If there's one thing you absolutely must do in Puglia, it's attending one of Awaiting Table's…read morecourses with Silvestro. You will learn so much about Pugliese cuisine, Italy's history and culture, wine, olive oil, and literally anything that comes up in conversation with whomever else is taking the course with you. Silvestro's knowledge from decades of studying wine and olive oil and overall curiosity of the world makes him a wealth of knowledge. This was far and away the most fun, interesting, and engaging experience we had in all of Italy; our next visit to the country will be centered around taking another course here!

We just returned from an extraordinary week in Lecce with Silvestro at The Awaiting Table, and I…read morecan honestly say it was one of the most memorable and enriching travel experiences we've ever had. We first met Silvestro during a one-day class back in October 2021 as part of a Puglia food tour. Even then, we were blown away by his depth of knowledge, his passion for Salento's culinary traditions, and the way he paired incredible food with exceptional local wines. That brief introduction left a lasting impression--so much so that we knew we had to return for the full week-long experience. This time, we brought friends along, and it exceeded every expectation. Silvestro, along with his lovely assistants Anna and Antonella, are deeply devoted to the food, wine, culture, and history of Salento. What makes this course so special is how immersive and personal it feels. Each day included a morning visit to the markets--sometimes the fishmonger, a local butcher, or a charming wine shop--followed by hands-on cooking sessions where we learned to handcraft various regional pasta shapes, work with wild greens (and learn about the surprisingly political nature of them!), and cook traditional dishes with care and purpose. The days were long but joyful, with lunch and dinner prepared and enjoyed together, always with a thoughtfully paired local wine. We cooked, laughed, learned, and feasted--often finishing close to midnight, happily full and completely satisfied. Conversations flowed just as easily as the wine: from the nuances of olive oil and amari, to the complexities of wine classification, to the art of Salento coffee and gelato. Silvestro is witty, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you're an accomplished cook or an enthusiastic beginner, you'll feel at home in his kitchen. One of the unexpected highlights was the camaraderie among the guests. Despite our varied cooking backgrounds, we all clicked and have become great friends. Sharing the joy of cooking and discovery in such an intimate setting really brought us together. I returned home with five bottles of Silvestro's exquisite house-made olive oil--both a delicious souvenir and a way to keep the memories of this brilliant week alive. If you're even remotely interested in Italian cooking, culture, or just having an unforgettable travel experience, The Awaiting Table is not to be missed.