Cookery Courses

“Italy will always have the best food” Diane von Furstenberg

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Pasta production!

Merrion is passionate about all things Italian and especially the food and wine!!.

Merrion’s Lunigiana cookery course is a truly authentic Italian experience and the only course of its kind in  this region of Italy.  Ingredients, recipes and traditions here are held onto proudly with influences from the mountains and the nearby coast. Merrion is delighted that Maxine Clark, formerly a teacher at Leith’s Cookery School in London, has agreed to join as chef on some of her courses in addition to several fabulous local chefs such as Pietro Lambruschi & Massimo Baldassari who provide authenticity and flair as they teach  and demonstrate recipes handed down over the generations. For any Italian food and cooking is in the ‘soul’ and something which comes naturally so Merrion firmly believes that it is important to incorporate local Italians who can share and enthuse about the most important thing in Italy – cooking and eating!

“Merrion and Maxine are an inspiration to be with – anyone who joins a cookery course with these two will come away feeling totally rejuvenated, inspired and in love with Italy.”

Maxine trained as a professional chef after gaining a degree in Fine Arts and Medieval History and she fell in love with all things Italian, especially food and cooking whilst studying Italian language in Florence. Her eyes were opened to a culture that gives total respect to cooking, eating and drinking and attaching the uttmost importance to sourcing the best local produce. She has 30 years experience in all aspects of food and cooking, and is a particularly gifted teacher. Like Merrion, she believes in a relaxed approach to food, and that cooking and eating should be a shared, fun experience. Maxine has been teaching gourmet cookery courses in Italy for over 15 years having honed her skills working alongside several noted Italian chefs.

Merrion’s cookery course is based at the impressive Castello dell’ Aquila with its luxurious bedrooms, inspiring views, atmospheric kitchen and enchanting courtyard for summer dining. Here, guests can enjoy a week or more of excellent hands on cookery tuition as well as the opportunity to visit local places of interest, enjoy concerts after dinner and learn about the wines, history and culture of the region.

Clients are invited to come as individuals and couples or to make up their own group thus providing the opportunity to create their own tailor made week with Merrion. Cookery Courses at Castello dell’ Aquila are fun, relaxing, professional and inspirational. The very best ingredients are sourced and meals are enjoyed together as a group with the chance for even the least confident cook to come away inspired and encouraged. Lunigiana is a stunning region with the Apuan Alps and Appenines always in view – a truly hidden corner of Italy.  

For more information please contact Merrion on:
Italy: +39 0585 92098, on her mobile +39 392 155 146,
United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 3326 1213
or via email: info@merrioncharles.com