Tuscan Chef
“Hi Jackie,
It was great. Gina was perfect! Very knowledgeable of Tuscany and the foods. Great sense of humor. It was like having your personal tour guide and chef! Even though I know quite a lot about Italian cooking and its origins, I still learned a lot.
The estate was beautiful and you couldn't ask for a better countryside than Sienna.
Thanks."
Wael S,
Azerbaijan, May 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tuscan Chef
“Hi Jackie
Sorry for the late response, but the trip was fantastic. We had a great time. I would definately recommend this to anyone. It was such an inviting estate, and the people were wonderful. The cooking was delicous.
thanks for all your help with the trip.
Pat & Diane"
Pat D, Calgary, Canada, September 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
“Hi Jackie
We are spending a few days in London before heading back to Calgary. Morocco was a fabulous week. The Villa was great, the cooking school was very fun and well presented and the staff made us feel very welcome as they pampered us with service and attention. Cindy will likely provide you with her thoughts as well. We are already talking about doing another of the Rhodes cooking schools in either France or Italy.
Many thanks for all you assistance.
Ken"
"Hi Jackie,
Just wanted to write and tell how wonderful the week was in Marrakech. It was truly a memorable experience, and we enjoyed every minute of it, the villa, the very kind and beautiful people in the villa, and of course the cooking experience. What a truly unique way to learn more about another culture - through a culinary exploration. Our chef was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. We will definitely be planning more trips like this.
Thanks Jackie, Cindy"
Ken R & Cindy W, Calagary, Canada, November 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
“Hi Jackie,
I meant to write you sooner to thank you for arranging this perfect match for us...
Boni and I just wanted to thank you for recommending the Casa Italiano program and for arranging it.
The Caponetti were great hosts and we were treated more as friends than as guests. Since we were the only couple on the cooking program during our stay, the program was customize to our wants. As I stated in earlier messages, we wanted to become better cooks of Italian comfort food. Laura did a great job in meeting this desire. We now have to put it to practice. We greatly enjoyed the relaxed format of our stay and would highly recommend this to any one who ask.
Based on our experience with the Casa Italiano program, I know that there will be more cooking schools in our future and we will look to you to assist.
Again, many thanks for your part in making this most enjoyable experience come to past.
Sincerely, Al"
Al C, Edmonton, Canada, July 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
“Hi Jackie,
...Linda and I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of Laura and Giorgio. They are very good people. Laura taught Linda how to cook some fantastic meals. Every meal was fantastic. The countryside was beautiful. Laura and Giorgio showed us the sites of Tuscania and the sorrounding areas like the Marta and beautiful towns that surrounded it.
Laura and Giorgio took us in like we were part of the family. We miss them already.
Thank you for helping us plan this trip.
Take care, Tom"
Tom J, Houston, USA, July 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tuscan Chef
“Dear Jackie,
I want to thank you for setting up a wonderful vacation...! This was a much needed vacation for me and I greatly appreciate it! It is a life time experience that I will greatly treasure. I hope someday to experience other vacations similar to this one and I will check with you first to see what you have available. I will highly recommend family and friends to check out your services before they travel aboard. Thank you for the good work you do...
Our time at the Monastery was wonderful. The staff offered very good hospitality. After being shown around we were told to feel at home and to use facilities as we were at home. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with the smells of herbs, flowers, trees with fruits, grape vines, large beautiful trees, and clean fresh air. The monastery offered the feeling of being surrounded with history. It is beautiful! The time that we were there we had wonderfully hot weather and were surrounded with the sounds of nature. It was so peaceful! Deborah and I enjoyed learning about cooking the Italian way through Chef Guido. Guido is a good chef and he even implemented cooking gluten free for me! I was surprised that he had gone to such great effords to make me feel at home. At home I felt. The foods we learned to prepare were lovely and melted in our mouths. Chef Guido took gluten free foods to a whole new level!...
Our trip was a wonderful experience and I am now enjoying telling family & friends all about it. Gratefully, Lisa"
Lisa G, Saint John, Canada, July 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
“Bonjour Jackie,
I had a great time on the Exotic Morocco experience and would love to go on another gourmet adventure. I saw that the Rhode School of cuisine has another great location in Italy (they had brochures in the rooms). Every thing was well organized and I appreciate very much your personalized touch.
