Benedetta Vitali currently offers cooking classes at Zibibbo Trattoria in Florence. Benedetta's cooking courses are not "lessons" but rather total immersion in the kitchen of a working restaurant. Students are personally supervised by Benedetta as they observe and collaborate in all of the kitchen staff's activities. With years of experience sharing her love for food and cooking, Benedetta enjoys sharing her gifts with everyone, from the amateur to the professional, who wants to improve their skills in the kitchen.

These classes are for anyone who is interested, passionate, and willing to learn. Food is an extraordinary means of communicating and there are no "secret" recipes. Join Benedetta for a class at the Zibibbo or for a class near you. Please see below for class descriptions. To schedule a class or attend an existing class, please contact Benedetta directly. Fees below are for courses in Italy. For the US and other countries, fees may be arranged with Benedetta.

The Intensive Cooking Course

Benedetta’s Intensive Cooking Course lasts five days, from Monday through Friday. Enrollment is limited to two to four people. The morning starts with a small breakfast as the plan for the day is outlined. Instruction begins at 9:00 A.M. and continues until 11, when coffee is served and progress is reviewed. At least five recipes are made completely from scratch every morning. Students will lunch at 1 pm on the meals they prepared earlier in the day. Each menu will be paired with wine.

Beyond the preparation of the day’s dishes, the students have the opportunity to interact with Benedetta and the Zibibbo cooks, observing, asking questions, and participating in the life of an actual working kitchen. Some dishes prepared by the students are also served to Zibibbo’s lunch and dinner guests. Students will learn the secrets of buying local ingredients during the included morning field trip to the markets of Florence.

A local student said it best when he wrote, “Benedetta, we had a truly wonderful week with you at Zibibbo. Our time in the kitchen, as well as at the table enjoying delicious food was superb. Thank you so much for your warm hospitality, your endless patience, your enthusiasm for cooking and ingredients, and for teaching us new skills.”

The cost for the week long Intensive Course is 1,000 euros and includes lessons, breakfasts, lunches with wine, field trip, insurance, recipes and a Zibibbo t-shirt. Maximum number of students in this full immersion course is 4. Contact Benedetta to schedule a class.

A Day in the Kitchen

For those who do not have the time to spend a week in the kitchen, Benedetta will accept students for one single day or several days, depending on availability. The cost for a single day, based on the program on the Intensive Course outlined as above is 250 euros.

An Afternoon Encounter

Groups seeking a unique and entertaining culinary experience may join Benedetta and the cooks of Zibibbo for a private afternoon of tastings, demonstrations, and culinary lore to intrigue and amuse. During this intimate exploration of Tuscan cuisine, participants will observe the intricate workings of a close-knit restaurant under the direction of a master chef. Experience the secrets and camaraderie gained from sharing one of the most personal pleasures - eating together.

Whatever the occasion, or the nature of the group, the Afternoon Encounter is a perfect way to celebrate, get acquainted and even close a business deal. Your culinary conductor will lead your tour of the evening's menu, helping you to understand and appreciate how superb meals come together. You will taste all of the courses along the way, while enjoying wines specially paired to compliment your meal. Before sitting down to enjoy the dinner you've watched expertly prepared, your group will also enjoy a special aperitivo.

The Encounter starts at 3:00 pm. Maximum group size: 15 people. Cost is 220 euros per person and includes lessons, tastings, wine, aperitivo, dinner, and recipes. Transportation can be arranged. Upon request, the Afternoon Encounter can be held in an alternate location, including outside of Italy. Dates and prices for outside events should be discussed directly with Benedetta.

Gastronomical Travel

Italy’s 999 cities and towns offer a vast variety of culinary traditions. Food is one of the greatest treasures of Italy. Participants will explore delights such as fonduta, caponata, tartufi, cheeses, and traditional desserts--all produced with love and care. Each day guests will visit a family business in traditional environments where tastings and the exploration of local customs will help us to understand each area's richness. Every evening, dinner will be served in a local restaurant, trattoria, or inn. Each chef will share with a demonstration of the preparation of a local specialty. Itineraries and prices can be discussed with Benedetta directly.

Residential Courses

For those who seek something special, Benedetta will offer an intensive weeklong experience on one of the most beautiful farms in Maremma. The days begin at 9:00 am, include lunch, and end at 3:00 each afternoon. Lunch is a fundamental part of the course and integrates each morning's lesson. The dishes are tasted, discussed, and paired with wines. During each afternoon, the group will visit farmers and other fascinating local food producers. Every night, the group will have dinner in the best and most interesting restaurants of Maremma. Dates and prices can be discussed with Benedetta directly.