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If you've been to one of our classes or cooking tours, we would love for you to tell us what you thought ! Please don't hesitate in linking below to contact us with your comments. 

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Here are some comments from our customers below :

TUSCANY VILLA COOKING TOUR (MAY 2009) - Nico, Just a quick email to say what a wonderful time Bob & I had at the Villa. Just the right balance of cooking, eating, and time to explore. I can’t recommend it highly enough and have told lots of people already. I know how much effort goes into something appearing to be effortless so thank you again for a wonderful experience. Look forward to catching up as a group soon. Regards…Marion

TUSCANY VILLA COOKING TOUR (MAY 2009) - Dear Belinda and Nico, Just a quick note to say thank you for the wonderful experience I had in San Polo with you and your group. As a complete stranger, from a different continent, I felt included and welcome in every way. I sit and laugh about not being seen as the 5^th wheel and also about convincing me to do the walk down to the bottom of the hill for coffee (even if it was just once) and feeling lucky that I didn’t attempt Cardiac Hill. I did manage to smuggle in all the food products I bought from there, and Thomas and the kids have already enjoyed consuming quite a bit of this. I would definitely consider another cooking tour with you again, so please keep me in mind. I have a few friends who are also now very, very keen. Warm hugs…Julie

TUSCANY VILLA COOKING TOUR (MAY 2009) - Hi Nico, I was just thinking last night I must send you an e-mail thanking you for organizing our very wonderful time spent with you, Belinda, the in-laws, Sergio, Stefano and especially Rauol.  Really enjoyed the cooking classes and have already made a few dishes. Must admit feeling quite flat on my return to Perth.  The location of Villa Fabbroni was truly magical.  Penny and I had a great time visiting the historical towns. Will see if I can twist my husband’s arm to do the Spanish trip. Take care, Ciao ciao…Julie

TUSCANY VILLA COOKING TOUR (MAY 2009) - Nico. Back at work now myself - hard to come back to earth.  Andalusia sounds fantastic!  Glad to hear you and Belinda had a good time. Many thanks for organising the Tuscan tour and for making me feel part of the group.  It was a very memorable experience.  I can't think of anything to suggest about improvement of the Tuscany tour - except perhaps to explain those little cardboard clocks on the windscreen of the hire-car!  Also, having a GPS was a great help. Look forward to the reunion lunch - thanks for that. Cheers…Shaun

TUSCANY VILLA COOKING TOUR (MAY 2009) - Nico, We would like to extend our sincere thanks to you for organising a wonderful cooking experience to Tuscany. The venue and accommodation was fantastic and so fitting for an old region like Tuscany. Our two host chefs were out of this world.  They come with a wealth of experience and were totally unselfish in sharing that experience with all of us. The 8 days was well organised, relaxing and inspiring. We had the time of our lives and it was a very memorable big 50^th birthday present for me! We came home and got right into it - made meat sauce, tomato sauce as well as homemade pasta. Please extend our thanks to Belinda as well. I would highly recommend one of your trips to my friends.  Not sure if Spain is in the budget next year but if we can we will do something similar again. Sincere thanks… Trish & Geoff

"Hi Nico, Thank you for being a wonderful host and making the night an experience I haven’t stopped raving about to my work colleagues and friends.  You will definitely see me back and on more than just once.  I already have captured much interest and we just need to co-ordinate a suitable time.  Once we have decided on our chosen Passion and time I shall be in touch.  Thank you again! Regards, Jeannette"

"Hi Nico, Thankyou so much for a fabulous cooking demonstration / meal, last Friday. Emily and I enjoyed it immensely and yes I have already treated the family to the tortilla espagnola (had to use silver beet instead of English spinach),  Rocket/Pear/Parmesan salad (added chopped walnuts) and Apple Tarte Tatin (sprinkled fresh mint over the top after cooking – unfortunately don’t think I quite nailed the caramel – not “toffee” enough, but fabulously easy to make!! Needless to say the Family was very impressed – Thank You Jennie"

DISCOVER PUGLIA ITALY TOUR (SEPT 2008) - "Buon Giorno Nico, A sincerely HUGE thank you for organising such a spectacular trip to Puglia. I absolutely loved it from start to finish. I have had plenty of friends show a lot of interest in joining you on a future trip to Italy, following my rave reviews. Puglia is indeed a fascinating place and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit the region. You were a terrific host as usual Nico (you've certainly found your calling)- there was a perfect balance between doing things together as a group and having plenty of autonomy to go off an explore individually. Above all, we had heaps of fun! As an aside, I have to say how much I enjoyed Margaret and Libby's company. They added so much to the dynamic of the group and I really got something out of befriending both of them, so thanks for the introduction. Thanks again Nico for a superb trip. Ciao Mandy"

