I tell everyone that I see about my extraordinary trip and all the wonderful hospitality I experienced at Poggio Etrusco. You truly helped me have the time of my life.

My time in Italy was magical and much in part to the love you and your family offered to me. Your home and friends made me feel so welcome and comfortable. The visits to the olive oil, pecorino and prosciutto factories, and of course cooking with you in your kitchen, were fantastic opportunities. I could go on and on. I get a smile on my face each time I think of being in Tuscany.

I need to get back soon and experience so much more of the beautiful country you live in.

Louise Murphy, Newport Beach, California

We are regrettably back in the States, but had an unbelievable time. We rate our days with you in your home and the fantastic classes we took, as some of our best days, filled with great food, great wine, laughter, and even a little knowledge about real life Italy. We had a great time in Piemonte and wished several times we were with you so that we could see and learn about some of the things regular tourists just don't get to. Needless to say, I love porcini's and I love truffles.

Fred and Shannon, San Luis Obispo, California

We had a great time staying at your villa. Our visits to Mondo X, La Grotta, and Avignonesi were very memorable and the pizza out of your oven was better than I ever thought pizza could be.

Larry Eischen, California

Most trips we take are enjoyable while we are on them, but few have much in the way of lasting memories. The trips you organized (Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna) are so much more: great company, beautiful settings, wonderful meals, but most of all, the knowledge we returned with keeps rekindling the pleasant experience over and over again, even years later. We could not ask for anything more.

Ed and Deb Marshall, New Jersey

One of the best weeks of my life... we could not have asked for anything else, your kindness and professional entertainment was superb.

Gerry Lynch, San Francisco, CA

Thank you for an idyllic week... Your villa is perfect for your school. I think you have just the right mix of cooking, informative tours, visiting, and tasting.

Diane Kennedy, California

Thanks for such a great week, introducing us to the Italian ways of food and life. Since our return, I really have begun to look at how we've been hurrying through our days, especially during the work week, and we now take some time in the evenings together to prepare and enjoy some simple pleasures, instead of waiting for the weekends.

Although I can't always be there, I can make sure I don't lose that Italian spirit; it's made our lives so much richer.

Barbara Brisk, Los Angeles, CA

I think of you all so often and fondly remember our time together this fall. I've been cooking "Tuscanian" ever since, but now, the farmers' market is closed and we are having real withdrawal symptoms when we have to go to the supermarket.

Ann Armstrong, Charlotte NC

I am still remembering all the "wonderful" things I ate and experienced in Italy. Lately I have dreamed of the gnocchi fritto. Every day I meet someone and tell them of my fabulous time and then give a blatant endorsement of your tour and books!

Elizabethe Branstetter, Santa Barbara, CA

How can I thank you enough for such a fantastic week. Your class was an incredible culinary treat, from start to finish. The week was planned par excellence and with a great pace. I wouldn¹t change anything about it.

Your home is a perfect setting for the class. When I need to relax, I will return in my mind's eye and sit in your yard with your wonderful family.

Carol Dorr, Boston