Kind notes from past students and culinary tour attendees

I loved how intimate and personal the learning experiences were... it felt like we were guests in peoples' homes! I learned new things and will leave with new ideas, but I think it was the human element that was especially meaningful to me.

Le Marche Farmhouse Foraging tour

Experiencing Le Marche with Viola was so much more than just delicious — it was incredibly intimate and authentic, enriched by immersive experiences with local producers and guides who are like friendly magicians, eager to share their craft and the beauty of their region. I had a deeply satisfying experience and would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to dip more than just a toe in such an extraordinary culture.

Le Marche Farmhouse Foraging tour

A soul satisfying culinary adventure in an idyllic setting.

Le Marche Farmhouse Foraging tour

"Cooking classes can often be intimidating (when you are expected to know special techniques or skills) or boring (when the teacher does all the work and you just stare hungrily).Viola's cooking classes are neither, which is why I always sign up for more!

You get hands on experience, with properly and patiently explained directions from Viola. With her sharp sense of humor and friendly attitude, her classes feel like you are in the kitchen with friends, but with the end result being a guaranteed delicious meal you'll know how to make on your own. I enjoy taking Viola's classes because not only are you taught how to make wonderful authentic Italian dishes, but you also learn a bit of the history and folklore behind the dish. Her cooking style is a mixture of old-world Italian approaches coupled with the conveniences of today. You will understand this notion better when you see her whip out her family's antique wooden pepper mill to grind pepper! As a fellow Italian, I have extremely high standards for my Italian cuisine. Viola's cooking and classes always exceed all my standards!"

Marina - student

"Going to Italy together was a dream come true for my friend and I and we chose the perfect experience with Viola in Maremma. We were submerged into Viola’s Italian life with daily activities that we would not have had access to on our own. We loved the private wine tasting, dinners, cooking classes and other excursions while still having time to lounge poolside. Viola’s sister, an art restorer, shared her knowledge as we visited villages adding so much to the trip. I can’t wait to go again!"

Barbie Aknin, Community Cuisine

"Many claim to know about Italian food, but Viola has actually lived it. When speaking about holiday traditions or traditional foods or recipes, not only does she call on her childhood experiences in Italy, she also does extensive research to expand her knowledge and enlighten her students. I have learned so much from Viola and I'm excited to learn much more"

Tori Ritchie - cookbook author

"I like many things about Viola's classes, the friendly and fun atmosphere, the interesting people who are drawn to her classes, the great recipes and techniques, but mostly I love how deeply Viola knows what she teaches; the depth and breadth Italian cooking, its heart and soul, the culture and family of Italian life and the place of food within that culture. I always come home inspired and recharged, and wanting to cook something new and amazing that I learned that day for my family!
As an American I know a little about so many cultures and cuisines, with Viola I get to have the experience of what it is like to know and be immersed in one fabulous cuisine, perhaps the best of all, the Italian table. We are lucky to have her in San Francisco".

Jennifer - student

‘Is your mom a movie star?’ -Best Friend
‘No, she is a very nice person who does lots of nice things for people’ - Ernesto