Manon "
Manon G, Montreal, Canada, March 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
“Hi Jackie,
I want to let you know that I have got a great time at Patrick Payet & Babeth’s place. I am 100% satisfied about the professional way of introduce me in the Provencal kitchen of Patrick. Also the hospitality of Babeth was great!
I really enjoyed the visits that have been organised.. They were very interested.
Thank you to introduce me in this original concept!
Met vriendelijke groeten, Mario"
Mario V , Belgium, September 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Catalan Cooking Holiday
“Hi Jackie,
The week was an amazing experience. Alicia was a wonderful hostess and the food and wine were amazing. My favorites were the tapas, the paella and the salt cod, but all of the food was really amazing. The wine tastings were fantastic with the wine growers being ever so gracious. The olive oil tasting and the visit to Scala Dei were also fantastic. The trip to the ceramics store was so amazing, I bought a mortar and a pestle there as well as three other pieces and amazingly they all made it safely back to Canada. YIPPEE!! Catacurian is beautiful is it not? I had the back facing room and it was my sanctuary during siestas. Am wishing that i was still cooking with Alicia and Maite. The trip was a perfect mix of excursions, cooking, eating and relaxation. The days flew by but yet we were amazingly relaxed.
Yes, am back at school, already having taught two and a half days last week. Just in at work now getting the Foods Lab ready to begin the Cafateria programme tomorrow. It is slightly sad being back at work already, but alas summer had to come to an end at some point (just wishing it weren't till after Labour Day). Here's to hoping you are fantastic and enjoying the last of the days of summer with your children.
Take care and thanks for checking in on me. Hope to hear from you soon. Terry Ann"
Terry Ann , Edmonton, Canada, August 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
“Hi Jackie,
Our trip was fantastic! Patrick and Babeth were very hospitable and we felt very welcomed in their home. Scott and I were the only guests during that week so Patrick was able to take us to many different sites and adapt the schedule to the weather conditions. We were also there during the Easter weekend, so we were able to experience a traditional family meal with them (their son and daughter were in town for the holiday).
There was plenty of great food to enjoy - I will definitely miss all of the fresh produce and the delicious cheeses and bread. Each of the cooking lessons were entertaining and informative - we've tried a few of the dishes since we've returned...
Thank you so much for all of your help. We had a great time.
Natalie"
Natalie E, Langley, Canada, April 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
“Bonjour Jackie, I had a great time on the Exotic Morocco experience and would love to go on another gourmet adventure...
Everything was well organized and I appreciate very much your personalized touch.
Manon"
Manon G, Montreal, Canada, March 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
"Hi Jackie,
...The wine estate was full of priceless antiques. I had a huge bedroom with a sitting room and bathroom all to myself. The swimming pool and gardens were esthetically beautiful to look at and walk through. The kitchen was to die for. Guido is a excellent chef and teacher. He made cooking Italian food all so simple and easy...
The Tuscan Chef package exceeded my expectations. When we were not in the kitchen preparing a meal, we were taken out to some of the surrounding towns and restaurants. I never had a chance to be bored. Actually, I felt overwhelmed at times because it seemed that I was constantly taking pictures of the estate, preparing meals, and touring Chianti and Sienna. I will definitely recommend this package to anyone thinking of visiting Italy, who loves Italian food and wine.
Jackie, thank you for arranging your part of the trip for me. It was wonderful and very enjoyable.
Very tired, but glad to be back, Verna"
Verna L, Toronto, Canada September 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------
Provencal Cooking in Style
"Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your e-mail. We are back and we had such a great time in France. It really was the trip of a lifetime! Thanks so much for all of your help and all of the information you sent :)
Susan and Hermann were so nice to us. Steph and I had no idea that he was such a big, professional chef - he has managed hotels and kitchens all over the world...
We all did a good job according to the guests and Hermann, who was a great mentor in the kitchen, you can really tell he's a people person. And Susan was such a fantastic host...
I am in still in shock at how beautiful Provence is...
Paris was wonderful, too...We did go to that restaurant you recommended, and it was the best food we had in Paris! It was also packed and the waiters were rushed off their feet - you will be happy to know it is doing well.
I am going to be blogging about our experience over the next few weeks, so you can read some of our adventures on beFOODled if you have a moment. And as soon as we get organized, I'll send you some photographs!
Cheers, Asha"
Asha J, Ottawa, Canada September 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"Jackie,
It’s the first day at the office after an incredible three week vacation, so I will drop you a quick line..
