We’re proof that the Italian way of life brings great happiness.
Where the journey began.
Italy is where La Via Gaia co-founders Claudia and Jeff Michaud met, fell in love, and embarked on a life together. When married, they came to the US, opening the Northern Italian-influenced Osteria restaurant in Philadelphia, where Jeff would win the James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef Mid Atlantic". And there, while raising a daughter, they decided it was time to share their passion for all things Italian with custom culinary trips, unlike other food tours available today.
Claudia is the reason Jeff came to more deeply understand Italy, the passion, people, and the land.
“I met Claudia through a friend, and just had a feeling about her. And it was getting to know her—and her family—that taught me about the power of food in Italy, its emotional nourishment and ability to bring people together. So, I called my father and told him I was not coming back right away. Put my U.S. life on hold, I said, because I met a girl, and I am going to marry her.”
He may not have been fluent in Italian at the time
“At first I thought to myself he’s an American and wouldn’t be here that long. So perhaps, it would be better to just keep things light. But my family took to him, treating him like he would be here forever.”
Come share our love for the Italian way of life
Northern Italian native Claudia Michaud and James Beard award-winning chef Jeff Michaud are culinary insiders, and La Via Gaia was born from their love of sharing authentic Italian food traditions with friends and family. Their personally crafted trips, unlike any other travel experiences available today, offer face-to-face tours with Italy’s most acclaimed wine and cheesemakers, food artisans, and Michelin-star chefs.
Join them on their adventures to explore the very source of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, unique experiences that reveal their deeply rooted knowledge of Italy. The Bergamo itinerary even includes a meal made by Jeff’s mother-in-law, Mamma Pina. At her table, and many others in different regions, you will encounter the rare opportunity to understand the simplicity and beauty of home cooking, and the generous spirit that is rooted in the authentic Italian way of life.
2004: Met at Frosio, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bergamo where Jeff was working, deepening his knowledge of Italian cuisine.
2007: After dating for several years, moved to Philadelphia, and opened the Northern Italian-inspired Osteria, where they share the history and heart of the Italian experience they know so well.
2008: The James Beard Foundation nominates Osteria for “Best New Restaurant.”
2010: Jeff wins The James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Mid-Atlantic Chef.”
2019: After a few informal trips with friends, Jeff and Claudia make their passionate knowledge of Italy official by launching La Via Gaia, connecting their guests to culinary adventures only they can offer, and the chance to meet their friends—the makers, chefs, and artisans behind Italy’s storied food and wine.
2026: La Via Gaia continues to host several group trips a year and a few private trips, as well.
We look forward to sharing our 2026 trips with you!
Meet the Chef and your Host: Jeff Michaud
Jeff Michaud is a James Beard Award–winning chef, restaurateur, author, and co-founder of La Via Gaia. As Chef-Owner of Osteria in Philadelphia, Jeff is known for his ingredient-driven Italian cooking and his deep connection to the regional traditions he discovered while living and working throughout Italy.
Jeff began his culinary journey at just 13 years old in his native New Hampshire and later graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. His passion for Italian cuisine led him from kitchens in Aspen and Philadelphia to Bergamo, Italy, where he immersed himself in Northern Italian food culture, working in respected restaurants and learning directly from artisans, winemakers, and producers. Those formative years continue to shape both his cooking and the travel experiences he curates today. In 2012, he published his cookbook Eating Italy, reflecting that journey.
As your host with La Via Gaia, Jeff brings not only culinary expertise but genuine warmth, curiosity, and a love of sharing Italy beyond the typical tourist path. Whether exploring vineyards, cooking alongside local chefs, or simply enjoying a meal together, his goal is to connect guests to the people, flavors, and traditions that make Italy so special.
When not leading culinary journeys, Jeff enjoys skiing, training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and spending time cooking at home with his wife Claudia and their daughter Gaia — always planning his next return to Italy.
What Does La Via Gaia Mean?
To us, it means everything.
Not only does LA VIA GAIA [LA-vee-ah-guy-ah] translate into "the happy or joyful way", but Gaia is also the name of our daughter, our own joy and happiness.
Ever since she was two years old, our daughter has spent summers with Claudia’s family in their hometown of Bergamo, coming to know the Italian heritage and traditions that bond us as a couple and family. While there, she helps her grandmother pick vegetables and fruits from the garden and learns how to cook. But Gaia also travels the country with our Italian family, experiencing local flavors, making new friends, and often forgetting that come September, it’s time to start speaking English again.
