However I felt compelled to comment because I think the reply to this Convivio Rome review is disgusting (By Sally & Gudio – although I think they mean Guido).

It all smacks of ‘Well it’s YOUR fault you didn’t choose another week / think Pesto is interesting enough / don’t understand Italian paring knives / were ‘in a hurry that day’.

What nonsense – whatever happened to the customer being right? Get off your high horse and accept some criticism!!

I must just correct you about your comment on one of the types of knives we used, not steak knives at all, but special Italian paring knives, available locally and stocked by Italian delicatessens overseas especially for homesick Italians!
It can be confusing for non Italians.

I was surprised you were upset by our daughter handling the pasta. She had of course washed her hands, and it had already been well kneaded and handled by others, including yourself, during the making process. It has to be, to achieve the correct results.

You are lucky to be so familiar with the making of pesto, so many people aren’t, and few know Guido’s grandmother’s recipe. We like to cook simple good food in the traditional Italian way. Simplicity allows you to fine tune your super fresh ingredients and to obtain a symphony of flavours. This is precisely what makes Italian food great. For authentic Italian cuisine you need knowledge, experience, passion and love for food. This is what we share in our classes.
 
We also love showing people our ancient fruit and vegetable markets in Rome, of which we are very proud, especially exploring the hidden back streets and always taking as much time as we can. The length of our tour of Rome varies with the wishes of the guests and often lasts many hours. Life is slow here, but maybe you were in a hurry that day.
 
In answer to your astonishment that your husband was charged for staying the night, that was an unjustified criticism. As we told you when you first enquired, Convivio Rome does not own accommodation, but must rent it as required from local owners, and pay the rates they charge. The money goes straight to them. We have no right to give it away!

I am so glad you enjoyed the wine tasting evening. We always make a real effort to introduce high quality Italian wines to go with the carefully selected, locally produced food. I remember you told your husband at the end of the wine tasting evening that it ‘was really worth it’

I hope you enjoy your future travels and that you gained some insight from your various Italian cooking holidays.
 
With best wishes
Sally & Guido – Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holidays