The little, tiny, but completely captivating village of Tavernelle, is in a corner of Tuscany between the neighbouring Ligurian Coast and Emilia Bologna, surrounded by the Appenine Mountains (and another set of mountains, whose name is beyond me!)
After an absence of over 10 years - yes, I am getting old! - have once again fallen deeply and passionately in love with Italia. No more visits to Eastern Europe for me, its going to be the Med all the way from now on.
Started weekend by stomping along selected parts (ie flat) of the Cinque Terre – from Riomaggiore to Manarola. And then by train to Vernazza, with a leisurely lunch in the sunshine by the harbour. Lunch came to the perfect conclusion with a complimentary shot of limocello – the first sign of things to come. Over the weekend other items procured on the strength of a smile (or more probably J’s fluent Italian and English rosiness) included plate of risotto, a slice comprising Florentine topping on shortbread and a divine chocolate pasticierra item.
Saturday was shopping day. All the restraint of New York was completely undone
by the slow dawning of the fact that Italy is full Italian designer shops. Following this epiphany, sort-of-necessary sunglasses, a not-really-necessary handbag and instantly-necessary local perfume were procured in quick succession. The scene of the crime was Lucca – a smaller, less touristy version of Florence, and apart from the whole Michaelangelo & Medici thing, in my eyes far superior, just on tourist levels alone!!Sunday was an eerie drive through the mountains with visibility of about 1 metre for the most of the way, until we turned a corner to the most spectacular view of the valley (at this stage I think we were at least 1000m in elevation). Followed by lunch at a mountain-top agriturismo where our table of two was a nice contrast to the tables alongside us each of which absolutely groaned with locals of all ages coming together for family Sunday lunch.
There was no menu as such, just a few options proposed by the waitress, including the most amazing pasta all funghi – from the girl who has only come to like mushrooms in recent years! Also had the tagliata, see below.
Things I loved:
Sun, sun, sun, ( & sea, sea, sea)
See ‘things I ate’
Geraniums in flower against old stone buildings in the village of Bagnone where I fully intend to one day buy a property overlooking the fast flowing river which cascades through the centre of town (Expressions of interest from any potential partners most welcome!!)
Things I ate:
Farinata – a flatbread made from chickpea flour. Served either plain by the slice, or as we had it, with pesto drizzled over it.
Tagliata – superb sizzling hotplate of thinly slice beef, rocket and parmesan. Absolute gold – simple, tasty and healthy!!
Pesto, Pesto, Pesto
Calabrese Salad – ie tomato and mozzarella – made with happy tomatoes, local basil and mozzarella.
Photo Album: (password same as usual) http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/53523843
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