The course itself was a wonderful experience! We enjoyed every second of it! Babeth and our celebrity chef Patrick were just amazing! They made us feel like at home.
So were Mary and Peggy, we had so much fun and laugh together. By the way, Geoff the next day after we had arrived, couldn’t get any sleep at night so he started cooking (following one of Patrick’s recipes). My steak tartare was wonderful and Patrick decided to include it in the program! Geoff’s bouillabaisse was the best Patrick had ever tasted!
Thank you Jackie very much for organizing such wonderful vacations!!
Send you many regards from Madrid"
Margit M, Madrid, Spain August 2008 --------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
"Jackie,
Carlos and I had an absolutely fabulous time. There were actually 13 in our group, but not overcrowded at all. Abbey is lovely and very comfortable. Palio was amazing and even more so because of the seating we had. Right on the start/finish line Guido was a perfect host/chef and his staff supported him very professionally. Al in all a 10-plus!!!
Thank you again for your perseverence in getting us space!
Regards,
Sue"
Susan R, Norfolk, VA, USA July 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
"Hi Jackie,
Yes, we had a wonderful time. Paola and Simonetta took great care of us. We were the only students living in, so we enjoyed lots of individual attention. They made sure that we got to try the recipes that most interested us. For example, we really wanted to try to make stuffed zuccini flowers and even though they weren't ready in their own garden, they managed to find us some. So that was a treat.
When we returned to Florence we tried a few of the dishes that we had made at local restaurants and decided that in every instance the version that Paola had taught us was better.
...Thanks so much for all your help in arranging this. It was a vacation to remember.
I've attached a picture of Janet in the kitchen with Paola, a shot taken from the window of our room and the window sill in the kitchen.
All the best, Joanne"
Joanne M, Charlottetown, Canada May 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
"Hey jackie
It was great...have been practising a few of the recipes with some friends and relatives who are in Italy at the moment - so great there.
M :-)"
Mardi N, Gloucestershire, UK May 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
"Hi Jackie,
Just to let you know Sandie and I did a little scouting for the site of the cooking school yesterday - what a place!!! We spent a good deal of time speaking with the host at their store, enjoying some samples of the estate wine and talking about wine making. We bought a bottle to bring home.
Will update you after the class next Wed...
Take care,
Bob"
Bob B, Toronto, Canada May 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
From Home!
"Hi Jackie, Just turned on my computer with a primary intention of writiing to you - oh my. Oh.my, oh my, oh my - what a wonderfull trip!!! I cannot thank you enough. I hardly know where to start but let me assure you - while the entire experience was wonderful and the time I spent in Provence was very, very special. I could not have asked for or expected more. In fact, it totally exceeded my expectations. ...In closing for now, I cannot thank you enough, Jackie, for your attention, advice and for putting this together for me. Trust me - you, Patrick and Babeth will have my highest recommendation. And remember, this is the Princess you are dealing with - not so easy to please!! Let me know when we can meet - I am really excited to share everything with you. Bon soir et "cheers", Pamela
 
From Provence!
"Hi Jackie,
So nice to hear from you - I am with Patrick and Babeth now and I leave to return to Paris on Saturday. My time in Provence has been no less than amazing and I cannot thank you enough for making these arrangements for me. I told Patrick and Babeth at dinner tonight this has been the best vacation I have ever had! When we meet on my return we will have so much to talk about and I have many pictures to share."
Best regards, Pamela"

Pamela B, Toronto, Canada May 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
" Hi Jackie,
As per Renata's email I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you also,
in addition to compliment Laura & Giorgio as they were fantastic hosts, very hospitable!
Thanks again for organising this tour for us you were an absolute pleasure
to do business with. I also will recommend you and your organisation to
any friends should the opportunity rise.
Best wishes, Racheal "
Racheal R, W.A., Australia April 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
"Dear Jackie,
Finally back and caught my breath enough to email.
Thank you for organising our stay with Laura and Giorgio they were lovely and very hospitable. We cooked and learnt far more than anticipated!! Plus we saw and experienced far more than the itinerary outlined. Certainly lived like locals, just like I wanted.
Might have drummed up some more business with some ladies we met on the tour through Italy we did prior to our Casa Italiano one. They asked us to give them feedback, which is glowing, so I will include the link to your site in my emails to them.
Once again thank you for all your assistance in making this an enjoyable and hassle-free holiday. Shall keep you in mind for future gourmet-safaris!
