal we had in Italy…and we helped prepare it! So, without hesitation, we fully not only endorse, but explore you to go see Silvia and Greg if you are in Matera and are looking for an afternoon as authentic as one could imagine. Our sincerest thanks to them…we arrived “customers”, and left as friends. It gets no better than that! Ciao!!

THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP! The farm tour and cooking class are a wonderful experience. Greg and Silvia could not be nicer- picked us up and dropped us off, taught us so much and just charming, warm, sweet and funny. The farm information was fascinating, the pasta making fun, educational, with lots of witty banter and excellent cooking tips. Finally, the meal was suburb. It was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. We left Italy feeling we had two new wonderful friends. Thank you Greg and Silvia!

Absolutely wonderful day with Greg and Silvia. Greg gave us a tour of the farm and animals with some history of the various olive and fruit trees as well as the area. Silvia was so fun to learn to cook with- patient with us as we rolled the pasta and cut the vegetables. It was an easy, traditional tasty meal with so many tips along the way. We left full and happy. We would highly recommend and hope we can meet up with them again some time.