DISCOVER PUGLIA ITALY TOUR (SEPT 2008) - "Welcome back Nico!!! Hope you have recovered or recovering from your tiresome trip. Your patience and constant cheerfulness was really essential for the entire operation. I can’t imagine the amount of accommodation you have to put up with all our requests and the unexpected bout of illnesses that sprung. Hope you weren’t too crooked to celebrate your parent’s anniversary. All my friends, including myself of course, had a really great time in your company and all in the group. It was just wonderful to be amongst of strangers-turn-friends in such a short time. We thoroughly enjoyed the fun and free spirited company in the group. It’s definitely an experience which I would recommend to all my acquaintances! Jen and I have been exchanging emails since our return and we’re already talking / planning a reunion at her house. It will be great for all of us to bring our albums and exchange some photos.  We’re really looking forward to that! Grazie Mille!!! Arriverderci! Ciao, Eileen"

DISCOVER PUGLIA ITALY TOUR (SEPT 2008) - "Ciao Nico, Great to hear you are back safely! I am catching up with Eileen and Yvonne for dinner on Thursday night to swap photos and stories. John and I had an absolute ball on the trip and have been singing your praises all over town. You may have some starters here for the Tuscany trip! Couldn't fault anything. Amazing food, wine, scenery and a really good group of people. We likened going with you like going with a friend who has done the trip and knows the language. None of the ridgity of a bus tour but with a trip with some structure and much needed guidance. Loved the independence of the car, coming together with the group and the non stop suggestions from you as to possible 'treks'. Nico you did a fantasic job and we loved your company. Looking forward to catching up as soon as everyone is able. Favourite day was the trip to Otranto and to the point. Best meal. The first one in Orsara di Puglia with Alfredo and Lucia. Jenny"

"Hello Nico, I am responding to this email just to let you know how delighted I am with your cook book. I am usually the kind of person who will buy a cook book, look at it and not feel terribly inspired to try the recipes. However, with your book, I have made so many dishes from it. They are so easy, and fuss free. I have invited people over for dinner and used your recipes. I usually panic and don't feel too confident in what I produce but with your book, I had no problems working out what I would make and the panic factor was not there. Most items could be prepared in advance and I actually enjoyed the preparation as well as the end results. I have received lots of positive comments about how lovely the meals have been. Thank you, I have been inspired. Please contact me when you have a new cook book in print because I want to buy it. Regards, Barbara"

"Dear Nico and Belinda, Thank you both so much for a wonderful evening last night, it couldn't have been better. We all managed to keep the suprise from Doreen and the atmosphere and ambience of the whole evening was perfect. Your passion for food was evident and everything you cooked for us was a delight, even the experts amongst us learnt some new tricks. Thanks again for making it so perfect and I'm sure you'll be seeing us again in the not-too-distant future! Best wishes, Steve"

"Dear Nico, Just a quick note.... after doing your 'Favourites' class last week, you have re-enthused my passion for cooking and entertaining. I have been rather slack of late, but now feel totally inspired to get cooking for my friends from your fabulous book. I have studied it from cover to cover and just love it, this weekend alone I have made the red emperor, banana tart tatin, ceasar salad and the spring roll mix in a bowl (i used the same filling and made them up as rice paper rolls). I also hit the asian grocery store to stock up !! My family are loving it - all thanks to you. Cheers, Nerida"

"Hi Nico, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed last night's class - its certainly better watching rather than reading and definitely nice having someone cook for me for a change. Looking forward to trying it out on my parents tonight and also my friend and I plan on having a joint Gourmet BBQ for our friends next month. Hope to see you again on the Moroccan Passions course. Cheers, Natasha"

"Hi Nico,Thanks for a great evening, it was so nice to learn how to do those dishes, enjoy the tasty beautiful food and not have to wash up (thanks to your lovely wife). Best wishes, Austin"

"Hi Nico, Just a line to say how much we enjoyed your Passions evening. The recipes have been a great hit with the family and I appreciate how quick and easy they are to whip up. All the best... Lou and Miriam"

"G'day Nico. Can you believe it? I made a Caesar salad for 20 for a family function on Saturday night. The whole family nearly died of shock! First thing I've ever done. Thanks again, I had a great time. Cheers, Mike."

