Paolo Berti Chef
The Innkeeper Paolo
Chef, bartender, and sommelier : I bring Tuscan cuisine directly to your home. Cooking is in my blood. My first encounter with the art of flavor dates back to when I was a child, sitting at the tables of my family's restaurant in the Siena countryside. It was there that I learned, day after day, the secrets of the trade, and it was there that I realized this would be my future. Since then, I've decided to further my education with professional culinary studies, also specializing as a bartender and sommelier .
Over the years, I've gained extensive experience, but my passion for authentic Tuscan cuisine has remained the same. Today, I offer my services as a private chef , available to anyone who wants to make a special occasion special or, perhaps while on vacation, discover the region through its authentic flavors.
My philosophy
For me, home cooking means creating a more intimate connection with those who sit at the table, carefully crafting each dish, and customizing every detail : from the menu to the budget, from the type of event to the location. Depending on your needs, I can offer a variety of settings , from a renovated farmhouse nestled in the Valdichiana countryside to an exclusive terrace overlooking Piazza del Campo .
My dishes are rooted in Tuscan tradition : they convey the warmth of Sunday lunches and a respect for seasonality and the quality of raw ingredients. But alongside these roots, there's also room for creativity : I enjoy experimenting, seeking out new combinations, and playing with flavors and textures in original ways.
Food and cocktails: an unexpected combination
Over the years, I've discovered how interesting it is to pair cocktails with dishes , alongside more classic wines. Tuscan cuisine is historically linked to wine, but especially among younger people, I've seen a growing interest in well-crafted cocktails that enhance every course. Behind the bar at the Gran Bar Prestige in Sinalunga , which I manage with passion, I've learned to recognize people's tastes and create tailor-made pairings.
So, alongside some crostini neri, I might recommend a fragrant Negroni , while with a plate of pici with guanciale and breadcrumbs, the perfect pairing might be a cool Aperol Spritz . As in the world of wine, there are rules and techniques to follow for cocktails too, but what I love most is exploring all the possible combinations to create a complete sensory experience.
For those who love cooking, not just eating
For those visiting Tuscany and wanting to take a piece of our culture home with them, I also offer tailor-made cooking classes , held directly in villas and accommodations. Sharing my passion for Tuscan cuisine is one of the most beautiful gifts I can give: not just techniques and recipes, but also a love for a land rich in history, tradition, and authenticity.
Breakfast Service
Where time stands still and the scent of coffee meets the morning sun, a new day of tranquility, flavor, and Tuscany begins. Begin your day slowly, savoring the morning scents and authentic flavors of my homeland. With my home-delivered breakfast service , I'll bring a genuine and refined awakening to your villa or farmhouse : fresh croissants, artisanal pastries, freshly baked bread, homemade jams, yogurt, seasonal fruit, local cured meats and cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, and freshly brewed coffee .
Whether you're traveling with your family, a group of friends, or guests in a private villa, every breakfast is meticulously prepared with quality ingredients, selected from the finest local producers. Upon request, I can adapt breakfast to my guests' dietary needs: lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free . An authentic way to experience Tuscany... starting from the morning.
Cooking class
Carbonara with courgettes and prawns and Margarita
Garlic Gnocchi and Martini Cocktail
Pici with breadcrumbs and Spritz
Tuscan Black Crostino and Negroni
They say about me
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Gallery
Food is a way of bringing people together and sharing memorable moments.
Here are some of the dishes I made for my clients!
