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Category: Toscana
Florence. It’s more than just the Gucci Museum.
It’s a gorgeous late summer day here in sunny southern California. The sky is blue, the ocean has an afternoon sparkle and I just got back in the house from a bit of gardening. I’ve been “sharpening pencils” so to say, not doing chores. Instead I’ve been skimming through my photos of my trips to Italy and this one caught my eye. It looks like a similar bright sunny day, but this one warmed by the Tuscan sun… and this one is in Firenze (Florence). The photo was taken from the Gucci Museum and pretty much sums up the feeling that day. Thanks for taking the time to view and read …. and if you like, you can also follow me on Instagram.
Tuscan Sunshine and Gelato
Piazza Cisterna in San Gimignano gleams in the bright Tuscan sun. It’s a place that is well photographed by tourists and professionals alike – with good reason. While you are there don’t miss the chance to grab some Gelato from the master at Dondoli. If there is a line, it usually goes quickly and is very much worth the wait. This photo is also featured on my Instagram account where I am posting my photos of my many trips to Italy. Drop by and give it a look.
Trattoria Sostanza in Florence
Mouth watering wild strawberries in fresh cream. True Italian style. This simple and the sublime dish was served up to me at Trattoria Sostanza, Il Troia as it’s often called, after I dined on a decadent dish of baked chicken smothered in butter.
Did Someone Say Pecorino?
Many different kinds of Pecorino cheese adorn a shop in San Gimignano in Tuscany. What is your favorite?
The Other Star
The Pisa Baptistery of St. John must endure the popularity of the Leaning Tower when, it’s beautiful in its own right. Snapped this photo right before a terrific rainstorm.
A Master’s Tools
Decades of tools, handed down from generation to generation outlined on the worktable of master wood carver Filippo Romagnoli located in Chiantishire near Firenze. His grandfather’s original frame work hangs in the Louvre. Over the decades they fashioned furniture, candelabras, chandeliers, etc. to adorn some of the most famous Florentine homes. I visited his workshop in June 2016 and was able to see where the master works, and learn about the history. His work continues along with corzetti pasta stamps, rolling pins and much more. These are are available to you via his Etsy shop. His Facebook page has great videos and photos of his work.
Get Me to the Church On Time.
Why did the wedding cake cross the road? Deep in Chianti in the town of Panzano, we had lunch at Solociccia a restaurant of Dario Cecchini – the Butcher of Tuscany. He has several restaurants near his famous butcher shop – Anticia Macelleria Cecchini. and the day we visited they were just bursting to the seams with wedding guests. I looked out the window from our table and noticed that traffic had stopped – so the cake could cross the road, TO GET TO THE RECEPTION ON TIME. Voila!
Corzano e Paterno Winery
Last summer I visited this lovely winery, caseificio (CHEESE!) and olive farm located in San Casciano Val di Pesa, roughly halfway between Florence and Siena in Toscana. Nestled in a remote location with breathtaking views of the countryside, it’s well worth the drive. We had the normal tour of the place, learned about the cheese and olive oil production and then settled down to TASTE!
Italy: Storybook Land and Dante’s Inferno
This is the amazing view from Castello di Monteriggioni in Toscana. As the sun set after a long day of touring, wining and tasting we settled in at the Fattoria, Castello di Monteriggioni near Siena. Before dinner we walked all around this little town where there are no autos allowed. Built in the early 1200’s, Monteriggioni is an excellent example of a medieval walled town. You can find mention of this fairyland in Dante’s Inferno. Photo taken in May of 2012.