"Hi Nico, We all had a fabulous time on Thursday, thank you. The class was so interesting and entertaining and all the recipes delicious. We tried out the Tiger Prawns and the Smashed Potatoes on Sat night for some friends and they were very successful! And so easy to do which was great. We are both keen to do the BBQ class now. I will definitely be recommending your classes to other friends and family and I'll look forward to coming to another class sometime soon. Kind regards, Sarah T"

TUSCAN SPECIAL EVENT CLASS (Jan '08) - "Buon giorno, Thank you Nico for bringing Tuscany to me, I absolutely loved the cooking class with Stefano and Sergio. We cooked so many dishes, learnt so much and ate till I thought I would burst! I pity those people who missed out on the experience. Tell the boys I would love to visit their restaurant in Tuscany and would recommend it to any of my family and friends who are travelling to Italy... Sarah F"

TUSCAN SPECIAL EVENT CLASS (Jan '08) - "Hi Nico, Thank you for having my mum and I on Tuesday night, we absolutely loved it and Sergio and Stefano were just wonderful. My mum said it was the best birthday present ever!! I'm just sorry that my tummy wasn't big enough to eat everything on my plate, but it was all divine and I'm really looking forward to making some pasta and having a go at my own little tuscan passion! Thank you again, I will definitely be coming again, and hope that Sergio and Stefano come back sometime for another class! Cheers, Sian"

TUSCAN SPECIAL EVENT CLASS (Jan '08) - "Hi Nico, Thank you for organising last night it was sensational.  I wish you luck for the next 2 sessions.  It was such a lovely experience to have a slice of Italy in our "quiet Perth town".  The guys were terrific - although it all happened so quickly I managed to learn so many cooking tips. I have told at least 20 people how great the night was and have given them all your web address so I am sure that has taken a few more hits today. Thanks again to you and Belinda for the opportunity to be part of your culinary sensations. Kind Regards, Trudi"

TUSCAN SPECIAL EVENT CLASS (Jan '08) - "Buongiorno a voi, come pure... Have just finished telling the 'girls' in the office that I absolutely loved the class.  Oh my gosh, Sergio and Stefano were just delightful, could have listened to them all night.  I thought the cooking demonstration was fabulous, some great tips and I am going to completely overhaul the 'ol spag bol from now on!!  Loved it Nico, as usual a great evening. Thanks so much e un grande grazie a Sergio e Stefano! Regards, Jo"

"Hello Nico, Congratulations on your new cookbook "Food for Friends"!  It is a beautiful book. The recipes, as always, are precise and easy to understand and the prepared dishes really do look as good as the photos. Now it is a question of what I am going to cook next - Italian, Spanish or maybe Moroccan??? Judith"

"Nico, I've been meaning to drop you a quick email for a few months to let you know after attending my second Cooking Passions class I had enough confidence to hold my first dinner party and it was a complete success. My guests kept raving about the food so thank you for providing the guidance and great recipes!"... Yvonne"

"Hi Nico, I recently attended one of your "Dressed to Grill" BBQ Passions classes (July). I've been successfully preparing 'fish parcels' ever since! Many, MANY thanks for giving me the confidence to serve fish at dinner parties (oh so easy and succulent!). It has been a hit!...Hazel"

"Hi Nico, My mum and I had the best time last night! Thanks a million - the class was excellent. The food was amazing and we can't wait to replicate the dishes. We'll definitely be coming to more and maybe even the Bali or Italy trip next year. Thanks again" ...Claire and Carole"

"Hi Nico, Thankyou so much for another enjoyable cooking class. Your classes are great - combining informative and interesting with a real comfortable homey feeling... Lorna"

"Hi Nico, Thanks again for a great class last night, we enjoyed it very much.  The Indian class was a perfect one for winter, and the flavours and aromas were amazing. I have been to another class with someone else in the past and the professionalism doesn't compare to yours and that of "Urban Provider". We look forward to coming to another class soon... Natasha"

"I would just like to say that your Italian Food and Wine night was absolutely fabulous.  I frequently visit Margaret River to fill my wine rack, but the wine supplied at your class was so much better than anything I have tasted at Margaret River. Also the food was better than anything I've tasted at restaurants and I was surprised at how easy it was for you to cook.  Soon I will attempt to cook this myself. Your class was so good that I would happily recommend it to anyone and I will definitely be coming to another class soon...Desiree"

