La Mia Toscana, the 2026 edition of AUF’s TuttoToscana Study Away Program, brings Tuscan culinary heritage to New York City through a series of immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The program is offered by The American University of Florence’s Apicius School of Hospitality and is designed for students interested in International Event Management and Food Management Production. Working directly with Apicius chefs and hospitality faculty, students develop practical skills for the culinary, baking and pastry, and hospitality industries while exploring the cultural traditions behind Italian food.

The TuttoToscana experience combines academic preparation with real-world events. The four-week program includes three weeks of coursework and preparation in Florence followed by one week in New York City. There is also the choice to enroll in a dedicated one-week option that takes place entirely in New York. Across both formats, students are involved in carefully curated activities that connect culinary knowledge, event organization, teamwork, communication, and professional practice. The program focuses on Special Event & Wine Management and Food Management & Production for Special Events, giving students opportunities to learn by doing and to take active roles in demonstrations, workshops, guest management and event coordination.

For 2026, under the theme “La Mia Toscana: Tuscan Culinary Heritage, From Humble Ingredients to Classic Dishes,” the program explores Italian food culture through markets, culinary workshops, demonstrations and educational encounters. TottoToscana culminates in a Gala Dinner at the James Beard Foundation in New York City, where students put their skills into practice in a professional setting.

Below, you will find a breakdown of what this year's week-long itinerary in NYC will look like:

September 21 | Field Learning Activity

The week in New York City opens with a field learning experience across Manhattan, connecting students with places where Italian food culture, local markets, and culinary traditions come together. The itinerary includes Eataly NYC Flatiron, Union Square Greenmarket, Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffè, Russo’s, Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, Di Palo’s Fine Foods and Ferrara Bakery & Café.

September 22 | Francis Lewis Activity: Sapori di Casa

Sapori di Casa is a hands-on culinary workshop introducing participants to the authentic flavors and traditions of Tuscan home cooking. Guided by TuttoToscana students under the supervision of their instructor, participants prepare a traditional menu featuring crostini, pici all’aglione, rosemary chicken with roasted potatoes, cantucci and homemade apple cake. The experience combines cooking, teamwork, cultural learning, tasting and reflection.

September 23 | Middlesex College — Connessione con l’Italia: Jersey Fresh Meets Italy

At Middlesex College, Connessione con l’Italia: Jersey Fresh Meets Italy explores the connection between locally sourced New Jersey ingredients and Italian culinary traditions. Participants discover how seasonal products can be transformed into Italian-inspired dishes through professional cooking techniques. The immersive workshop highlights regional cuisine, sustainable agriculture, local sourcing, and hands-on culinary education, while students develop creativity, teamwork and professional kitchen skills.

September 24 | Food and Finance High School: Culinary Elegance — Same Ingredients, Different Flavors

The Culinary Elegance — Same Ingredients, Different Flavors student demonstration brings together students from the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry programs to showcase Tuscan culinary traditions. The event explores how the same ingredients can produce different expressions of flavor through technique, creativity, and presentation, with featured examples including ravioli, risotto and pasticceria mignon. Students also develop communication, teaching, storytelling and teamwork skills.

September 25 | Gala Dinner at the James Beard Foundation

The week concludes on Friday, September 25, 2026, with the La Mia Toscana Gala Dinner, where AUF students will prepare and present an evening celebrating Tuscan culinary heritage. The event will take place at the James Beard House, 167 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011, with opening at 6:00 PM.

The Gala Dinner represents the culmination of the students’ practical experience throughout the TuttoToscana program, giving them the opportunity to bring together the culinary, hospitality, event-management and teamwork skills developed during the week.