What a delightful experience we had. I had decided I wanted to learn some authentic Southern Italian cooking as my grandmother had cooked for me when I was a little girl. I did some research and came up with Mamma Agata in Ravello which is 23 miles from Positano where we were staying. So me, my daughter (20 yrs old) and my husband (who decieded to just stay for the lunch rather than particapate) signed up for the class. We had read great reviews but were still hesitant to take a full day out of sight seeing to be in "a kitchen". This wasn't just any old kitchen! We are so happy of our decision. Here is a letter I wrote to Chiara which I would like to share with you. Chiara is Mama Agata's daughter who assists, translates and much, much more. See below.

Dear Chiara,

Thank you for the wonderful experience of cooking with you and Mamma Agata. My family and I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed the charm and hospitality you have shown to us. I enjoyed the excellent demonstration given with style and grace. I loved your mother's strong loving attitude which keep you in sink with what to explain next! When you are on Bravo the show it will be a hit. It all works so well. The setting of your beautiful home and garden on the hill really makes us feel as cooking was intended to be. Fresh, fresh, fresh! The produce was so delicious as the love it took to grow it shows.

We have some wonderful photos to remember this beautiful day. I have used the very first recipe today. It is my second day back to the states and I have proudly made Pasta con peperoni e salsicca! It turned out very tasty. I have discovered couple of tricks that do not come though the recipe but only by repeating it to get it perfect. I have discovered the size of the pan is important! Also, that electric stove can be misleading at times. In my next home I will install a gas stove.

I plan to have a party and invite my friends to enjoy the Italian food that my grandmother has cooked for me in my past but was not able to teach me to cook as Mamma Agata has. I hope to prepare the Envoltini di melanzane and pastella,Mamma Agata's Coccoli, Spaghetti del contadino, and Pollo al limone for my friends. Of coarse also, the Lemonchello! I think I will try the meals at home first to work out the details. I am sure with Nicolette's help we will do the job well.

Patrick really enjoyed his lunch that we had prepared at the class. Thank you for making him feel so comfortable while waiting for the cooking class. The new friends we have made also adds to our memories. We only wish we could have your wine available in the United States. It is so light and easy to drink.

Please let me know when the cookbook will be available and when the Bravo show will be on TV.

Warm Regards,
Toni

Wow. I've been to several cooking classes over the years, but none compare to a day with Mamma Agata and Chiara. This was by far a highlight of a 3 week Italian vacation. Visiting with the other guests and munching on Mamma's famous lemon cake is a wonderful way to begin the day, the beginning of new friendships, great views, and some of the most delicisous food ever eaten. Oh, it's a necessity to arrive with an empty stomach. We munched all morning, and then ate everything Mamma made throughout the day. I was full for at least 24 hours.

After all that, I should say, Chiara enhances the entire experience. She's such a delightful hostess, and makes every guest immediately feel a part of her family.

Don't miss this opportunity. It's a memory you'll cherish for years.

A Cooking Class may not sound like the most fun thing to do while on vacation, but then, you've probably never visited Mamma's, in Ravello. Yes, of course you'll learn some of Mamma's famous recipes and how to prepare them (who would have thought I'd actually like eggplant parmiaganna?), and you'll eat well. But the day will pass so quickly you'll wish you could show up the next day and ask "what's cooking?"

Your host is Chiara, Mama's daughter, and interpreter for her famous mother. You're invited into their own kitchen, not a sterile educational setting, but a large home-style kitchen that can comfortably fit everyone in your group (typically 10-12). You'll huddle around the stove as Chiara and Mamma share their techniques and stories. Much of the fun is the banter between mother and daughter. Mamma doesn't speak English, but I suspect she understands more than she lets on! You'll feel like you're among friends from the start, drinking wine, cutting tomatoes, rolling eggplant, tasting. After some time in the kitchen, you'll have time to explore the grounds, with that amazing view that stretches out forever down the mountainside, and across the water. You'll see lemons the size of grapefruit, flowers of all kinds, and fruits and vegetables that they use to make their recipes. You'll wish you could take home the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato sauce all made from scratch.

At the end of the day, you'll have time to sit out outside and enjoy an amazing meal. I stopped counting the courses, but somehow kept finding room for more. My wife and i got to know all of the people in our group, and we exchanged e-mail addresses. We all left with full stomachs, smiles on our faces, and with a feeling of being a part of Mama and Chiara's extended family. Put Mamma Agata's high on your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast. A wonderful experience, with wonderful people, fabulous food, and amazing views. Bring home the recipes, and try them at home. I can't wait to get my copy of Mamma's new cookbook, Simple and Genuine, out later this year.

My husband and I spent one week at La Caravella Apartments in Positano Italy. We flew into Rome and then took the train to Naples. From there we hopped in a taxi to the port so we were able to go by boat along the Amalfi Coast to Positano. It is truly breathtaking. Positano is a delightful little place tucked into the hillside with cobblestone walkways, little shops, great restaurants and a very safe, happy environment. One day we planned a trip to Ravello. We took a SITA bus to Amalfi and then up to Ravello where we spent the day at Mamma Agata's cooking class. When we arrived the door opened and we walked through to the most amazing view overlooking the water. Her terrace was gorgeous with a huge cream awning covering the most beautiful outdoor dining furniture...wrought iron chairs, vases full of roses, the very best Italian linens, a delicious lemon cake and cappuccino awaited us. I felt like it was all a dream. After meeting the other guests we joined Mamma Agata in her kitchen and had a wonderful time learning new recipes, sipping wine and tasting delicious appetizers. Afterwards we sat on her terrace savoring this wonderful luncheon she had prepared. It was truly a highlight of our entire 3 weeks in Italy. In fact, it was one of those days in my entire lifetime that I will treasure forever! Many thanks to her daughter Chiara for all her assistance.