"Hi Nico!!...Wow, what a night!  I have been raving about it all day, telling who ever will listen.  I've passed your business card on to several others and have already asked a couple of friends if they would be interested in a night at your place.The food was wonderful, the whole package was sensational. Thank you Nico, you deserve every success!Looking forward to another magnificent night at 'Urban Provider'...Jenny"

"Just wanted to let you know the family have been enjoying some wondderful bbqs on Sunday, cooked by Richard. The potatoes especially are addictive ( I'm sure not so good for the waist). Congratulations - after 26 years of marriage, I've finally been able to sit and enjoy a meal I haven't cooked. I still get the job of shopping for it though. I'm wondering what Richard will like to tackle next, as he is genuinely enjoying the results of his efforts - and the compliments. Cheers... Lilian"

"Just like to say thank you for a wonderful night last Thursday.  We all had a great time especially Michelle; we gave her the gift voucher for her birthday.  I thought your class was terrific and being a small group we all got to meet on another and join in.  The food was delicious and very easy to follow recipes.   You made it a very relaxing evening it definitely is on the must do again list ...Thanks again, Chris"

"Dear Nico, A bunch of 'life experienced' women from work, and their partners, went down to Margaret River on 29th and 30th July  to enjoy a 'Margaret River Cooking Passions' weekend that had been recommended by another source.  I have to tell you that the extent of our experience was that one member of our team (12 in total) had experienced your cooking extravaganza in Leederville and found it to be a great night... Some of us were very skeptical!

It is at that point that we want to thank you wholeheartedly.  The Venue, being the Redgate Beach Escape, Margaret River, was a backdrop to die for; the cooking team who were great entertaining company; and the Spanish Cuisine and wines were a pleasure within themselves.  You created an ambiance that will be difficult to match!   To paint the picture, sitting with the ocean as a backdrop, candlelit delectable Spanish dinners, fantastic company and great wines.

Your team created a comfortable environment that should be congratulated.  You not only simplified the learning experience with your hassle free and easy to follow instructions for cooking recipes.  You also created the meal of a lifetime that we can easily adapt to all our busy lifestyles.  You created a weekend for the team that we won't forget in a long time!   It was a complete get away package!

Well done, and I can promise that the general consensus from 'the team' is that we will all be participating in future dinners with Nico's cooking passions crew again.   It was a very personable experience that we all wish to do again, which says a lot when it comes from very life experienced people who bloody hate cooking!

Thanks Nico and your team - Sorry, but we'll be back!

Kind regards,
29 and 30th July 2006...Julie and Charlie; Marina and Darren; Jae; Rhonda and Peter; Sherril; Mary and Paul; Audrey and Geoff"
 

"Thank you for the class on Tuesday evening.  The response from both my colleagues and our clients was very, very positive. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, your wonderful personality, delicious menu and the delightful company of your wife. Urban Provider certainly provides the ambience and atmosphere which suits our clients and colleagues  requirements."

"On behalf of my wife and I, I'd like to sincerely thank you for a wonderful evening at your Gourmet BBQ Passion class. The class was a gift from my wife, to which I approached with trepidation. Knowing that many cooking classes can borderline on sterile (and in some cases can be uncomfortably confronting), my expectations were low. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. Keep up the good work, and we hope to join you for another class soon."

"Our school has just had a 'healthy eating morning' which involved quite a number of us coming up with healthy recipes for cakes, slices, muffins, etc. We then had to cook enough for all the students and parents to have a taste test. I made three batches of your Sweet Potato Frittata (from your 'Sex & The City' Passion) cut it into teeny tiny pieces and between the 250 kids and the adults there was not a piece left and they all declared it one of the best things on offer!"

"Thanks for another wonderful evening of taste sensations... that I too can cook!"

"Just wanted to thank you for an excellent night on Tuesday night! Everyone really enjoyed it and said it was great value for money and that the food was delicious. I think the Tapas Passion is my favourite to date.  Well done on such a professional operation - you are very consistent, great atmosphere and quality food and its great the way you are so relaxed and can put up with a raucous group. I think everyone appreciates that it is a very relaxed and casual atmosphere and that you are not too school teacherish with your cooking tips and really go with the flow."

"Tony and I attended Vito's Seafood Passion a couple of Friday's ago and we had a great time, last Sunday we cooked the 3 courses just as you did and they came out great, our wives are still in shock!!!"

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