Pascianella Agriturismo Arriving in Southern Tuscany we checked into the most modern of our accommodations so far at Pascianella Agriturismo. Just outside the tiny hill town of Castelmuzio this family-run farm, with three generations living together, looks out across the valley toward Montisi offering up the most stunning sunset views. Greeted by Giacomo We were […]
Dario Cecchini, The Dante Quoting Butcher
Dario Cecchini Panzano is a tiny village in the middle of the rolling hills of central Tuscany. There’s nothing too exciting here except for one very unique butcher shop and its accompanying restaurants.Cecchini is run by the now infamous Dante quoting butcher Dario Cecchini, a giant of a man with hands like baseball gloves and […]
Twilight in Volterra – FARRO FOCACCIA
A short drive from Castellina lies the medieval town of Volterra made famous most recently as one of the locations for the movie series Twilight. One of the larger walled towns that we have visited, Volterra has a number of beautiful streets, museums and attractions that are steeped in history, including the ruins of a […]
An Epic Adventure: a visit to Casamonti Estate
Leaving San Marino If you miss a turn in Italy it can be the best thing to happen or the worst. Leaving San Marino we did just that and managed to turn a 2 1/2 hour drive into an epic adventure. It was a beautiful sunny day and we ended up on a small provincial […]
The Smallest Republic: San Marino
Saying goodbye We said goodbye to our friends at Blogville Rimini over coffee and Nutella piadina at Marvelli Sapori and made our way to the airport to pick up our rental car. We booked a trusty Fiat through Auto Europe, we’ve booked through them in the past and will definitely use them again. They are […]
Happy 145th Birthday Canada! – PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED BOCCONCINI
Happy 145th birthday Canada This weekend Canada will celebrate its 145th birthday. To mark the occasion we have a quick and versatile recipe good enough for an elegant starter, a snack or potluck. Family style I serve this up family-style on a bed of mixed greens with chopped tomato and crostini. Include some basil leaves […]
Eating, Sleeping & Making Love – PASSATELLI
Maestro Federico Fellini Maestro Federico Fellini is definitely Italy’s most famous movie director. Over his forty year career he was nominated for twelve Oscars and was awarded five. Movies like La Strada, 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita and Amarcord captured life in a profound way, sometimes blurring the line between dream and reality. To capture […]
Rimini More Than Just A Beach Town – PIADINA
Beach vacations Beach vacations aren’t for everyone but the hundreds of thousands of beach chairs in Rimini are proof that many people enjoy the sand and sea. There are over 100 bagni (plural of bagno, Italian for beach), pick one, go to the booth and pay, then someone will show you to your chair. You […]