Cook on the Lakes
Cook on the Lakes
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Cook on the Lakes is an Italian Cooking School on the Lake Maggiore, in the north of Italy. ALL COURSES HAVE HANDS-ON PHILOSOPHY! Every course has its own goals. We'll start to prepare the food all together as a group. We will know the recipes and their history, learn the basic skills, cook them. Usually all the lessons will start in the morning around 9 PM; we will work the whole morning until the food is ready and then we have lunch together; if your partners are around, they can join us for a small fee. When the course is finished, we will take pictures with your Italian cooking diploma and I'll give you a special souvenir to take home. Enjoy the location, totally surrounded by the nature and at the edge of the woods. On warm seasons the vegetables and other natural products will be available from my garden, and from the nearby local market place. If the weather is fine, we'll enjoy the food we cook outside in the garden and in the sun! See you soon!!! Francesca
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
181 reviews
Excellent
179
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Joris D
17 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We very much liked the cooking class we did with Francesca. We prepared some delicious recepties while being surrounded by the beautiful nature of Italy and being guided very professionally by Francesca who is very knowledgeable and willing to explain a lot of background of the Italian cuisine. Francesca made us feel very much at home instantly and by taking this course we really got the insight in the Italian cuisine we were hoping for.
In summary, we would very highly recommend this cooking class to everyone visiting the lago maggiore area (or Italy in general)!
In summary, we would very highly recommend this cooking class to everyone visiting the lago maggiore area (or Italy in general)!
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley H
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Francesca warmly welcomed us into her home and offered us a true Italian culinary experience.
Everything from her cheerful and lively spirit to her cozy kitchen made us feel comfortable. Francesca's homegrown knowledge coupled with her culinary training provided the perfect blend of expertise. She taught us the history and fundamentals of pasta making like a local, while explaining the chemistry in the process - super interesting and helpful tips. After a morning of making and cooking our pasta, we enjoyed eating our delicious creations, which Giovanni paired with beautiful wines from the area.
We could not have had a more enjoyable experience. We highly recommend "Cook on the Lakes" and can’t wait to visit again for another class.
Everything from her cheerful and lively spirit to her cozy kitchen made us feel comfortable. Francesca's homegrown knowledge coupled with her culinary training provided the perfect blend of expertise. She taught us the history and fundamentals of pasta making like a local, while explaining the chemistry in the process - super interesting and helpful tips. After a morning of making and cooking our pasta, we enjoyed eating our delicious creations, which Giovanni paired with beautiful wines from the area.
We could not have had a more enjoyable experience. We highly recommend "Cook on the Lakes" and can’t wait to visit again for another class.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silverwings928
Jacksonville, FL113 contributions
Sep 2021
What a wonderful experience! You must cook with Francesca if you visit the Maggiore area. Francesca was most generous....with her time, expertise, sense of humor, and zest for life. She is passionate about cuisine and sharing her knowledge with students. 4 of us joined her to prepare (and eat!) the Piemontese regonal menu...dishes we would have never attempted on our own before this class. A wonderful time and terrific meal. For a minimal additional cost, Francesca arranged an early-day visit to a local cheeesmonge's caves, where we learned how cheeses are "raised" (by a raffinatore) in preparation for sale at their absolute peak condition. What a bonus that visit was. Francesca's class was the highlight of our trip to Maggiore/Como.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen F
Key West, FL6 contributions
Jul 2023
Fantastic!! On our vacation to Stresa my wife and I spent a day with Francesca, Giovanni and their two little dogs. This was a truly unique experience as they welcome you into their home as guests. The prep and cooking are in Francesca's own kitchen - you don't get more authentic than that! The food was wonderful and her cooking tips and tricks will stay with us forever. She is believes in simplicity and fresh ingredients. Chickpea Farinata, Potato Gnocchi and Panna Cotta for desert - amazing! We enjoyed our meal with Francesca and Giovanni on their porch overlooking the garden. They are truly lovely, genuine people.
Grazie, Francesca and Giovanni!!!
Steve & Adrienne
Grazie, Francesca and Giovanni!!!
Steve & Adrienne
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marzina
4 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
My mum, my sister and I spent a wonderful sunday at Francesca and Giorgio’s house recently, we had a delicious cooking class together. Actually we went with my 4month-daughter too, who has been welcome with open arms. Francesca is a real cooking teacher, she loves her work and she’s able to make you learn easily. We adored their beautiful garden with a gorgeous sinergic vegetable section and obviously the meal we prepared. Giorgio helped us to drink the right wine and not to talk and distract too much.
