One of our high priority experiences on our trip to Florence was a private cooking masterclass at Touch, Bistro. On a previous visit, last year, we dined there (have a read of my post on the fine dining scene in Florence) and really loved the style of the food and the story of the three friends who owned the restaurant. When we learned last year that they also ran a private cookery school during the day, Dr C and I were very keen to learn more about traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Touch has three cookery class levels, Lets Cook, Master Chef and Top Chef. We chose the Master Chef as it included three courses, including making two of our favourite dishes. All classes require a minimum private party size of two.
The morning started off at 10 am when we met Executive Chef, Matteo Guiliani, at the restaurant for a coffee and a chat of what the cookery class would involve. Matteo is a local boy, born and bred in Tuscany, however he did live in London for three years, where amongst other jobs, worked at the Michelin Starred Chez Bruce restaurant in Wandsworth.
 LESSON 1 : THE MARKET
The first stop was to go the local market, where Touch source some of their ingredients for their dishes. A 5-10 minute walk away is the centrally located Sant’ Ambrogio market, where we picked up an array of seasonal vegetables from family run local stalls as well as some fresh Ricotta.
Matteo introduced us to some of the local traders and interesting foods of the region. He also gave us his little guide on picking and looking out for the most ready to cook produce of the season. We even had a chance to try a number of fresh goods before purchasing! In fact, that was mid-morning coffee break covered, without the coffee though!!
THE MENU
On the menu this lunch time was a fresh, light and delicious three course offering to include the following:
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