Seems like only yesterday that Slow Food began. But it was 20 years ago. I moved here around the same time. Slow Food began when Fast Food was first seen in Europe ( McDonald’s opened in Paris, France) The fear was that the “American Way” was going to globalize Europe and we would all be…
Seasons best…Primavera
Living in the countryside has me much more in touch with the seasons, as everyday there is something new going on, expecially in spring. Winter seems never ending and when spring arrives, it explodes! The green valley in front of my house Vines climbing up, young grape bunches, just flowers now Yesterday’s cherry blossoms ……
Tuscan Spring-wine and roses
One of the pleasures of my job is showing people treasures I have found in Tuscany. Spring is one of my favorite seasons to tour. Last week I had a private group for my Chianti Classico Tour We were blessed by the weather god and had no rain. One of the wineries we visited is…
That time of year
Driving around the countryside now, a thin plant is high above the others with its tiny golden pollen calling me! I discovered Fennel Pollen while working at the Antica Macelleria with Dario Cecchini, one of my mentors here in Italy. Dario’s curiosity is contagious and when he discovers something, you also get addicted. I adore…
The Season’s Best
Driving around the countryside in Tuscany now is one of my favorite moments. the wheat is being cut, leaving golden fields with patterns much like corduroy, bright yellow sunflowers already bending with the heat. Green vineyards, bunches or grapes already full and waiting to ripen. Figs, both green called dottati, which have been around since…
Olive progress, meeting the neighbors.
Here is a progress report on my bonsai olive tree.. I took it to meet the neighbors olives and to compare the size of the olives. They are the same! My neighbors olive trees are full, it will be a great year for oil. We live next door to the local cooperative olive press,so don’t…
Death by Chocolate
This year went by so fast and got a little out of control. I was luckily very busy this fall, making up for the lack of work due to Sadam and SARS. But the summer heat ( record in 300 years!) also made my computers crazy and impossible to BLOG. I have finally caught up…
Summer refreshments!
It was hot out and we needed something to cool us down, summer refreshments in Italy are always wonderful. We tried out our friend Sabina’s new place in the old city of Certaldo, Antica Fonte. Certaldo is still a sleepy medieval village where the locals hang out in the evenings and talk!!! Next week there…