I have done ALOT of research on recreational cooking schools in this area but nothing would compare to a real live experience. Has anyone gone? Would love to hear the good and bad. thx.

Mike, I have not done this but had an idea. Try contacting the ones you have researched and ask if they have references. Also, Faith Willinger has a book "Eating in Italy" that has info on cooking schools - she also has an e-mail but I don't have the address. Also check on About.com for the Italian forum - you can e-mail the host who lives in Florence. Kyle Phillips I think. There is also "The Food Lovers Companion to Tuscany" by Carla Capalbo that might have some info - would be great just to have over there. I think if you really pursue the "references" aspect, you might get some help. Good luck.

There's quite a lot on this subject on here already. Try running a search. "Cooking" and "Italy" should do it

Dear Mike, <BR>If you visit the website of Italy specialists www.rentvillas.com, check "other services", you will see that they recommend 3 cooking schools: La Cuccina del Garga in Florence sounds amazing. <BR>Antico Sole also offers personalized trips to Italy: www.anticosoleitaly.com.

Mike, although i have'nt yet gone myself, it is on my list of things to do. So no first hand info, but I know 2 people who have gone to Villa Delia and they loved it. It is just south of Pisa. It is owned by Umberto Mengi who has a number of resturants in Vancouver, Whistler and San Fran. You can check out the website www.umberto.com Another great school is Lorenza De Medici at Badia Coltibuono, it's a little pricier, but you stay in the old abbey and you visit and dine in the evening at all these magnificent castels. (I've done a little research myself) We hope to drop by Villa Delia this summer and check it out, and also visit Badia for lunch. Hope this helps.