About Us – Cuoche in Vacanza (Chefs on Vacation)
We decided to work in an atmosphere full of warmth, happiness, and flavors. This is what we love doing, and we want to share it with people who want to discover the “secrets” of traditional Italian cooking.
Erika – Founder & Professional Chef
I was born in the Tuscan Maremma, a land rich in culinary traditions that reflect the perfumes and flavors of the mountains, the sea, and the rolling hills.
I learned to cook from my grandmother, watching her as a child, totally fascinated. She would prepare simple peasant dishes while joking with me, giving advice, and revealing little tricks of the trade. Thanks to my daughters and their friends, I have now developed a specialty in desserts, which I enjoy preparing with children during joyful holidays.
Professional Chef & Sommelier
I earned my Professional Chef Certificate, and my dishes impressed the Examination Committee:
“Erika amazed the entire Commission with her passion, precision, and flair. From artichoke mousse with sea bass tartare in blackberry vinegar to a crab soup with shrimp bisque in a bread crust, all dishes were prepared with impeccable technique. Passed with flying colors, Erika is ready for a bright culinary career!”
I also hold the Professional Sommelier Certificate from F.I.S.A.R. (Italian Federation of Sommeliers, Hoteliers, and Restaurateurs).
PROFESSIONAL SOMMELIER
Meet the Chefs Who Have Shared This Tuscan Cooking Journey With Me
Emanuela (Lella)
I spent my childhood in the mountains above Venice, then moved to Venice itself. My passion for traditional recipes led me to explore dishes passed down through generations. My vegetarian husband inspired me to learn creative ways to cook fresh seasonal vegetables and pulses, even for children.
Valentina
Born in Palermo, Sicily, I moved first to the United States and then to Pisa, Tuscany. I love experimenting with food, adding my personal touch, and I fell in love with pastry art, spending time learning cake decoration techniques.
Rossy
I’m an Italian grandma and home cook, specializing in traditional dishes from Lucca and Pisa. I love using simple, local ingredients, and my recipes are passed down through generations.
Valentina
Over the past few years, I’ve worked in a few restaurants, which helped me grow professionally and taught me discipline and kitchen organization.
Now I love working with Cuoche in Vacanza, not only because I enjoy cooking authentic Italian food, but also because of the human connection.
Cooking is my passion, but I also have a big love for tattoos, and tattooing is my job alongside this experience.
Cooking Classes in Tuscany: you’re bringing home the best kind of souvenirs!
What We Do – Cooking Classes & Private Dinners in Tuscany
Are you on holiday in a B&B, resort, villa, or apartment? Do you want to taste traditional Italian dishes?
We come to your place, do the shopping, and guide you in preparing authentic Tuscan recipes. Our classes and dinners are fun, educational, and full of flavor.
We focus on seasonal ingredients from trusted suppliers, respect for nature, and HACCP certification for food safety.
Whether you’ve already booked accommodation or not, we bring Tuscan culinary experiences directly to you.
About us: Cuoche in Vacanza – how everything started
Even the longest journey begins with one small step.
The First Disappointment
It all began on a winter afternoon while I was sitting on a bench, waiting for my daughter to finish fencing practice…
I had left a research firm, and the crisis made everything collapse. I thought about giving up.
During those rainy afternoons, I began to reflect on what I could do next.
The Joy of Freedom
Then I spoke with Lella. We realized something important: we were free to start again.
From that moment, the idea of Cuoche in Vacanza was born — food, connection, and sharing knowledge.
That’s how the adventure began… and it never ends.
Our Recommended PARTNERS
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Guided tours in Pisa and surrounding areas Pisa Visite Guidate
