Tampa, FL – Learn professional cooking techniques while under the tutelage of a top-rated executive chef through a newly launched program that combines overnight stays with gourmet cooking classes. Guests who enroll in the “Book to Cook” program will also be able to experience making tasty dishes within a real restaurant kitchen while enjoying overnight accommodations at the tasteful Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.
This insider’s approach to culinary instruction is now available exclusively for guests of the Tampa hotel who want to combine cooking classes at PELAGIA Trattoria with luxury accommodations. PELAGIA is the hotel’s companion restaurant and is located next door through an adjoining hallway.
PELAGIA’s Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi will work side-by-side with individuals, or with up to six hotel guests, to help them prepare a choice of appetizers to entrees. Lessons will cover food selection as well as preparation of fresh produce, seafood and meats. Choices will vary according to availability.
“People who enjoy good food often enjoy learning to prepare some of the same dishes they order while dining at a favorite restaurant. Rather than simply offering them the recipe, we are offering them the opportunity to learn all of the secrets, tips and techniques of the chef who has perfected that very dish or any other recipe they may request,” said Darryl McGarity, director of sales and marketing for the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.
“It’s not often that a restaurant opens its kitchen to the public. But PELAGIA features an open kitchen which makes it perfect for combining the hotel guest experience with the opportunity to study the art of cooking alongside an acclaimed chef.”
Times and dates of the culinary classes are subject to availability of the executive chef and guest preferences. Lessons may be conducted within a single day or over a series of days and times, according to the length of stay and other considerations.
All equipment and food will be provided along with a signature PELAGIA chef jacket that is included in the “Book to Cook” package price. Advance notice is required to coordinate class times, menu items and order supplies.
Rates for “Book to Cook” start at $339 per night for accommodations and a class for one to two people. The package is based on availability and does not include applicable taxes. When booking by phone, the rate code is ESCM; the online reservation code is FML. For hotel bookings or information, call 813-877-9200 or 800-644-2685;
Since opening in 2004, PELAGIA has received critical acclaim from leading national and local and national food critics celebrating its modern Italian cuisine.
Tampa Bay musician John Mayeux performs at PELAGIA 6 - 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the 152-seat restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor seating. In 2005, the restaurant launched its own private label PELAGIA wines produced in partnership with winemaker Bruno Lafon, owner of the Domaine Magellan winery located in France.
PELAGIA Trattoria is located at 4200 Jim Walter Blvd. (or 2223 N. West Shore Blvd.), next to the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza, Tampa, FL. For restaurant information, call 813-313-3235 or go to www.pelagiatrattoria.com.
Media contact for information, images or interviews:
Mary Lou Janson, (813) 251-5737, (office), (813) 361-1061 (cell), mary_lou_j@hotmail.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers and golf courses. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had approximately 143,000 employees at 2005 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2005, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $11.6 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
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