BRIDGES Centre in Monmouth was the venue for some festive fare recently, when Franco Taruschio and Lindy Wildsmith held their second cookery school there.

The Chef’s Room at Bridges was sold-out for the second time with a course called Italian Christmas. It taught participants how to cook turkey saltimbocca, cavolini di bruxelles fritti and nocelli, among other dishes in preparation for the festive season.

Mark Walton, centre director, said: “Franco and Lindy brought their wealth of knowledge about Italian cuisine to life through their energetic hands-on demonstrations. Everyone who attended was overwhelmed with just how much they learnt and achieved.

“After the participants learnt how to cook these dishes under expert guidance, they all sat down together to taste their success. Tom Innes, from Fingal-Rock wines, gave a very interesting talk on pairing wine with these dishes, offering a glass to taste with their meal.

“We were delighted when a chef of such repute as Franco Taruschio offered to bring his  cookery school to Bridges. He is an inspirational and entertaining teacher and everyone who has attended his cookery schools has been amazed at how much they have learnt.

On Saturday, January 27 the next course will explore how to prepare, fillet and cook Italian fish dishes. For more information or to book, call 01600 710892 or email [email protected] .