Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
September 23, 2025
Italy Culinary Vacations proudly extends Chef Stefano’s expertise beyond private cooking classes and guided tours. Italy Culinary Vacations also offers consulting and training services for culinary professionals. With decades of experience, Chef Stefano helps restaurants and chefs improve menus, refine recipes, and strengthen kitchen skills — all rooted in authentic Italian technique.
Chef Stefano works directly with restaurants to develop or improve Italian menus. From classic regional dishes to modern applications, he helps you build balanced, flavorful menus that customers will love.
Training is hands-on, not classroom theory. Whether you want to improve pasta techniques, sauces, butchery, or ingredient selection, Stefano teaches the “why” behind the method so chefs can reproduce the results consistently.
Consulting and training can be done at your location, at Chef Stefano’s retreat in Italy, or remotely. Programs are customized to your needs, your kitchen, and your goals.
Contact Chef Stefano today to explore how his consultancy and training services can elevate your culinary endeavors and propel your establishment towards culinary excellence.
What a truly magical experience! We decided to open a new concept called Primo Italian Steakhouse in Middletown, O-H-I-O! We searched and found Chef Stefano.
I went there in January and spent 7 days with him at his house up in his little town. We developed a menu that is now my menu here at the restaurant. We wanted to go as authentic as possible and this was truly an eye opener.
From going to town on Monday to get the freshest cuts of pork from the butcher and his family, that were butchering 3 fresh pigs them at they had just got in. They let us observe and pick what we wanted. We also got a huge porterhouse and some really fresh bone marrow — which we used to come up with my osso bucco dish with saffron-bone marrow risotto.
Wednesday we went to the seafood market and picked up fresh Bronzino, mussels, clams, calamari, and the freshest artichokes I have ever seen. Then we came back and made meals in the kitchen and in the wood cooking hearth.
Just the drive from the town to the market was breathtaking.
Stefano was so hospitable and really made me feel comfortable in his house. As well in the community. We had an amazing time. Stefano is now a great friend and I hope to have him here sometime soon.
I will be going back for more menu development for sure in the future. You must make the bolognese sauce. I have made it before plenty of times like I knew how. But his was really really great! He showed me the proper portions of meat, proper techniques. It made it one of my absolute best sellers.
If you have a chance to do this adventure, do not hesitate!
Middletown, Ohio
Italy Culinary Vacations
Piazzetta del Convento 12
47028 Verghereto, FC Italy
4 Days
Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
$4,950
Experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast like never before, with its iconic cliffs, sparkling blue waters, and charming coastal villages. Stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Positano, where you’ll find boutique shops, quaint cafes, and world-class restaurants just a short walk away—truly a dream come true.
Chef Stefano will guide you on scenic tours by boat and car, ensuring you have the best vantage points to soak in the stunning views without any of the stress of navigating. Whether you’re cruising along the coast by boat or exploring hidden gems by car, every moment promises unforgettable experiences in one of Italy’s most elegant locations.
Indulge in the relaxed luxury of the Amalfi Coast, where natural beauty meets authentic Italian charm.
4 Days
Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
$3,500
Immerse yourself in the rich food history of Italy with a journey through the famed “Food Valley.” In Parma, the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, you’ll tour leading producers and taste these iconic delicacies at the source. Discover authentic markets that showcase the region’s best, from fresh local ingredients to artisanal products.
Experience the cultural side of Parma with a night at the renowned Teatro Regio Parma, where you’ll enjoy a world-class opera performance. Continue your culinary adventure in Modena, home of traditional balsamic vinegar. Visit family farms where this precious elixir is crafted, and savor its complex flavors.
For motorsport enthusiasts, explore Italy’s “Motor Valley,” with visits to Ferrari and Lamborghini museums. And for those who are passionate about motorcycles, a special trip to the Ducati Museum in Bologna is available, offering a deep dive into the world of iconic Italian engineering. In Bologna you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Middle Market, sampling authentic Mortadella and other delicacies and find out why this city is known as the Gelato Capital of Italy.
This immersive vacation is a perfect blend of Italy’s culinary treasures and its rich automotive heritage, offering unforgettable experiences for food lovers and adventure seekers alike.
4 Days
Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
$3,000
Get a memorable taste of Tuscany and stay an extra 4 days (3 nights) in the enchanting countryside of this famous Italian region—a tapestry of rolling hills and historic towns. Wander through the stunning landscapes of Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Siena, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Indulge in tastings of world-renowned wines such as Brunello, Chianti, and Montepulciano, accompanied by the finest Extra-Virgin Tuscan Olive Oils and delectable Pecorino cheese from Pienza. Basque in the tranquil beauty of the authenticity of Tuscany where each sip and bite tell a tale of the region’s rich culinary and viticultural heritage.
4 Days
Florence (FLR)
$3,500
Immerse in Florentine splendor with an extra 4 days (3 nights) in Florence, where art and culture come to life. Explore renowned art collections at the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Museum, and Opera del Duomo Museum. Nestled in the heart of the non-touristy city center, indulge in the cozy atmosphere of an ancient B&B just 2 minutes from Palazzo Pitti and 5 minutes from Ponte Vecchio.
Stroll through the captivating neighborhoods of San Frediano and Santo Spirito, discovering hidden gems along the way. Experience the elegance of the city center, treating yourself to Aperitivos and savoring authentic Tuscan cuisine. Let Florence unfold its artistic charm, creating memories that linger long after your journey ends.
4 Days
Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
$3,000
Discover the Pre-Roman era with an extra 4 days (3 nights) in the historic city of Orvieto, and learn about the fascinating Etruscan civilization. Chef Stefano will guide you through the captivating city center of Orvieto, where ancient tales come to life.
Lodge in the heart of this riveting region and savor the authentic flavors of Umbria cuisine. Venture beyond to see Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the ‘ghost town,’ Pitigliano, and the romantic shores of Lake Bolsena. Orvieto will enchant you with its incredible history, cultural treasures, and the warm embrace of Umbria’s culinary delights.
4 Days
Fiumicino (FCO) or Florence (FLR)
$3,500
Experience the history of Italy’s capital by extending your adventure with an extra 4 days (3 nights) in the Eternal City of Rome, where the artistry of painter Caravaggio takes center stage. Explore Musei Capitolini and Villa Borghese, unveiling the masterworks that define his legacy.
Embrace the timeless atmosphere of an ancient hotel, nestled on the historic Fori Imperiali and just a 5-minute stroll from the majestic Colosseo. Discover the heart of the city center, where strolling and shopping are paired with indulgent delights like Cacio e Pepe, Gricia, and Carbonara. Let Rome romance you with its rich history, artistic treasures, and the flavors that define Italian culinary excellence.
4 Days
Venice (VCE)
$3,950
Explore Venetian elegance by adding 4 days (3 nights) to your journey in Venice, where non-touristic wonders await. Delight in authentic Venetian cuisine with a focus on fish at the Rialto Market and indulge in Cicchetti, capturing the essence of local flavors. Surround yourself in the artistry of painters Tintoretto, Giorgione, and Tiziano, discovering the timeless beauty of the city’s cultural tapestry.
Embark on enchanting night boat tours and attend live concerts featuring the classical music of Antonio Vivaldi. Culminate your experience with a gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, savoring the finest culinary creations that Venice has to offer. Let Venice charm you with its unique blend of art, cuisine, and cultural richness, creating picturesque moments along the waterways.