Just a thought: folks often ask about places to study authentic regional cookery in an English-speaking environment. I went to a week-long class in Orvieto a few years back, arranged by Tasting Places and enjoyed it hugely. Check out their site for numerous classes all around Europe and in Thailand. If you are willing to take a chance, they have great deals on last minute classes. Right now they are featuring a cut-rate deal on a long weekend in Tuscany. I wish I could go!