Best wishes,
Renata"
Renata M, W.A., Australia April 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
A Taste of Seville Educational Group
"Thanks Jackie,
...as a result of the class,El Corte Ingles had a run on paella pans!
Tony"
Tony R, Fullerton, California, USA April 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
"Jackie,
...Alina and I are having a wonderful time. Laura and Giorgio a real delight.
Thanks again
Chat when we are back
Alex"
Alex B, Waterdown, Canada March 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"Jackie,
Thanks for your email. Indeed, we had a fabulous time in Provence. Now I'm just trying to get caught back up here!
Thanks again for all of your energy and efforts to make this trip amazing for us.
We'll be in touch.
Leila "
Leila M, Ottawa, Canada March 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"Dear Jackie,
Thank you again for organizing my trip request on such short notice! I have just returned from Provence today and as you had predicted, had the most wonderful four days! Patrick and Babeth were most welcoming and made me feel very much a part of their everyday lives. It is a real experience not to feel like a tourist when on vacation. I got a genuine sense of Provence through its people and most importantly its cuisine! Thank you again.
Warm regards,
Grace"
Grace C, London, England November 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
"Jackie, Thank you. It was an adventure...
The staff was exceptional, expecially Mario (the Rhode chef), Mouna (the local chef) and Hafida (administrative assistant).
The venue was amazing and the accommodations luxurious...the trip was memorable, fun and filled with laughter and memories. It offered a greater look at Morocco and its people, cuisine and culture.
Thank you,
Bryan"
Bryan H, Toronto Canada November 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tuscan Cooking Week
"Hi Jackie! I arrived home on Saturday night around 4:30pm - I've just been busy catching up with life. The vacation was GREAT!!!! Food, wine .... more food, more wine - what else could you ask for! Gina and Mary were wonderful. It was a group of 6 women that attended the week, and we all worked together quite well. I know for me it will be an experience I will never forget. I am looking forward to my next time .... not sure where I want to go this time? Thanks for all your working in helping me prepare for this fabulous adventure - you're on the top of my list for a do over! Ciao .... Dawn"
...and more...
"Hello!
Just thought I would pop you a quick note to tell you that I tried out some of my Italian recipes on victims close enough to me to enjoy them. Well, I did good - seems like the few things I created were well received. I haven't had a problem picking out some good Italian red wines and enjoying them ..... hmmmmm, wonder why that is ?? Anyways, I am going to pass your name on to a girl friend of mine that has wanted to take Italian cooking classes for a long time now - so maybe she will drop you a line. Hope all is going well for you. Dawn"
Dawn P, Calgary, Canada November 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
Before Departure.
"Hello Jackie,
...Bryan has found the details you provided helpful so far and if I may say so, enthusiastic. We're looking forward to the trip. I poked around your website this morning and discovered how comprehensive it was. Nicely done...I've never had a third party plan my travels before but I am finding the adjustment easy and feel that I am in good hands.
Kathleen"
Kathleen M, Wakefield Canada November 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Florence Cuisine & Culture
"Hello Jackie,
Well we are back and it was lovely. The weather was perfect for us even a little hot. Florence was amazing. Gloria and Anna were wonderful and they took great care of us. I just hope I find the time to cook the things they taught us...
Kind Regards
Francesca"
Francesca G, Pennsylvania USA October 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Exotic Morocco
" Thanks Jackie. We got back yesterday afternoon. The trip was great. I would love to take you to lunch to telll you all about the trip. What is your schedule the week of November 12th? Carol "
Carol & Michael D, Toronto Canada October 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
“Hi Jackie, The cooking trip was beyond my expectations. Guido is a fantastic teacher and host. Barbara is very helpful and kind. We had a wonderful diverse group of fellow students and we stayed up late talking about food. wine. and even politics. Of course staying at Badia is so fantastic, being surrounded by so much beauty and history. I hope to return. Thank you, Lee"
Lee R,
Massachusetts USA September 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
A Taste of Seville Group Tour Food Adventure
“Hi Jackie,
...
I got is a short email from Mary their speaker who said it was GREAT and Roger is a gem :-)))... Ihab"
"Ihab,
...The trip by the way was fabulous and I don't think I have ever had such a great traveling experience and saw so much. Roger Davies was a superb tour guide and saw to it that we had a great time. I was very impressed with his knowledge of his business and enthusiasm, he's tops with me! ...I would do this again.
