Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cortona with Show Cooking

The worst experience of our trip. When done right I am sure it is great but it is a hefty price when failed.

Her partner didn’t show up, pasta dough was a hard ball that would not pass through pasta press and had to be thrown out, all cooked food was below average. Served lasagna made with wheat noodles that was dry and reminded us of reheated lasagna. Teriyaki sauce used for potatoes and she stated she knows it is not Tuscan at all! Meats and cheeses were very good upon arrival. Sat in a dining room alone while she sat in the living room. Not as advertised and this company did not care to rectify. Stated she is one of their best yet she said it was only her second time hosting. Run! This company is dishonest and you can eat two outstanding meals for the price of this event. It was the event we most looked forward to and the only disappointment on an otherwise amazing trip.

Response from the operator: Dear Cindy, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are genuinely sorry that this experience did not meet your expectations, especially as it was something you were looking forward to during your trip. After receiving your report, we immediately contacted the host to review the details of the experience. Based on this verification, several points described in the review do not accurately reflect how the class was conducted. The experience took place as scheduled, the host was present and actively involved throughout, and the menu followed the agreed structure of a traditional home cooking class. As with all Cesarine experiences, dishes are prepared fresh together with guests, using seasonal ingredients and home-style techniques. Taste and personal preferences can naturally vary, but the description provided goes well beyond the feedback we were able to confirm with the host. We would also like to clarify that Cesarine works exclusively with carefully selected local hosts, and all experiences are monitored and reviewed to ensure quality and authenticity. When concerns are raised, we always investigate them thoroughly, as we did in this case. We regret that this experience did not match your expectations and that it was a disappointment during an otherwise enjoyable trip. At the same time, we stand by the integrity of our hosts and the care we take in addressing any issues reported to us. Kind regards, The Cesarine Team

via Tripadvisor

Dreams unrealized

Run as fast as you can. You'll count on this and then I'll call you a day before or email you a day before and so Luciento por favor. Will have to reschedule let me help you. And they never do. Left me hanging with nowhere to go at day before I was supposed to go. Don't waste your time with us. Don't waste your time with Tripadvisor. I will never use them again.

Response from the operator: Dear Luciento, We are really sorry about your negative experience with us, as we always aim to provide an excellent service to our beloved guests. Please note that, when we cancel a booking last minute, it is because our Cesarina experienced something that won't allow her to host you and deliver you an excellent service: these unforeseen circumstances might be due to a water cut, to an electric cut, or it might be because she is ill. We hope this did not spoil the rest of your vacation in Italy and that you left with good memories. Our very best wishes,

via Tripadvisor

Fun evening with friends, but nothing special

Setting beautiful. Hostess lovely. This was supposed to be "show cooking" we were served a meal in the dining room. Meal was tasty, but nothing we couldn't have gotten at an area restaurant for much less money. Hostess apologized several times that her helper didn't show up. Perhaps she should have cancelled

Response from the operator: Dear Catherine, Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the setting, your hostess, and the meal itself. We’re sorry that the experience did not match your expectation of a “show cooking” class and that the absence of the helper affected the experience. Your comments are valuable, and we will consider them to ensure clearer expectations and a more consistent experience in the future. Kind regards,

via Viator

Superb dining experience

A wonderful afternoon spent with Marzia in her home. She wined and dined us, taught us how to make ravioli and treated us as honored guests in her home. She could not have been kinder or more generous and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal, atmosphere and conversation.

via Viator

Best experience in Italy

Anna and her husband were fantastic hosts. It was nice to sit and chat with them about food and Italy. It was amazing how much we had in common.

via Tripadvisor