A Taste of Tuscany

A gourmet chef who practices her culinary artistry in the wine-loving region of Tuscany will make a three-day visit to Southern Hills Plantation this week.

Gina Stipo is an Italian-American chef who grew up with an Italian family, learned her trade in New York, Atlanta and Kansas City, Mo., before eventually settling in Siena, a Tuscan hill town. She is nearing the end of her four-month stay in the United States. Her parents currently live in Florida.

While she is here, she will be the teacher during an interactive cooking class, which will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the golf club's Stay and Play Villa.

"When you talk to her over the phone, she has a very warm personality," said Southern Hills lifestyle director Liz Poloney, who booked Stipo. "I am meeting her for the first time (today) and I feel like I know her very well, just from talking to her over the phone."

The phone conversation lasted five minutes.

Stipo is known for her enthusiasm. She has a love for the cuisine and wines of Tuscany and it imbued her so much, she decided to make it her home for most of the year.

She speaks fluent English and Italian and is the author of two regional cookbooks. Much of Tuscany's history and culture are woven into her classes.

All 75 seats have been filled during the three days. Southern Hills members and guests were eligible to RSVP.

"It's just a great event to have here," said Jim Knierim, a member of the Professional Golfers Association who is an instructor at Southern Hills. "We sold out so fast ... within days.

Knierim said he is thrilled the club is offering more than golf. It gives both the county and Southern Hills a lot of positive exposure.

"It shows we're not just offering golf, we're offering a lifestyle of change in Hernando County," he said. "When people think of this area, they think of a small country setting. This helps bring more of a feeling that there's more to do here."

The Stipo-led demonstrations will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.