Italian job this summer.

And now employers Little Venice are looking for another chef to join one other for the three-month training course starting next June.

Sherman, 25, who works at La Coquille, and Curtis, 28, who works at La Trattoria studied gourmet cooking at the Italian Culinary Institute For Foreigners (ICIF), not far from Turin.

Curtis told Young Observer: "I loved the whole regime. I like to get as much experience as I can.

"The first thing in the morning we would study the language for about an hour.

"The rest of the day we would do different recipes -- pasta, pastry. We did wine tasting.'' Although they loved learning Italian cooking from the experts some of their experiences left a sour taste in their mouth.

Curtis explained: "We also had to do vinegar tasting -- that was an experience.

"We tasted basic vinegar right up to the more dated vinegar. That was a lot sweeter -- a little like molasses.'' The company didn't make it mandatory for them to come back but both have stuck with Little Venice and are now hoping for other learning trips abroad.

Little Venice Group Training Director Dale Butler said: "There are a number of French schools in Canada and France itself.

Curtis said: "There was real bond between me and Sherman. Without Sherman I don't know what I would have done.'' But Curtis is quick to point out the locals also went out of their way to make them feel welcome.

A big challenge for the pair was the Italian language.

La Trattoria Italian manager Nicky Russo joked about Curtis: "Now he has an Italian accent we can actually communicate.'' "I think he found the exchange very good for shopping.

"But seriously it's important to learn another language in life generally.

"He was doing some dishes for the shop before but I feel he is even better.

"It's a plus for our customers. We try to expose him to all aspects of cooking.'' Sherman and Curtis are now planning to try out their new recipes at a special meal for sponsors, friends and parents.

Mr. Butler, who accompanied the pair for part of their stay, said: "Most of the lectures were in Italian but there was an English interpreter.

"They recommended we start our students on Italian courses a lot earlier next time but apart from that they were as good or better than other students.

"We are looking for two Bermudian students. But it is not easy to release chefs for three months. It shows a level of commitment from the company.

"We have one young man lined up -- Owen Millet from The Harbourfront. We are writing to the hotels to see if they have anyone else is interested.'' Mr. Butler said students will enjoy top class facilities at the ICIF.

He added: "I am very grateful to Michael Stowe of the Labour and Training Board who was very supportive.

"He was very excited about this and gave great assistance.'' On the boil: Little Venice Group chefs Curtis Azhar and Sherman Trott demonstrate new skills learned during a recent three-month training course in Italy.