Dine Online has always held that you don't have to be Italian to cook great Italian food - it's there for everyone. Acceptable ingredients are now easier to come by outside Italy, and of course expertise can be gained for some extent from cookery books. But hands on experience with top Italian chefs and cooks is what really counts. So here is a great opportunity to hone your Italian culinary skills - it just needs a trip down Marylebone Lane...

On the 20th July 2005, La Cucina Caldesi opened its new dedicated kitchen studio, next door to Caffé Caldesi at 118 Marylebone Lane, London W1. This Italian designer kitchen will be available for courses and tailor-made classes on food, wine, art and children’s days. Private dining with a difference will also be offered, where diners can watch the chef prepare their meal. 

Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi have been successfully running cooking classes over the last few years from the kitchens of their two Marylebone Lane restaurant locations, Caldesi Tuscan restaurant and Caffé Caldesi. Due to increasing demand, they decided to open a dedicated school offering the chance to work with professional chefs, wine experts and artists in a state of the art kitchen.

The school is headed by chef patrons and main teachers Giancarlo and Katie, however a team of specialised chefs and food personalities have been invited to run courses throughout the year. All of these courses have been developed to give a hands-on experience and insight into the delectable world of all things Italian, including pasta, seasonal produce, flower arranging, wine tasting and art classes. Tutors include chef/patron of Passione, Gennaro Contaldo; former Head Chef and patron of the Walnut Tree Inn, Franco Taruschio; Stefano Borella, a well known patisserie chef; favourite cookery writers Sophie Grigson, Ursula Ferrigno and Valentina Harris; fresco artist Sarah Hocombe; wine expert Chris Loveday; and Roberto Zaza, Head Barman from The Ritz hotel.

The course programme has been developed to include ongoing certificate courses as well as many evening, half-day and full-day events. All of the courses are open to corporate or private functions, and can be tailor-made to match individual requirements. They have been designed to be great fun - as well as educational - and also provide an unusual way to celebrate a special event, such as a birthday party or hen weekend, or for corporate incentives and team building exercises.