Head Chef Franca Coletta

I was born in Popoli, a small hill town in Abruzzi east of Rome where my father was also born. My mother was born in a small town in Umbria between Assisi and Perugia.

In Popoli, my grandparents owned a restaurant that had a reputation for the best food in the region. They won several gold medals in culinary competitions for “Spaghetti al Gambero” (spaghetti with crawfish).

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Only the freshest of ingredients are used, many of which are grown on the ranch.

The outdoor kitchen is equipped with a barbecue, a two-burner Wolf cooktop, a wood-burning pizza oven with a torqued chimney and a brick icebox. Wood from the ranch is cut.

Students will sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor with Franca.

Note: Amici Members receive enrollment priority to all Cooking Classes.

 

The kitchen of Casa Subasio has become a center of culinary art in the Santa Clara Valley. After catering several sumptuous events at La Casa Subasio, the Dorsas invited Chef Franca Coletta to use their kitchen as a site for cooking classes.

Each season Franca designs a special menu which she features in her classes. In Spring and Summer, she offers a series of cooking classes here at La Rusticana d’Orsa. Franca shares authentic recipes from her native Tuscany and designs menus that reflect her heritage. The classes present historical and cultural background information, and they offer an opportunity to learn and polish both basic and advanced culinary skills. Students have a chance for some hands on experience. Each session works towards the preparation of a multi-course meal which the class enjoys together at the end of the day. The success of the classes has been remarkable!

Franca offers each class twice during the month to accommodate busy schedules and popular demand. She releases the schedule in January for the sessions that take place in March, April, May, and June. Those with interest should inquire early in order to secure a reservation for Franca’s classes and have an opportunity to enjoy a truly wonderful culinary experience at La Rusticana d’Orsa.

Summer Menu:

• Broccoletti Saltati Con Salsiccie alla Brace – Broccoli Rape with Grilled Sausage
• Crostata Rustica Con Fichi E Crema – Rustic Fig Tart With Crème Fraîche
• Prosciutto, Gorgonzola and Walnut Bundles
• Risotto al Radicchio
• Agnello alla Brace – Grilled Lamb