THE PRIVATE KITCHEN
Experience
the genuine flavors
of Liguria
About me
I’m Valentina, I made of the Ligurian culinary tradition my job, writing cookbooks and opening my house and my kitchen to everyone which wants to learn more about the cuisine of my beautiful country.
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I think that local food is the best way to understand the history and the cultural identity of a place you visit, that’s why I give cooking classes on Ligurian Riviera in my cozy cottage in Leivi, above the town of Chiavari, to share my passion and my knowledge with people from other countries.
Here everything revolves around the kitchen and you can breathe a very special atmosphere where I offer a genuine convivial food experience.
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You will discover the secrets of simple and delicious foods handed down for generations and at the end you will taste everything you have prepared accompanied by local wine for a fantastic lunch or dinner in the garden with a magnificent view of the hills and the sea in the background.
If you are a traveler who want a real cooking experience, pick the experience that matches your schedule.
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Some guests want a social class, others want deeper technique or a private format, others want just to relax and join a food and wine pairing.
We can work in small groups or, if you prefer,
I offer private options for couples and families.
What I propose
Choose the format that fits your trip, from hands-on cooking classes, market tour, wine tasting or personal chef at your accomodation.
Here you can compare cooking classes in Rome, see what is included, and pick the experience that matches your schedule.
Most sessions are built for international visitors, so cooking classes in Rome for tourists stay practical, clear and easy to join.
Cooking classes
Food & Wine
Tastings
Food Tour
My cooking classes are designed for those who truly want to learn, in a simple and relaxed way.
After the class, we'll enjoy what we have prepared together, accompanied by a good bottle of wine.
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I give you all the ingredients and all the necessary tools, so you can focus only on the pleasure of cooking and sharing.
The recipes are simple and easy to recreate.
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At the end of the experience, you’ll receive the recipes to prepare again once you’re back home, for friends and family.
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The cooking classes are fully customizable in case of food choices, intolerances or allergies.
Just let me know in advance.
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They are also suitable for groups and children.
Savor the finest Ligurian wines, from the crisp and mineral Vermentino and Bianchetta Genovese to the elegant red Ciliegiolo. Each glass is perfectly paired with traditional local dishes that tell the story of our territory.
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A highlight of the experience is the tasting of our local extra-virgin olive oil, produced from the trees that surround the Villa. You will learn to recognize its delicate, golden character and aromatic notes, typical of the Leivi hills.
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Experience a unique sensory journey that brings the authentic flavors of Liguria to life: from the aromatic Pesto Genovese and crispy Focaccia to a selection of traditional vegetable pies (torte di verdura) and other iconic Ligurian street food specialties. A true taste of our heritage, served on our panoramic terrace or in the bright veranda.
Our journey bring us in the heart of Chiavari, a gem of the Tigullio, region famous for its medieval arcades.
We begin at the picturesque fruit and vegetable market in Piazza Mazzini: a vibrant burst of colors and scents where local farmers bring the best of our valleys every day and the aromatic herbs like basilicum essential for authentic pesto.
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Strolling under the historic porticos, we will visit heritage shops—places where time seems to have stood stand still and where quality is a family tradition.
Finally, we will meet a master artisan, guardians of ancient crafts of wood creations.
An authentic immersion into daily Ligurian life, far from the crowded tourist paths.