I haven’t really quite figured out why they have so much halloween stuff in Italy.They don’t trick or treat. But in Florence there are 35 American university’s with study abroad programs, so that is a good reason for a toga party! There is so much Americanisms now here.. not all good.Being at the Salone del…
Divina Destinations: Chiaveri
Anytime I take a road trip in Italy, getting right to the place I am going is not myidea of fun, but rather where can we stop in the way? Today, we left for Torino and the Slow Food Salone del Gusto.The easiest way to get to Torino from Florence is to go over to…
Dario Throws a Party… Again!
My favorite season has arrived! Driving over the hills to Panzano for the Sunday Market/Butcher Festival I had to stop and take pictures, it was PERFECT! Today was Panzano’s day to celebrate butchers! Dario chose October 31 to celebrate,inviting all his butcher friends to serve their best, it is Beato Tommaso Beacci’s day, patron saint…
la Mia Famiglia
The Mafia ( some say from MiA FamiglIA my family) is real. Not always in the shoot ’em up way pictured in television or in the Godfather films, but often as the only way to get something done it Italy. With all the red tape, often a word to the correct person with connections is…
Another tough day at the market
Here is a little glimpse of a day with me… We start the day by touring the neighborhood, first stop DiVino the new vino sfuso shop, where you have your bottles filled with fabulous wines for about 1,30 Euro a bottle for table wine to 5 euro for a Brunello. Never shop on an empty…
Tis the Season…
As soon as Fall comes in the door, a sense of peace and happiness fill my food soul! The market begins to fill with the Fall food lover favorites , porcini and also, as if my magic, the second spring.. artichokes, zucchini blossoms and figs, which all gift us twice a year! In the countryside,…
SoloCiccia
“This is not a restaurant. It is the home of a butcher” Dario Cecchini, SOLOCICCIA, Intructions for Use. Dario does nothing halfway! Dario with friend Ed in the shop before dinner When we were talking about opening a guest kitchen for his chef friends and classes across the street from the shop, in a converted…
Puglia….Tiella with mussels
I LOVE PUGLIA Last trip we visited the more famouse towns, Lecce, Alberobello with it’s trulli, Ostuni and Otranto. This year I wanted to see the other side. We headed over to Gallipoli and our trip was cut short due to my bad back….. but Egullet is talking about the cuisine of Puglia and I…