I am truly blessed. I live on a tiny hill in the middle of an olive orchard ( ok next to a creepy neighbor building the largest pizza oven of life which is becoming my new “view) in the heart of Tuscany. I don’t live in a huge house, but rather 1/3 of a old…
Edible Florence- Obika’
Living outside of Florence now, I don’t get back into town as much as I would like to explore and relax on my own. Often I am down to do a market tour or meet up with someone for an event. My husband and I had some things to do and managed to be free…
Edible Florence- La Cucina del Garga
Sometimes in Florence, we always go back to the same local trattoria where we know we have great food. Often, there is no real reason to risk a meal. Then there is a reason to go just a little out of your way. La Cucina del Garga is one of those reasons. Part of Florence’s…
Edible Florence – BarbaGarga( now La Cucina del Garga)
Since I have moved away from downtown Florence, when I return I tend to go back to my same favorites over and over when I come down to run errands or do my market tours. I have been wanting to try BarbaGarga since it opened and finally got a chance to go to lunch with…
Meat Museum- The Masters of Meat
As you all know, I adore my butchers. The men and women that turn meat into meals. I was inspired, as I often am, but my soul-sister Kate in Camont, France. Her article on the red and white butcher shops reminded me of the foto shoot I just did for Dario, my master butcher, in…
Pancetta Progress- Charcutepalooza
You know you are living in the right place when a sign like this is at the exit of the grocery store, to make sure you know about it. At the Meat Counter you can reserve your pork for salting. The cool air in January is perfect for families to age their own cured pork…
Certaldo- JAM
I often take the train from Certaldo down to Florence to do my market tours. Recently I noticed that the local pastry shop had their windows covered up. They often redo the interior- so was thinking that they were closed for renovation. BUT NO! We have a new Pastry shop and Chocolatier in town!! I…
Tuscan Treasures- Corzano e Paterno Cheeses
Years ago I bought some cheese at the artisan market in Piazza Santo Spirito from a young Swiss shephard, living in Chianti, Tillo. The cheeses are from the family estate, Corzano and Paterno and are now one of the most sought after cheeses by local restaurant owners that it is almost impossible to buy the…