agical, mythical, mesmerizing Capri! Homer's Ulysses knew this island paradise. Roman emperors built pleasure palaces here. Absolutely one of the most sensuous spots on the face of the earth, this enchanted isle has beguiled travellers — emperors and plebeians alike — for thousands of years. The luminescent Blue Grotto, the landmark Faraglioni rocks, the stunning vista over the Bay of Naples, the lush gardens, the tranquil bays, the historic villas — and the fragrant local cuisine. Capri! Where the sun and the sea and the awe-inspiring sights captivate all who step ashore.
Perched at the heart of the island just a few minutes from Capri's famous square la Piazzetta, the Hotel Villa San Felice epitomizes the simple elegance so typical of Caprese architecture. Graceful arches and soothing colors, a lush garden and picturesque entrance provide a comforting and welcoming atmosphere. (Fine marble and majolica floors, plus decorative elements in hand-made ceramic and wrought iron add the touch of luxury.)
All of the rooms offer a view of the garden and half feature large terraces where you can enjoy breakfast or relax.
Fish and seafood, wild quail, and freshly picked fruits and vegetables provide the basis for Caprese cuisine. When prepared with just the right balance of olive oil, mint, cumin, garlic, basil, parsley, marjoram, onion, wild oregano or hot pepper — depending on the cook's whim —these basic ingredients become masterpieces. The addition of anchovies, capers and olives further enhances this exquisite flavor of Italy.
Some of the dishes you might try, or prepare yourself, while on Capri include linguine drizzled with a rich sauce of grouper and scorpion fish, calamari stuffed with pine nuts and raisins, anchovies marinated in citrus sauce, vermicelli made with a lively sea urchin sauce, or wild quail prepared with pancetta, onions and fresh peas in a white wine sauce. Not to be forgotten is the famous insalata caprese, first introduced in Anacapri in the early 1900's, and prepared by alternating slices of the freshest, whitest mozzarella di bufala cheese and tomatoes. Fresh basil leaves and olive oil provide the finishing touch.
Tucked into an enchanting cove on Capri's southern coast is the Torre Saracena restaurant. Here, Chef Sergio Velino has spent the past quarter of a century turning the simplest and freshest ingredients into works of culinary art. His specialties cover a wide spectrum of Mediterranean and island-inspired dishes, many with a particular emphasis on the succulent seafood plucked daily from the azure waters right outside the door.
Your hands-on cooking course will be led by Chef Sergio in Torre Saracena's kitchen. (Flavor of Italy has chosen this charming location to balance your introduction to Caprese cooking with your desire to enjoy the glorious sun and sea.) As an added bonus, sommeliers will join us to demonstrate which wines best enhance the flavor of your recipes. Each day, students will prepare a full Caprese meal — then sit down to a feast!
Day One
Today you arrive on the island of Capri, settle into your room and take some time to enjoy the fabulous view! Then come along to Torre Saracena for a welcome cocktail with Chef Sergio, who will provide an overview of your week's culinary adventure.
Day Two
We'll start your course with a trip to the local fish market to shop for the catch of the day and other ingredients for this morning's cooking lesson. Today, among other recipes, Chef Sergio will share his secret for
zuppa di pesce. You never knew fish soup could taste quite like this! Sergio will also teach you the basics of cleaning and preparing fish.
Your afternoon is free to relax and roam the island.
Day Three
Your cooking class this morning will focus on
primi piatti, the all-important first course. A particular island specialty is
ravioli Caprese, delicious pasta stuffed with sheep's-milk cheese, and topped with a delectable sauce made from the island-grown Pacchino tomato. Today, we'll be cooking with the cheese that Sergio makes himself!
This afternoon you might want to venture up to Anacapri, the island's second major town. From here you can stroll to the beautiful Villa San Michele, lovingly built by the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe. (His book, The Story of San Michele, is a classic. Munthe, like so many others, came to visit the island and found he couldn't bear to leave.) Both the villa — and the view — are spectacular.
Day Four
Today's lesson in Caprese gastronomy pays special tribute to the Capri sun, which produces some of the most succulent citrus fruits in the entire world. Desserts and liqueurs highlight this morning's class. You might learn to make Lemon Soufflé — with fruit picked right out of the garden. Chef Sergio might demonstrate how to prepare Capri's most famous liqueur,
limoncello, or his signature Mandarin Orange Liqueur — both of which embody the essence of the flavor of Capri.
Spend your afternoon relaxing by the pool, or enjoy a swim in the sea.
Day Five
Today, you will not only learn how to pronounce
gnocchi, but you may just learn how to roll those scrumptious little dumplings. Gnocchi with a light fish or eggplant sauce make a delightful meal. If it's pasta day instead, Chef Sergio may suggest
pasta alla Puttanesca, flavored with the divine little capers that grow on these islands.
Capri is filled with lovely boutiques that feature everything from clothing to jewellry to ceramics and more. Spend your afternoon browsing the shops and purchasing a few gifts.
Day Six
Today the cooking class will be held in the afternoon. This morning for those who are keen to discover the most remote corners of the island, the hotel can arrange your boat transportation, thus allowing you to set off and discover the famous Blue Grotto and more.
This afternoon your chef will concentrate on fish as a main course. Chef Sergio might teach you to make one of his specialties: pesce alla Saracena. This recipe combines the catch of the day with the olives and capers that bring out the finest flavor of the isle. You'll also learn to make flavorful accompaniments to fresh fish.
Day Seven
Your culinary experience comes to an end! Following breakfast on Villa San Felice's lovely terrace and the distribution of course certificates and recipe booklets, you will depart by boat for the mainland.
Six nights double room accommodation with breakfast, five cooking classes, four lunches, two dinners, course certificate, recipe booklet and commemorative hand-painted ceramic platter.
