Valentina is the noted UK based authority on Italian food and food culture. Descended from the noble Renaissance family of Sforza, Valentina is the youngest of a large Anglo-Italian family. Her education began at the St George’s International School in Rome. After qualifying with 2 diplomas for teaching and cooking at the Scuola di Alta Cucina Cordon Bleu in Rome, in 1976 Valentina moved to London and began to work as a private chef and in a variety of different restaurants and situations.

With more than 30 books on her favourite subject of Italian food now published, and several TV and radio appearances worldwide, Valentina is an experienced and highly qualified teacher.  Her many years of experience have led her to expand her skills in the organisation and production of larger scale cookery events, private catering and culinary adventures on a huge scale.

Valentina’s philosophy is to source the best available local, seasonal ingredients and then do as little as possible to them to create food that is authentic, honest and appealing.