Cristina
Cesarina from 2019My speciality: Pasta and beans
I live in: Florence
Spoken languages: Italian and English
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Hi from Cristina!
Cristina welcomes us to her home in a lemon house, surrounded by greenery, in the old village of Pian dei Giullari, near the ancient home of Galileo Galilei. Our Cesarina, with passion and dedication, takes care of the vegetable garden, respecting the biological cycles of nature and using to cook her dishes only seasonal fruit and vegetables. Since she was young she has always valued the mise en place, following her mother's advice: "you can eat with your eyes too!" Over time she has learned to know and respect the ingredients and raw materials, the real protagonists of her dishes, which she cooks with passion and imagination.
My specialities
- Chicken liver croutons
- Pasta and beans
- Free range farmhouse pork sausages
Experiences
Reviews
5.0
30 reviews
- Cristina hosted us for my wife's 29th birthday at her beautiful home in the Tuscan countryside. We were greeted at the gate and escorted down the driveway to Cristina and Paolo's beautiful home on a hillside with a breathtaking view of the rolling hills of rural Florence. Cristina was a gracious host who showed us how to cook the most delicious meal we ate during our ten day long vacation in Italy. We made Tiramisu, spinach & ricotta ravioli, and some angel hair pasta which was absolutely delicious when cooked and topped with parmesan and lemon juice. We are still dreaming about the food, views, and company that we experienced during this cooking class and would quickly recommend anyone planning a visit to Florence to book this class where you'll be treated like a member of the family by Cristina and Paolo and served incredible food, drink, music, and company as you stare at the beautiful Florentine horizon.
- My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our cooking experience with Christina and her husband, Paolo. It was a highlight of our entire Italian vacation! Prior to booking, I did quite a bit of research to find the perfect cooking class for us – we were bringing our 6 month old baby so we were looking for a private class that also showcased the quintessential Tuscan countryside. Our evening was absolutely perfect – the views and ambiance were divine, the hosts were incredibly hospitable and fun (!), and the food was so delicious and fresh! Christina started us with some bruschetta featuring tomatoes she grew. Then we prepped the tiramisu and she taught us the way the Italians make it so light and airy (unlike the versions I've had in the States). After that, we made lightly battered squash blossoms (so simple but so tasty!) to enjoy on the patio. Paolo picked sage from the garden to make a sage and almond pesto, and Christina showed my husband and I how to make then prepare the pasta for cooking. We could not have asked for a better evening, and we highly recommend this experience!
- Cristina and Paolo were great hosts and teachers, and their home and views are stunning!
- We were curious about the class by all the previous reviewers. We now understand their enthusiasm and positive feedback about Cristina‘s class. We were mesmerized as we entered her beautiful garden and very tasteful home. She is really passionate about Italian cuisine and her passion really gets to you. As her husband, Paolo, arrived, he helped in the background and joined and entertained us during the dinner made with the ravioli we had learned to prepare from scratch. It was the perfect venue and evening and we would love to go back for another class with Cristina. It’s the best gift to couples, who love to cook together 😊
- Cristina and Paolo were extremely welcoming and friendly. We learnt a lot and they were very accommodating to what we wanted to cook. Would definitely recommend them!
Glenn O. - October 2025
Natalie & Jake - September 2025
Stacey Hamilton - September 2025
Heidi & Farid - July 2025
Talia - February 2025