Tampa's Renaissance Hotel Guests Learn Cooking From Pelagia's Fabrizio Schenardi

Learn professional cooking techniques while under the tutelage of a top-rated executive chef through a newly launched program that combines overnight stays with gourmet cooking classes. Guests who enroll in the "Book to Cook" program will also be able to experience making tasty dishes within a real restaurant kitchen while enjoying overnight accommodations at the tasteful Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.

This insider's approach to culinary instruction is now available exclusively for guests of the Tampa hotel who want to combine cooking classes at PELAGIA Trattoria with luxury accommodations. PELAGIA is the hotel's companion restaurant and is located next door through an adjoining hallway.

PELAGIA's Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi will work side-by-side with individuals, or with up to six hotel guests, to help them prepare a choice of appetizers to entrees. Lessons will cover food selection as well as preparation of fresh produce, seafood and meats. Choices will vary according to availability.

"People who enjoy good food often enjoy learning to prepare some of the same dishes they order while dining at a favorite restaurant. Rather than simply offering them the recipe, we are offering them the opportunity to learn all of the secrets, tips and techniques of the chef who has perfected that very dish or any other recipe they may request," said Darryl McGarity, director of sales and marketing for the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.

"It's not often that a restaurant opens its kitchen to the public. But PELAGIA features an open kitchen which makes it perfect for combining the hotel guest experience with the opportunity to study the art of cooking alongside an acclaimed chef."

Times and dates of the culinary classes are subject to availability of the executive chef and guest preferences. Lessons may be conducted within a single day or over a series of days and times, according to the length of stay and other considerations.

All equipment and food will be provided along with a signature PELAGIA chef jacket that is included in the "Book to Cook" package price. Advance notice is required to coordinate class times, menu items and order supplies.

Rates for "Book to Cook" start at $339 per night for accommodations and a class for one to two people. The package is based on availability and does not include applicable taxes. When booking by phone, the rate code is ESCM; the online reservation code is FML. For hotel bookings or information, call 813-877-9200 or 800-644-2685; for online bookings or information, go www.renaissancetampa.com.

Since opening in 2004, PELAGIA has received critical acclaim from leading national and local and national food critics celebrating its modern Italian cuisine. Honors received by the restaurant include:

7 Zagat Survey 2005 and 2006: America's Top Restaurants

7 Best Local Dining Trends of 2005: PELAGIA Trattoria, "Best Place to Put the Fab Back Into Mediterranean, Starting with Fried Olives," St. Petersburg Times 2006

7 Cover story of January/February 2006 Restaurant Forum Magazine, "New Style Mediterranean." PELAGIA's Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, who was named a Restaurant Forum Top Chef 2005.

7 PELAGIA Blue, signature drink of PELAGIA Trattoria, named 2006 Grand Prize Winner by Hypnotic & Hotel F & B Executive

7 "Best New Restaurant in Hillsborough County," St. Petersburg Times 2005

7 2005 Best of the Bay awards, PELAGIA Trattoria named "Best New Restaurant" and its Caesar Fondue as "Best Salad," Weekly Planet 2005

7 One of Florida's 20 Best New Restaurants for 2005, Florida Trend Magazine 2005

7 "2004's 10 Most Memorable Meals" Tampa Tribune 2005

Tampa Bay musician John Mayeux performs at PELAGIA