Luca
"I am inspired by the perfect imperfections. I love the colors, shapes, and forms of my ingredients."
Born in Siena and currently living in the medieval town of San Gimignano in the heart of Tuscany, Luca is a true creative. He is a father of two beautiful girls, a seasoned chef, and a professional photographer. Dynamic and endlessly curious, Luca loves traveling the world to discover new cultures, with a special passion for exploring traditional cuisines—particularly after falling in love with the precision of Japanese culinary arts. A drummer since the age of 14, his rhythm extends from the studio right into the kitchen.
With over 20 years of experience as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef in renowned restaurants and hotels, Luca specializes in crafting authentic Italian cuisine blended with innovative modern techniques. His eye for photography naturally crossed over into the culinary world, where he captures the sheer beauty, perfection, and storytelling of food.
Recipes by Luca
Grilled Eggplant Rolls with Ricotta & Tomato Sauce | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Appetizer / Light Main - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 25–30 min, plus final baking until cheese melts. Total: approx...
Maiale Ubriaco: Tuscan Wine-Braised Pork with Grapes | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 8. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 55–60 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 15–20 min.
Tuscan-Style Stuffed Zucchini with Yellow Pepper Sauce | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 45 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 5 min.
Paccheri Pasta with Pistachios, Pancetta & Piave Cheese | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: First Course / Pasta - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 10 min. Cook: according to pasta package, plus 2 min. Total: approx. 25–30 min.
Potato, Mint & Pecorino Tortelli with Fava Beans & Tomatoes | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: First Course / Pasta - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 6. Prep: approx. 45 min. Rest: 15 min. Cook: approx. 30–40 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 30 min–1 hr...
Handmade Cavatelli with Beef Ragù | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Pasta / Main Course - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 30 min. Cook: at least 2 hr 15 min. Total: approx. 2 hr 45 min.
Fresh Fig and Cheese Italian Bruschetta | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Appetizer / Antipasto - Cuisine: Italian, Tuscan; Serves: confirm. Prep: approx. 10 min. Toast: approx. 2–5 min. Total: approx. 15 min.
Tuscan Pork Ribs Recipe: Oven-Roasted Rosticciana | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 10 min. Cook: approx. 35–40 min. Total: approx. 45–50 min.
Italian Béchamel Sauce Recipe: Besciamella for Lasagna | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Sauce - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 5 min. Cook: approx. 15 min. Total: approx. 20 min.
Peposo con Purè di Patate: Tuscan Beef Stew with Herb Mashed Potatoes | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: at least 2 hr 15 min. Total: approx. 2 hr 35 min.
Chicken alla Cacciatora: Italian Chicken Cacciatora with Mashed Potatoes | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 55–60 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 15–20 min.
Italian Eggplant and Potato Vegetarian Meatballs | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Appetizer / Light Main - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 2. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 30–35 min. Total: approx. 50–55 min.
Tuscan Meatballs with Tomato Sauce | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Main Course - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 20 min. Cook: approx. 35–40 min. Total: approx. 55–60 min.
Vegetarian Ragù Recipe: Tuscan Vegetable Ragù | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Sauce / Pasta Sauce - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: not specified. Prep: approx. 10–15 min. Cook: approx. 74 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 25–30 min.
Gelato Recipe: Crema Gelato with Red Berry Sauce | Mama Florence Cooking School
Recipe Card: Dessert Cuisine - Florentine, Italian; Serves: 6, Prep 15 min, Chill 1 hr, Churn 30 min, Sauce 15/20 min. Total: approx. 2 hr 5 min
Gluten-Free Ravioli with Potato Filling | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Pasta / Main Course - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 40 min, Cook: 6 min. Total: approx. 45–50 min.
Chocolate Almond Cantucci Recipe: Tuscan Biscotti | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Dessert / Biscotti - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Makes: 50–60 biscuits. Prep: approx. 25 min, First Bake: 20–25 min, Slice & Second Bake: approx. 15–20 mi...
Stracciatella Gelato Recipe: Classic Italian Chocolate Chip Gelato | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Dessert - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 6. Prep: approx. 10 min, Cook: approx. 5–10 min, Cool: approx. 45 min, Churn: 40 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 40 min–1 h...
Berry Sorbetto Recipe: Italian Berry Sorbet | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Dessert - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 4. Prep: approx. 10 min, Cook: approx. 5–10 min, Cool: approx. 45 min, Churn: approx. 20–30 min. Total: approx. 1 hr...
Italian Pizza Dough Recipe: Fresh Homemade Pizza Dough | Mama Florence Cooking School
Pizza / Main Course - Cuisine: Italian; Serves: 2-4. Prep: approx. 20 min, Rise: 1 hr 30 min-2 hrs, Tomato sauce: 20 min. Total: approx. 1 hr 50 min-2 hrs 20 mi...
Cecina Recipe: Tuscan Chickpea Flatbread with Baked Cherry Tomatoes | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Appetizer / Light Meal - Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian; Serves: 6. Prep: approx. 15 min, Rest: 1 hr, Bake: 20–25 min for Cecina + 30 min tomatoes. Total: app...
Gelato Recipe: Italian Crema Gelato | Mama Florence Cooking School
Recipe Card: Dessert Cuisine - Florentine, Italian; Serves: 6, Prep 15 min, Chill 1 hr, Churn 30 min, Total: approx. 1 hr 45 min
Italian Wine and Peach Sorbet | Mama Florence Cooking School
Recipe Card: Dessert Cuisine - Italian, Serves: 5-10, Prep 15 min, Chill 15-20 mins, Cook / Churn: 25-30 min, Total: 1 hr 5 min
Tortelli di Patate Recipe: Tuscan Potato Tortelli with Butter and Sage Sauce | Mama Florence Cooking School
Course: Pasta Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian Serves: 4; Prep: 15, Cook: 10 min, Total: 25-30 min
Tuscan Country-style Frittata recipe
This rustic recipe for Frittata is simple, rich and healthy.
Spinach and Ricotta-filled Cannelloni with Tomato Sauce
If you love spinach and ricotta filling, try this homemade version of cannelloni!
'Pan di Ramerino': a Tuscan classic
Pan di Ramerino: sweet and savoury deliciousness in a bun!
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
These stuffed zucchini flowers are baked in the oven and perfect for an aperitivo or a full-on meal.
