Amalfi cooking class: from the garden to the table

The landscape enters into the choice of ingredients

The terraces make it clear how much work goes into farming along the coast. The vegetable garden allows you to observe ingredients and seasonality before finding them on the work surface. Looking at a plant, recognizing a scent and understanding when a product is ready creates a concrete link with what you will cook. The menu follows availability and the chosen option, so don't imagine an identical list every time of the year.

Visiting outdoor spaces is part of the pleasure of the day, but involves stairs and sloping surfaces. Comfortable shoes help more than formal restaurant attire. Before booking, check the compatibility of the route with the needs of your group: the beauty of a structure built on different levels must be considered together with its practical organisation.

A lesson to follow with your hands

During the cooking part you can concentrate on the gestures: measuring out, kneading, recognizing a consistency and understanding when to move on to the next phase. Asking why a preparation requires a certain order is often more useful than just noting quantities. If you want to repeat the dishes at home, also find out about possible alternatives with the ingredients you usually find in your market.

The final meal enhances the shared work and allows you to compare flavors and preparations with those who participate. It is not necessary to have professional experience to appreciate a practical lesson, but you need to be willing to follow the group's times and directions. Any vegetarian needs must be communicated in advance; other restrictions, including those related to gluten and lactose, may not be compatible with the menu and workspaces.

Reach the garden above Amalfi

The meeting point is in Via Mauro Comite 50, in front of the GAS Bar, with the reference Amalfi Heaven Gardens indicated in the booking. Arrive before class time and look for the organization sign, which may include an orange umbrella. The center of Amalfi and this address do not coincide: plan for the final transfer, without considering disembarkation at the port as an automatic arrival at the course.

If you reach the coast by ferry, a convenient combination is to take a walk in the center before or after the workshop. Roads along the coast can be slow and maritime connections depend on the sea. Therefore avoid a tight schedule with multiple appointments in different municipalities: the lesson works better as the center of the day, with time to eat and return calmly.

Before you go

• Access is foreseen from eight years old according to the current conditions: check the minimum age for the chosen date before booking with the family.
• Please communicate dietary requirements before payment and wait for confirmation: not all menus can be adapted for gluten, lactose or other restrictions.
• Bring stable shoes for stairs and gardens, a bottle of water and space in your backpack to store any prescriptions.