プーリアのメドフィッシュパスタエヴォーとロザートワインアマロコース

I had been dreaming about Puglia for many years. As a seasoned traveler whose heart was captured by the Mediterranean after living in the region as a child, I felt that a trip to Puglia might finally seal that relationship—and it did. I signed up for three separate days of cooking classes at The Awaiting Table, right in the heart of Lecce’s Centro Storico. Silvestro Silvestri’s programs are so much more than cooking classes. They include visits to the fish and vegetable markets, hands-on cooking instruction, and wonderful opportunities to learn about the character, history, climate, geology, and traditions of Salento. And all of this takes place in a beautifully preserved home dating back to 1049. Each of my three days included time in the kitchen, including making pasta by hand for the first time and mindfully kneading the dough. We then sat together and enjoyed what we had prepared, while sharing conversation with people from around the world. What I especially loved is that you can spend a full day at The Awaiting Table and immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine in a way that a typical two-hour cooking class simply can't offer. Silvestro also offers intensive week-long programs focused on subjects such as sauce-making, the wine harvest, and the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet—including fava beans, bitter greens, and other wonderful local foods. I came to Puglia hoping to deepen my connection with a place I had long dreamed about visiting. The Awaiting Table made that experience even richer. I hope to return for one of the week-long programs next time.

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Fabulous week with Silvestro and 4 new friends. We were enriched culturally as well as in the culinary way. We spent 5 days learning how to make pasta dough, how to create a variety of interesting shapes… and then learned how to make different kinds of wonderful dishes with that pasta. Daily trips to the market were made to purchase fresh produce for the days’ meals of both lunch and dinner. We took excursions to the wine store, cheese shop, butcher, fish monger … to purchase, but also to learn how to source the best… and then how to use those fresh ingredients to make delicious, wholesome meals. Silvestro, as both a wine and olive oil sommelier, taught us how to use, taste, and judge both wines and olive oils. Thank you Silvestro, and “The Awaiting Table” staff who patiently helped to guide us, and clean up after we had all the fun.

Highly recommend - Guide was friendly and knew the area and region well. The walk through Lucce was very nice and we learned about the town and its history. The fish market was second to none. We picked up some amazing local fresh vegetables and bread. While we learned to make several local dishes, we had time to get to know the group. The wine and olive oil with dinner were perfecto!! Amazing experience with food and friends!

Our experience with Silvestro was truly exceptional, surpassing all expectations. We sourced ingredients from local fish and produce markets, crafted fresh pasta, and prepared a variety of dishes featuring the fish, squid, and mussels we acquired. The experience also included a delightful wine and olive oil tasting. To conclude the meal, we were presented with an impressive selection of amaro for a comprehensive tasting digestif sampling. Truly educational and made for an enjoyable, memorable day.

My husband and I were looking to have a memorable experience together during our day trip to Lecce, and to learn more about the region through the universal language of food and drink. Silvestro was extremely knowledgeable and ardent about good food, about rosato, about olive oil (of which learning about blew our minds, by the way) and also about conversing with others. Walking into the school was a dream, too. The place is decorated with great precision and care, and created wonderful ambiance to get lost in for a day. We cannot recommend this course enough; it became a highlight of our trip. (And Shoutout to our team member Leigh, who was also wonderful!) If you’re hoping for an “experience” and to learn loads about southern Italy’s culture from an authentic perspective, look no further. Go have a great time.

I had heard about Awaiting Table from friends who have come several times and raved about the class. It didn't disappoint. If anything it was an even better experience than I imagined. Don't fall for any imitators, this is the original and might I add BEST class and intro to life in Southern Italy you could do. The added bonus that the owner is also a verified wine and olive sommelier makes the experience even greater. Highly recommend!

What a fantastic cultural, historical & culinary experience delivered in a stunning setting in the beautiful Lecce by Silvestro. We started with a wonderful wander around the city & fantastic education on the history and culture of the area, then to fish and fresh food markets. He gave us a great lesson in how to choose seafood, what was local and fresh etc. We then spent a gorgeous afternoon in his fabulous cooking school, prepping, eating, tasting, cooking, more eating. It was way beyond a cooking class and his experiences and passion made the day. We left feeling full in the heads, hearts and tummies.

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I had a wonderful experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable about the region as well as the food and wine. I also enjoyed sharing this class with my family as well as the other attendees from different countries.

Some people teach you a recipe. Other people teach you something about life. Silvestro undoubtedly belongs to that second category. From the first moment I felt that I was not only facing a chef with impressive knowledge and craftsmanship, but above all a man who really lives his profession. You can't just taste his passion in his dishes, you can feel it in every story, in every move, in every choice he makes. I had the privilege of participating in his cooking class, but what may have touched me even more were the moments behind the scenes. Something arose there that went far beyond cooking alone. Two people creating. Two souls who recognize each other in their love of authenticity, simplicity and craft. During our time together we not only made dishes, but also planted a seed. A seed of reciprocity. Of giving and receiving. From inspiration flowing in both directions. What struck me most was the way Silvestro shares his knowledge. Without ego. Unpretentious. With an open heart and a genuine love for his profession. He understands that cooking is not just about ingredients, but about people, stories, memories and connection. Everything he creates bears his signature: pure, honest and lived-in. For me, this meeting was much more than a culinary experience. It was a meeting between two creators who believe that the most beautiful things happen when passion and humanity meet. I'm grateful for everything I've learned from him and even more grateful for the friendship that might grow out of that. Some meetings you don't forget. This was one of those. Jurgen Van Crombrugn

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Sylvestro was a wonderful teacher and conversationalist. He was extremely curious about our backgrounds and had interesting questions for us. We learned how to make pasta and a great deal about olive oil wine that we didn’t know Prior. But it was really just a great day and enjoyed every minute. Would definitely do it again.

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