Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

The lady who led the class was very lovely and couldn’t have been more empowering. We couldn’t rate our experience higher because of value for price. Although the staff were lovely, the wine tasting was not much of a ‘tasting’. The pasta making also consisted of just making the raw dough. We thought we would make the full dish. The wine tasting ended up providing us with small plates. All in all, we would recommend it for half of the price.

The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish. We were lucky enough to book the experience on a day with no other participants so the pasta making with Yilana felt very cosy and authentic. She taught us how to successfully make pasta dough in a versatile way you can use to make many kinds, and share many stories and tips from the Nonnas! The wine tasting after was a treat, 4 different wines paired perfectly with local dishes, more then enough to fill you out for a meal. The sommelier was very knowledgable and answered all our questions, we even purchased a bottle of Rosé to take back. Thank you so much for making our last day in Lecce so amazing! Couldn’t recommend enough!!

Ylenia is such an exuberant, fun person as well as an excellent teacher. We found her to be very patient and encouraging, teaching slowly and by example until we “got” the techniques down. We first learned how to make the dough and, from that, how to make 3 different pastas. The setting for the class was delightful, at a table in the bistro beside a low open window where passers by could stop and watch our antics. Ylenia clearly loves teaching and cooking and also loves being part of her neighborhood. The time passed quickly and we felt that we at least got the basics down although clearly it takes time and repetition to develop the necessary skills. The second part of the class was wine tasting taught by Ylenia’s partner who described himself as someone who enjoys wine and is knowledgeable rather than an expert. He had an easy way of explaining the different wines, answering our questions comfortably. We tried a white, a rose and two reds which were all wonderful and served, in succession, with a cheese plate, tapas and a meat plate. The food was delicious and we liked the wines enough that we bought several bottles at very reasonable prices. It was quite an enjoyable and informative afternoon spent with very pleasant people in a bright, clean and cheerful bistro. Highly recommended!

We started by making pasta from scratch, and learning how to create three shapes. Ylenia is absolutely wonderful. So friendly! We had a really enjoyable couple of hours. Afterwards, tapas and wine tasting with three wines. The bistro itself is gorgeous, with a great view. Would do this experience again. Thank you!