Although the pandemic time we felt safe, everybody was vaccinated so we could cook open air without masks, keeping correct distance. Price is fair, affordable.
In the end we recommend cookonthelakes to everybody who loves cooking and wants to spend time friendly.
We’ll certainly come back.
Although the pandemic time we felt safe, everybody was vaccinated so we could cook open air without masks, keeping correct distance. Price is fair, affordable.
In the end we recommend cookonthelakes to everybody who loves cooking and wants to spend time friendly.
We’ll certainly come back.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer771535
3 contributions
Jul 2021
There is no doubt that we will go cook with Francesca again!!
We have wanted to cook with Francesca for so long and finally we were able to on our most recent trip. It was worth the wait and everything I had hoped it would be. Francesca explained the process of cooking our menu and she pointed out very important information so that we could prepare the dishes again. Since we took her class we have flown home and actually made everything that we did in class for a dinner party!! Everyone cleaned their bowls and said it was the best pasta dish they had ever eaten!! Francesca's home is very inviting, her garden is spectacular, and everything was perfect! The weather was rainy outside and so cooking inside was perfect. This is most certainly a must do experience.
Our menu was perfect, everything we had hoped to learn and wanted to try!!
Orecchiette home-made from scratch with a fresh tomato sauce and ricotta salata on the top. As aperitivo, focaccia from scratch to have with salumi and cheese from the area and tiramisu for dessert.
We have wanted to cook with Francesca for so long and finally we were able to on our most recent trip. It was worth the wait and everything I had hoped it would be. Francesca explained the process of cooking our menu and she pointed out very important information so that we could prepare the dishes again. Since we took her class we have flown home and actually made everything that we did in class for a dinner party!! Everyone cleaned their bowls and said it was the best pasta dish they had ever eaten!! Francesca's home is very inviting, her garden is spectacular, and everything was perfect! The weather was rainy outside and so cooking inside was perfect. This is most certainly a must do experience.
Our menu was perfect, everything we had hoped to learn and wanted to try!!
Orecchiette home-made from scratch with a fresh tomato sauce and ricotta salata on the top. As aperitivo, focaccia from scratch to have with salumi and cheese from the area and tiramisu for dessert.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harald W
Wessling, Germany3 contributions
Sep 2021
our family had a lovely day with Francesca again.
5 years ago we learned the first time how to make real pasta at Cook on the lakes.
The atmosphere at "cook on the lakes" is very relaxed, the food is delicious.
Francesca is not only an excellent teacher but can also be very entertaining.
Since everybody was vaccinated, Covid was not a topic.
5 years ago we learned the first time how to make real pasta at Cook on the lakes.
The atmosphere at "cook on the lakes" is very relaxed, the food is delicious.
Francesca is not only an excellent teacher but can also be very entertaining.
Since everybody was vaccinated, Covid was not a topic.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Business
We had a FABULOUS day with Francesca with a group of ten clients on one of our small group tours. Her passion for healthy food, for life, and for rewarding living is evident in all she does. GO!! You will never forget Cook on the Lakes and Francesca!!
Written June 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas A
Paris, France1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
My family and I had a wonderful experience cooking and learning from Francesca. We had the chance to choose our menu and she welcomed us in her beautiful garden home. Our menu was a mix of regional specialities including risotto and tiramisu. Francesca shared her recipes and her knowledge about the history of the food. She is a very kind and inspiring chef and we would recommend her class to anyone.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas thank you very much for your review! It was very beautiful to meet all of you and cook together!!
Hope to see you soon again! A big hug!
Francesca
Written May 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriela W
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
I had the most wonderful time learning and cooking with Francesca! She is incredibly welcoming and friendly, and her knowledge of food, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques was presented in such a clear and easy to understand way. Her experience and passion for what she does radiated throughout the day. Enjoying the fruits of our labor at the end was such a treat, and I cannot wait to return for another class! I highly recommend taking the trip up the mountain for a cooking class here, for anyone living in or visiting the area!
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to email Francesca and discuss dates. It does not appear that there are classes scheduled for end of September.
Written July 20, 2016
Thank you Lisa for your prompt answer:))
Hi Grazia, yes of course!
Go to my website and you can find my email!
Thank you for writing!
Francesca
Written July 21, 2016
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