From our Bookshelf: Spaghetti with Lemon and Crab (The Tuscan Sun Cookbook)
I have followed Frances Mayes since I read that first chapter in ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ in 1996. Her incredible writings transport you to hills …
Benvenuto Brunello 2012: The 2007 Brunello di Montalcinos have arrived!
After years in the cellar, the plush 2007 Brunello di Montalcinos were unveiled this weekend at the annual Benvenuto Brunello (Welcome Brunello!) 2012 festival in …
Stefano’s Pear, Pecorino and Arugula Salad
It is steamy, hot and humid here on the East Coast today. With my recent visit to Italy fresh in my mind, I knew from the …
Best of Tuscany: Great Restaurant – I Tre Rioni
I am just back from two weeks in Italy and my beloved Montalcino. A dear friend of mine invited me to lunch and suggested we …
Porcini, White Bean and Sausage Stew
Aaaahhh, my dear Isabella and Luigi….grazie mille for so many fond memories of Montalcino. Having just spent a few weeks on the international business trail, my …
The magic of Sagra del Tordo
Some days are just magical…and yesterday was one of those days. The town came alive as the festivities for Sagra unfolded…each quartieri arrived in the …
Market day in Montalcino
I love Italian market days and Friday is market day in Montalcino. Even the foggy, rainy morning did not keep the locals from climbing the …
Raindrops on the piazza
Rainy Thursday morning here in Montalcino. Sitting at Fiaschetteria having my cappucino watching the raindrops softly fall on the Piazza di Popolo. The village is …
Whispers through the valley
Buon giorno, tutti. Once again, I find myself at Cafe Fiaschetteria for my morning cappucino. Yesterday after arriving at Casa Vigneto, I again found myself …
Cappucino by the sea
Buon giorno, tutti. I have been wanting to see the sea near Tuscany for some time so even though off season, I ventured to the …
Sunday morning in Montalcino
Buon giorno, tutti. Sitting at Cafe Fiaschettera in the Piazza del Popolo in Montalcino….enjoying a cappucino as the locals wander in for their morning cafe..pretty …
In Celebration of La Vendemmia: Schiacciata con l’Uva (Focaccia with Grapes)
The 2009 grape harvest – ‘la vendemmia’ – has begun! My friends in Montalcino emailed that the harvesting of the much loved sangiovese grapes of Montalcino …