Today I'm thinking about a trip north. You know the north to which I speak. The one with the endless rolling hills, perfectly placed cypress trees (those creepy trees that know that we know that they know), the vineyards, oh, and the crowds. Mobs really. But I still love it. Tell me you're not still stumped? Because 'it' is the IT of Italy. The one to which all other regions are forever measured and always fall short. That's right. IT is Tuscany.
In mid-May we are spending 3 nights here with a friend from the US (Hi Michelle!). I am so very excited! La Marronaia is just outside of San Gimignano and produces the areas famous white wine, Vernaccia. They also have their own olive oil (of course) and goats for cashmere (what?! How cool-- er hot?!-- is that?).
Last summer we spent a half-day in San Gimignano. It gave us just enough time to devour these delicious bruschette. Which I promptly followed up with a few scoops of tasty "ices" made from local wines. Brilliant! Cantucci (what Americans call Biscotti) matched with Vin Santo, Strawberries with Chianti, and peaches with Vernaccia! Oh be patient my little taste buds it won't be long!
Have you been to San Gimignano? What should we do? Where should we go? Oh who am I kidding? What I really want to know is, where should we eat and drink?!
Come on, give up your little secrets!
13 comments:
I've been to S.Gimignano several times but darned if I can remember a single name of a restaurant. I do remember eating the best baba' ever at a cafe there and great gelato too. and really good wild boar and polenta. try checking out chowhound. I'm sure others can give more concrete advice but I think you'll enjoy it in any case- it's so charming.
I just discovered your blog. I love the idea of small adventures with food and wine and Italian phrases.
And don't forget the Italian hand wave "ciao mama"...lol have fun...everything sounds and looks heavenly!
Wish I could help with a specific name. . .I have never had a bad meal in Tuscany, and pretty much Umbria, as well. We've been to those places a lot. Stay away from the seafood. . .but I bet you knew that. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The Veneto is not exactly known for its exquisite cuisine, you know.
We ate at Trattoria Chiribiri. We enjoyed it very much . I love San Gim, especially at night after all the tour buses leave.
Have a great time!!!
I don't want to spoil your fun, but last time I was there I wasn't too impressed: it's all become so touristy! St Gimignano, Pienza the whole area ... gone are the little artisans shops and true trattorie. It's still beautiful, of course, and it's still my favorite part of Italy, but just outside is where you want to be!
Chowhound! Great Idea. I always forget about that site.
Francesca, I hear you. Actually the first time I went (almost 7 years ago) I hated it. Then last summer we went with my young nephews and I saw it for what it was (the tourist town you described) and I actually had fun (like Italian Disney Village! haha). I remembered the countryside around there being beautiful so I sought out a spot near the town but with good views and nice relaxing spots for wine sipping. Since my friend has never been anywhere in Italy but Sicily to visit us I feel like "seeing the tourist side of Tuscany" is on the must do in life list! I'll let you know how I like it.
Now I'm planning a trip to Matera ;) Got to get all my travel in!! Only 52 days left in Italy!!
Isn't San Gimignano famous for a drug rehab center? Ok, maybe not what you had in mind... ;-)
HAH! You mean they make more than saffron from all those crocus flowers?!
Karen I didn't know you were leaving in 52 days. Are you going back to States? Is there any chance you're heading up North...Verona, Venice...?
Hi Patty,
Yup, we are moving back to the Washington DC area. We thought we were going to stay in Italy for at least another year, but then my husband got picked up for a fellowship spot at the Naval Medical Center there. soooo.... we are off, moving again...
We won't be going any further north than San G. But I have a feeling 'we'll be back' somehow, some way!
My sister bought a small sword for her son there. She then 'almost' got arrested at customs on their re-entry into Australia. They had their rights read to them, then were let off because it was 1cm under the legal limit.
Hi Karen
WE have been to SG on many occasions but unfortunately not recently. We always stayed at La Cisterna (a hotel in the main square, which coincidentally was featured in the film Tea with Mussolini - there is a bedroom/terrace scene in the film and that the room we always stayed in!) The scenery from the terrace is spectacular. We regularly ate at the hotel's restaurant and it was always memorable.
Hope it still is.
Ian
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