Becky V"
Nurse Group Travel to Seville, Michigan USA September 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Southern France Gourmet Route
“Jackie,
...We are enjoyiing another fabulous dinner at the Villa. And tomorrow we will embark on another adventure.
Bonne nuit,
Carol and Rob"
Carol and Rob D, Toronto, Canada September 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Catalan Cooking Holiday
“Hi Jackie,
Just today I was thinking of sending you an email before I received yours. The week at the cooking school was the highlight of my vacation especially since I got to do so much besides cooking such as the tours of vineyards, other local sites and the scenic mountains. I would definitely recommend this excursion to those who enjoy cooking and like the life away from the big city. Please don't hesistate to contact me as a reference.
On the topic of cooking, Alicia tried out for the first time an afternoon of preparing tapas. What an experience and the outcome was a delicious and colorful display of various tapa dishes. I'll send you a photo when I get a chance to upload them (probably after my trip to Chicago).
...Thanks for your email...Patricia"
Patricia N, Kingston, Florida, USA June 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Provencal Cooking in Style
“Dear Jackie,
No worries, they are here and cooking on all burners! Still taking photos to share with you, early next week will find the time to send them by email. We are having a super time together and they seem to enjoy both the lessons and the region. More soon, regards, Susan”
"Dear Jackie, We had a super time with your clients as you will see from the smiles. Thank you so much for sending us such lovely people! Warmest regards, Susan"
Ronald, Karen and Daughters Kingston, Canada, July 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chianti Classico
"Hi Jackie,
Welcome home to you as well...
Italy was fabulous – thank-you so much for all the effort that you put into it for us – we all really enjoyed it – I have many new Italian recipes to try out on everyone – hopefully I won’t poison any of my friends in the process!
Regards, Sarah"
Sarah S, Toronto, Canada, June 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"Jackie:
...We loved our cooking class with Patrick. It was a delightful day and we enjoyed the trip to the local market with him.
We did not have time to get the recipes from Patrick. However, he said that we could ask you and you could forward them from him to us via e-mail. We would really appreciate that.
Thanks again for arranging this excursion for us.
Diane"
Diane D, Austin, Texas, USA, May 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chianti Classico
"Hi Jackie, I'm back. I had a great trip. The overall experience was a blast. The farmhouse experience was really interesting. Can't say it was a 'culinary bootcamp' but I did enjoy myself and did learn some things such as traditional home methods, ingredients, and particular flavors. It also affirmed and verified somewhat about food that I already make. So in that sense it was nice...I really enjoyed Paola - she is nice and a character and Simonetta was interesting too... Thanks, Ash"
Ash G, Sunnyvale, USA, May 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Florence Cuisine and Culture
"Hi Jackie,
...We made it home no problem and the trip was wonderful. Will e mail you about our experience at a later date when we have a bit more time...
Thanks again Denise"
"Hello Jackie.
Sorry about not getting back to you sooner, but it’s been quite insane around here trying to get caught up & putting things back in order and such.
First, I would like to thank you, Tyler, and everyone involved at CTV and Dr Oetker for a lovely experience.
Florence is an amazing and beautiful city.
As we’re newbies at this sort of thing, we weren’t quite sure what to expect with our gourmet safari and our cooking instructors.
Anna was bubbly and very sweet. Even though she was sometimes frustrated at her attempts at speaking English clearly, she was far better than she realized, and it made me a little sad & embarrassed that I didn’t make a little harder effort to learn Italian.
Gloria was very bright, quick witted and quite funny. One could tell she was very proud of her city, its culture and heritage and it was quite infectious, although with such an incredible place, it wasn’t much of a leap to make.
Their skill sets supported each other quite nicely, whether it be Anna disappearing for a while to attain the perfect table setting or Gloria pointing out various items and their relavence to Florentine culture and its history.
...They put us at ease as we learned some valuable cooking techniques and sampled some delicious meals.
Once again, thanks. Regards: John & Denise"
Denise and John M, Sudbury, Canada, April 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tuscan Cooking Week/Days
"Hi Jackie Just got home yesterday, this being my first chance to check mail. Our holiday and cooking with Gina were both fabulous - will give you more feedback once I have caught up with my admin...Best Regards Kathie"
Kathie O, Johannesburg, South Africa April 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"Jackie hi
First day back (returned last night) and would rather be in Provence! Patrick & Babeth were fab hosts & we really really enjoyed the experience...
