CULINARY VACATION IN TUSCANY

American born chef, Jeff Thickman (www.jeffthickman.com), began a private catering service in Italy. He is appreciated all over the world and he was the chef of international important events like the 80th birthday party of Frank Sinatra in Los Angeles, the President of the World Bank´s dinner for Hillary Clinton. He cooked for Pavarotti, Madonna, Sting, Shimon Peres, Sophia Loren and many other international stars.

1) Mr Thickman, as famous international chef he has had incredible experiences that most of the people cannot imagine: jet set, VIP, are you still able to find something that can make you excited?
Absolutely! Perhaps because I work entirely alone, I can manage to work myself into a state of eagerness, anticipation or even controlled hysteria at the drop of a hat. I think that if someone can still get excited about making the fluffiest gnocchi, or find fulfillment in perfecting the most tender pastry, it comes naturally for him or her to greet every culinary experience that presents itself with unbridled enthusiasm.
2) Mr Thickman, could you explain us your philosophy?
Hegelian dialectic. Seriously, though, I enjoy learning about world cultures through their culinary traditions. Studying them and experimenting with them give me great joy and satisfaction. I dislike pretense, do not care for fashion and avoid food that is created more for show and effect than substance and taste.
3) Is Tuscan Cooking still famous in the world? And what is usually most appreciated?
Perhaps the most appreciated aspect of Tuscan dishes, at least in the United States, is when there is a lot of it on the plate. That said, due to its deep, historic roots, the quality and specificity of the ingredients needed and the Zen-like simplicity of its recipes, it is very challenging indeed to successfully recreate traditional Tuscan dishes outside of Tuscany. Nonetheless, the cuisine of this region continues to fascinate and excite food lovers all over the world.
4) You have been many times in Villa Bucciano for cooking lessons. Could you tell us your experience?
Villa Bucciano is a lovely place in a beautiful area that inspires conviviality. The owners gave me a warm welcome and could not have been more generous or accommodating.
5) Can you suggest a special meal for a special dinner on the stunning terrace of Villa Bucciano?
For me, the best choice is an artichoke with a scrumptious dipping sauce because it takes time to eat and allows the diners the opportunity to soak up the beauty that surrounds them.
6) If we would like to organize a very chic barbecue in the vintage-stile square of Bucciano, what we cannot forget?
First of all, wood and a match! Most important is the quality of the meat. Here in Tuscany we have excellent Chianina beef and Cinta senese pork, both unique to this region, and the envy of the entire culinary world. For me, though, any outdoor barbecue in the summer would not be complete without a heaping bowl of panzanella, a salad made with saltless, local bread, sugary sweet tomatoes and red onion, cucumbers and basil, and dressed with the world´s best olive oil from Tuscany.
7) And for a romantic aperitif along the pool of Villa Bucciano....at the sunset...what you could prepare?
For such occasions, many of my Italian clients love what we call a panettone gastronomico: I bake a tall, dome-shaped, very light and moist bread, slice it into many layers of bite-sized sandwiches with a whole variety of different fillings, and reassemble the panettone. Every bite becomes a surprise.
8) Villa Bucciano is a venue for Weddings in Tuscany. Many couples said "Yes, I do" in the beautiful garden or in the terrace overlooking the valley and San Miniato.....when these couples come back home, what they can cook to remember such marvellous experience in Villa Bucciano?
If they have happened to take my cooking class, they will have a whole host of options available to them to relive the happy memories of their stay and share them with family and friends.

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Villa Bucciano is a great venue if you wish to organize cooking classes or a special cooking school.
If you are looking for a special venue in Tuscany where organizing team building activities, Villa Bucciano could be the right location. Many sales departments´ managers booked villa Bucciano for incentives activities for the sales staff.
We can offer the assistance for planning such a great experience in Tuscany.
Do not hesitate to CONTACT US for information and quotation!