What a wonderful day. On the recommendation of our cousins Sherrie and Myke, we hired a car and driver from Italy Hotline and spent the day roaming about the countryside. This is a truly beautiful place, rich in history and culture, with amazing food at every corner. Our driver, Pasquale, was a fantastic guide. We stopped and ate lunch at a lovely little winery called Casa Emma. I learned where the color Burnt Sienna derives its name (the color of the stone throughout), why there is not salt in Floretine bread (a feud with Sienna) and why there are two massive towers in San Gimignano just a few inches shorter than the church's tower there (to mess with the pope).
(Sienna)
(Sienna)
Our view for lunch. Doesn't do it just.
Cold pressed Extra Virgin OO and aged Basalmic. Easily best I've ever had. (Casa Emma)
Tuscan antipasti-- salami, prosciutto, pecorino, olive tamponade, garlic and artichoke tamponade, and bruschetta. (Casa Emma)
Meatloaf. The pasta has grape skin flour in it turning it a deep purple and making it ever so slightly sweet. (Casa Emma)
Tagliatelle with bolognese (I'm in love with this sauce). Note the color of the pasta. (Casa Emma)
The highlight of my trip thusfar, a peppercorn beef "stew" (roast) slow roasted in Chianti. This was mind numbingly good. (Casa Emma)
One of the vistas. (San Gimignano)
Us. (San Gimignano)
(San Gimignano)
(San Gimignano on the hill)
Grilled Tuscan meats (Trattoria da Gina)
Fried Pizza Dough (Trattoria da Gina)
(Sienna)
(Sienna)
Our view for lunch. Doesn't do it just.
Cold pressed Extra Virgin OO and aged Basalmic. Easily best I've ever had. (Casa Emma)
Tuscan antipasti-- salami, prosciutto, pecorino, olive tamponade, garlic and artichoke tamponade, and bruschetta. (Casa Emma)
Meatloaf. The pasta has grape skin flour in it turning it a deep purple and making it ever so slightly sweet. (Casa Emma)
Tagliatelle with bolognese (I'm in love with this sauce). Note the color of the pasta. (Casa Emma)
The highlight of my trip thusfar, a peppercorn beef "stew" (roast) slow roasted in Chianti. This was mind numbingly good. (Casa Emma)
One of the vistas. (San Gimignano)
Us. (San Gimignano)
(San Gimignano)
(San Gimignano on the hill)
Grilled Tuscan meats (Trattoria da Gina)
Fried Pizza Dough (Trattoria da Gina)