While the English were enjoying our home in Entre Deux Mers we were enjoying the Italians in Chianti

Zuccini flowers were my favorites until I discoverd THE most delicious spinach lasagna…at a restaurant we just happened upon — “il Pozzo” in the tiny walled village of  Monteriggioni in Chianti. As it turns out, the retaurant is quite well known, and for good reason, everything was perfect from the warm welcome (we arrived only 10 minutes before the kitchen was due to close, yet were ushered in with great warmth and never felt that we were hurried) to the creamy pana cotta desert.

“il Pozzo’s” spinach lasagna

.. their pana cotta with fresh blackberries

Locanda Casanuova and the Castello Vicchiomaggio  are my adresses for touring in the Tuscany region of Chianti where everyone’s vineyard is also an olive plantation and the landscape, even under the hot August sun, is as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined Tuscany to be:
Ulla und Thierry Besancon’s motto  at Casanuova, 20 minutes south of Florence toward Arrezo is: “La Bellezza della Semplicità.” The beauty of simplicity is a holiday without luxuriousness, but with just those pleasantries that help you relax in natural surroundings with delicious food in a home that welcomes their guests with a distinctive personal touch.  http://www.casanuova.info/
Castello Vicchiomaggio 30 minutes from Florence toward Sienne the Castello is ranked amongst Italy’s top wine producers and is also an elegant hotel that combines historic charm with modern service and facilities…like screens on the windows !   http://www.vicchiomaggio.it/

Active Gourmet Holidays

Jo-Ann, the owner of Active Gourmet Holidays has been sending me guests to find out “What’s Cooking in France” for several years now. When they cook with my friend Stephane they always produces a bountiful table with an italian flair !  You’ll find some of this week’s cooking on the recipe page. Our chefs, Xavier and Philippe’s, recipes are there as well.