My friend and I were entranced with Puglia, Lecce and The Awaiting Table. The staff were informative, funny, attentive, knowledgeable, interesting and interested in us getting the most out of our experience. It was a wonderful blend of learning to cook regional dishes, learning to appreciate regional wines, experiencing the ancient Baroque architecture and the modern offerings. It was well... More

The Cooking School kitchen table is the focus of the most fascinating week you could ever spend in Lecce Italy. A brilliant team of 4 headed up our unique experience of food, wine, culture, baroque architecture and sights in this region of Puglia. For those of you about to google where Lecce is, it's far down in the stilletto heel... More

I've travelled widely and eagerly, but rarely have I had as rich and enjoyable time as I had at Silvestro Silvestori's Awaiting Table cooking school in Lecce, which was not only an immersion into a cuisine but into a culture and people. Along with his capable, knowledgeable, and endearing staff, my 'class' of three was put through the paces of... More

I attended the Castle Week with friends and had a fantastic experience. I learned a lot from the instruction and hands-on cooking and at the same time had a real vacation -- no washing dishes or setting tables! The accommodations in the Castle were lovely and each lunch and dinner we enjoyed beautifully set tables and wonderful fresh food, delicious... More

The Awaiting Table cooking school at its castle location in Spongano is a great way to immerse yourself in the cultural of Puglia and learn not only how to cook the regional dishes but also about the wines and culture of the area. I went with three friends, stayed one night in Lecca and then was transported to a beautiful... More

This was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about the food and the region. The idea for me was to immerse myself in the food, culture, learn how to cook some dishes, and have a good time on vacation; and, the program accomplished just that for me. I learned how to make my own pasta, and a new appreciation... More

If you like a course that has rigid hours - a morning session and an afternoon session and then you are left up to your own devices then this course is probably not for you. If you want an experience where you are immersed in the town you stay in, learn about the history of Puglia and Italy through food;... More

In early December 2011, I arrived by train in Lecce (Southern Italy) to attend a week long cookery course at ‘The Awaiting Table’. A representative from the school was waiting to meet the train from Rome as promised. The course started as it would go on for the week – with a fantastic icebreaker dinner and excellent wine. Silvestro (owner... More

My sister and I wanted a hands on cooking experience where we could make dishes somewhat different than our everyday food. Awaiting Table is perfect. We used new vegetables in old ways, familiar vegetables in new ways, and variations of our tried-and-true recipes that now will be regulars on our tables. Silvestro opens his home to share his passion for... More