Sandra ps Patrick said to give you a big hug too!."
Sandra S, Toronto, Canada April 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Casa Italiano
" Arrived home safely today. The trip was wonderful. Will gather my thoughts and write about it another time. Laura and Giorgio made it very special for us."
Julie M., New Jersey, US April 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
"Hi Jackie,
It is certainly nice to be back home. We got so much inspiration for our home and business, especially in Coltibuono.
We had great time in Cotibuono and Guido was an absolutely fantastic host. His wife came over with their two daughters to entertain Ada while we were cooking. The kids had a ball. The whole Coltibuono experience left us with a very professional, yet personal feel. Beautiful and spotless rooms, great cooking, well planned classes with printed materials, fun and professional feeling in the classes.
...we had a fantastic holiday. Thank you for helping to organize it."
Outi R.,
Ekenäs, Finland April 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Tuscan Chef
"It is 10:30am here. We had no problem finding our way here.
We will be having lunch here after the wine tasting and we are very excited about it.
More to come:
We are just finishing a beautiful Super Tuscan glass of wine. The view is gorgeous.
Jackie, David and I so very much enjoyed our tour here. It was so well done by a Canadian girl by the name of Barbara. She has lived here for 18 years. She was charming and knowledgeable. We have had lunch and will wind our way back through Radda in C towards Tavernelle.
Thank you again Jackie!!!!!
David thanks you too!!!!
Fondly,
Barbara"
Barbara D. & David, Toronto, Canada October 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passport to Provence
"We had a great time from the beginning of the vacation to the end. Patrick was a great host as well as chef and guide. The town of Goult was a highlight of our trip from the quaint shops to the ancient houses and ruins. It was a great place to explore the villages of Provence. We agreed that the town with the springs and fountains (i cannot remember the name of the town, it starts with something like fontaine) was our favorite. The restaurants were great and the hike to the bottom of the canyon was filled with artist booths, gift shops and wonderful restaurants. We also liked both markets we visited as it gives a glimpse into the daily living of people in the area. With Patrick as our guide, we sampled wines, breads, cheeses and more wine of the region. Again, I cannot say enough about Patrick- he knows the area very well and pointed out many things that we would have missed had we not had a guide. As for the cooking school, I was pleased that it was a good mix of the gourmet and simple foods of the region. Some cooking schools focus just on gourmet foods and it is not practical as most of the ingredients are hard to find back in the states. With Patrick's recipes, we have been able to duplicate almost all of them back here. The restaurant he owns served the best food we had for the week and we were able to eat there almost every night. I would highly recommend this vacation to anyone from a seasoned cook to an amateur. Thank you again for making this vacation possible and we look forward to going on more safaris in the future with you as our guide."
Richard M. & Melissa M., Texas, US August 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chianti Classico
"This summer I took my grandaughter Sarah, age 10 to the "Chianti Classico" cooking school in Tuscany Italy. It was a fantastic experience for her. The villa was beautiful - the view was unbelievable - and Simonetta and Paola were very accommodating.
|
 |
 |
Paola taught the cooking and she was terrific with the girls - let them do every step and realized when they were getting tired and needed a break. Sarah wants to go back next year."
|
Janet R. and Granddaughter Sarah, Texas, US July 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Taste of Seville
Before Departure:
"I so appreciate you being so helpful Jackie - I think we have everything set-except for the doing! If I think of anything to ask I will. I am so looking forward to Spain and the Sherry tour- I'll try and send a few notes and photos along on my return. In the meantime- hope all is going well for you and Gourmet safari – and thank you for your personal service and attention-it is much appreciated.
Hasta luego!" |
 |
 |
Upon Return:
"Hola Jackie…Yes it was a good trip and we enjoyed the sherry tour very much thanks.
…Roger was very accommodating thorough and we had a wonderful personal experience with him (he is very knowledgeable and personable) and the two bodega managers who were both charming and welcoming.
Thanks very much for checking in and for setting the tour up for us in the first place. I am sad that the trip
|
is now over- I really enjoyed Spain, the people, the food and wine. The hotel in Jerez, the Bellas Artes was wonderful by the way in case any of your future customers are looking to stay in Jerez.
Would love to hear how your business is going- it's such a wonderful idea offering these kinds or tours and food cultural focused travel.
Hasta luego" Tannis H., Burnaby, Canada April 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |