Fun Dining
The Creative Potential of Plant-Based Cuisine
25 March 2026
At 18-22
Villa Sambuca, Toscana, Livorno (LI), IT
Teacher:
Simone Cipriani
Born in Livorno, Simone discovered his passion for cooking early on, inspired by his restaurateur father.
After training in top Italian kitchens, he explored Michelin-starred restaurants, global cuisines, and television programs—always guided by one principle: respect—for ingredients, people, and the planet.
In 2018, Food & Wine named him one of Italy’s most influential under-35 chefs. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Der Feinschmecker, Gambero Rosso, and more.
At Valle Benedetta Retreat Center, Simone curates the gastronomic vision of our restaurant:
an ethical, plant-based cuisine that nurtures wellbeing, celebrates seasonality, and honors the earth.
More info:
25 March 2026
At 18-22
Villa Sambuca, Toscana, Livorno (LI), IT
Language: Italian
Accessible to everyone
Included:
Dinner
Handouts
Create gourmet dishes with simple techniques
This course explores the creative power of plant-based cooking.
After a brief introduction on the benefits of a plant-based diet and the global impact of our food choices, we’ll dive into the endless possibilities offered by vegetables, legumes, and grains to create gourmet, eye-catching dishes — with just a few simple steps.
Discover how to transform humble ingredients into impressive creations.
Who is this course for
This course is perfect for those who:
- Are open to experimentation in the kitchen
- Want to create vegetable-based menus at home but don’t know where to start
- Wish to learn presentation and plating techniques
- Want to surprise their guests with creative gourmet plant-based dishes
What you will learn
- The benefits of a plant-based diet
- The global impact of our food choices
- The infinite potential of vegetables, legumes, and grains
- Simple techniques for creating gourmet, impactful dishes
- The art of creative plating
What you will take home
Each participant will receive handouts with the recipes prepared during the course.
At the end, everyone will have the chance to plate their own dish using their creativity.
You’ll go home with a new awareness and the skills to design your own plant-based menu — with joy and freedom.
The other courses of the cycle
Naturally vegan
Traditional Italian Cuisine, Naturally Plant-Based
11 March 2026
Simone Cipriani
Rediscover the roots of our regional cuisine and its naturally vegan dishes. In this course, you’ll learn how to creatively and simply reinterpret traditional Italian gastronomy in a plant-based way.
The vegan pantry
Learn the Basics of Plant-Based Cooking
25 February 2026
Simone Cipriani
A practical introduction to vegan cooking — exploring ingredients, plant-based alternatives, and DIY essentials.
Learn how to create healthy, satisfying, and sustainable dishes — no prior experience needed.