Mama Florence Cooking Classes & Events — Local services in Florence

I did a gluten free cooking lesson with my 2 gluten intolerant daughters in July and it was so very disappointing and grossly overpriced. Firstly it was more of a demonstration than a cooking class. There were 9 participants and we collectively worked on one thing at a time, as such there were 8 people watching and one person doing something. Following on from this was a serious lack of food hygiene, participants that arrived late did not wash their hands before mixing food with their hand (ie meatball mince mixed by hand) and other participants playing with their hair multiple times whilst hand shaping gnocchi that we all communally ate. I asked about the gluten free flour mix and was told it was just a general gluten free flour mix despite the website saying they do not use premixes, we were not told any quantities for the ingedients when we asked as the chef said we would get the recipes after. The chef asked us to identify the herbs in her hand and I identified the sage and she told me to not answer anymore - clearly upset thinking nobody would know what it was. It really was aimed at basic cooks. The only recipes provided was a website link to gluten based recipes. We were not shown how to finish the dishes instead told to go and look at the vegetable garden, then the wine “pairing” was one glass of Prosecco and then one glass of red because red goes better with red meat. This was really aimed at people who do not cook or know anything about wine. It is the most expensive course in Florence and the worst. There is a much better option at the markets, individualised cooking stations. I really do not recommend.

As a response to the business - you already have this information and have not responded. I did not receive any phone calls from you. I had no missed calls despite providing two active phone numbers.

If my motive was a refund I would have pursued your business rather than write a frank review. I still await the recipes that were promised and that I subsequently requested, and despite acknowledging here that you have my email address you still have not provided these recipes. Nor have you specified what gf flour mix you recommend.

What is most puzzling is why you imply I am being underhanded and seeking money yet mention I am good natured and made the best of a bad situation and was enjoying the company of my daughters, engaging with other guests despite the poor experience you provided. That should indicate to you that I am exactly the kind of person you would like as a repeat customer, rather than someone you should accuse of seeking money. I have not asked for a refund and am simply highly disappointed you wasted a significant amount of my time when I was in my favourite city. Please note it is against EU law to advertise services that you do...

Can I give less than 1 star. Had to cancel trip due to broken foot, contacted MaMa Florence 4 weeks prior to date, and was told they will only return 20% of money. They state they are booked 3 months out but can't rebook the open slots 4 weeks ahead of time. How does that make sense, if you're that busy and successful their shouldn't be an issue with a refund!!We paid 343.00 euro/2 people. They are keeping 282.40 euro with the chance to rebook class, for a total of 625/euro which is nearly $700! They have showed no empathy. Our travel coordinator was offered the 80% towards another client so either he is out the 282.40 or we are. And why would he re-book with this company that has such a horrible refund policy and they refuse to budge. There are many cooking schools to choose from in Florence Italy, Stay away from this one,

Yes, I did threaten to post a bad review because with 4 weeks notice of cancellation and your own self proclaimation of being so busy that you are booking 3 months out, I don't think a voucher is a sufficient solution, since I don't know when we will able to rebook. AND your company still has 80% of our money lining your pockets, AND the opportunity to re-book the slot for full price, which again, you are so busy there should be no issue in your recouping our booking. It seems to me that Greed is the basis of your policy, since your policy also states it won't hold a booking until you receive your money first, which is then held onto with tight fists. Your customer service has been horrendous along with lack of compassion. Every other tour and company that we have had to cancel in Italy has been the epitome of the charm and grace that the Italians are so well know for, with exception of you and your company. We have received a 100% refund from everyone EXCEPT THIS COMPANY! So if my review could potentially save just 2 people from my experience this bad review is...

MaMa Florence is an incredible food and social experience, and was perhaps my favorite activity that I've ever done abroad anywhere! My husband and I are here in Florence for a Babymoon, and it has been the highlight of our whole trip. We walked out of there feeling energized, happy, and inspired by the techniques we learned, what we ate, and who we met.

We did the 3.5 hour pasta-making course starting at 10am led by the lovely and brilliant Elena. There were about 16 people in the class, and together, all the food preparation for a 4 course meal went very quickly. We prepared a cherry panna cotta, 2 types of pasta (one with butter sauce, one in a ragu), and a bruschetta-like appetizer with tomatoes, cucumbers, toasted bread, and balsamic.

Making the pasta was the best part (apart from eating it all, of course!). Very do-able for any level and is a new skill to take home with you. Needless to say, I immediately went to Amazon and purchased a pasta maker! Thank you Elena and team for helping us experience authentic Florentine cooking and for being AWESOME!...