Old Vicarage Cooking School

The Old Vicarage Cooking School by Jonas Schäfer is nestled in the heart of our charming Transylvanian village, within the historic courtyard of the old vicarage.

Chef Jonas, alongside a remarkable lineup of Romanian and international guest chefs, is eager to share their culinary vision, expertise in local ingredients, and the stories behind their favorite dishes.

Enhance your cooking skills in a stunning professional kitchen, creating delicious dishes while enjoying a fun and immersive experience with fellow food and wine enthusiasts.

Here is a list of some of the workshops we can organize for you at Valea Verde

Transylvanian farm to table cooking experience

During this immersive four-hour course, you’ll learn to recreate the beloved Valea Verde Classics under the guidance of Chef Jonas. You’ll prepare an Amuse-Bouche, a Starter, a Soup, a Main Course, and a Dessert. Beyond mastering these dishes, you’ll gain valuable insights into the culinary philosophy that defines Valea Verde Restaurant.

All about truffles

In this immersive four-hour course, Chef Jonas Schäfer will introduce you to the “black gold” of the Transylvanian forest – the black truffle! Discover how to properly store, clean, and prepare Burgundy, Périgord, and Brumale truffles in various ways. Beyond mastering these techniques, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the culinary philosophy of Valea Verde Restaurant—all while enjoying a fun and interactive experience.

Spring foraging

In this five-hour course, Chef Jonas Schäfer will guide you through the first fresh greens of the Transylvanian wilderness. Learn how to forage for these seasonal treasures, craft vibrant salads, cook flavorful soups, prepare homemade ravioli with green fillings, create your pesto, and even pickle some for your pantry. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the culinary philosophy of Valea Verde Restaurant—all while enjoying a fun and hands-on experience.

Sausages, rillettes and pates

In this four-hour course, Chef Jonas Schäfer will guide you through the art of making sausages, rillettes, and pâtés. From scratch, you’ll create three distinct fresh sausages using pork, game, and fish alongside a rich and velvety chicken liver pâté and a flavorful pork rillette. Experience the depth of these traditional delicacies while gaining insight into the culinary philosophy of Valea Verde Restaurant—all in a fun and hands-on setting.

All about preserving

In this four-hour course, Chef Jonas Schäfer will introduce you to traditional Transylvanian methods of preserving the rich bounty from our gardens. You’ll grill and sauté the freshest local tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and eggplants to create delicious zacuscă and eggplant salad, as well as pickle green tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkin. Along the way, you’ll gain a deep insight into the culinary philosophy of Valea Verde Restaurant—all while enjoying a fun and hands-on experience.

French classics

In this five-hour course, Chef Jonas Schäfer will guide you through some of the most iconic classic French dishes. You’ll learn the fundamentals of making stocks, sauces, and the rich demi-glace, then put your skills to the test by preparing a four-course meal featuring French onion soup, duck, steak frites with sauce Béarnaise, and crêpes Suzette. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Valea Verde Restaurant’s culinary philosophy — all while enjoying a fun and immersive cooking experience.

Coporate & Incentive days

Immerse your team in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at The Old Vicarage Cooking School by Jonas Schäfer. Strengthen collaboration and creativity as colleagues cook together, fostering teamwork in a fun and engaging environment. Discover the joy of shared experiences, learn new skills, and create lasting memories in a dynamic and inspiring setting.