Under the Tuscan Sun: A Week in Italia Part IV
The last few days in italy saw a flurry of activity. We made our way to another mountain town where we were greeted with multiple gelato shops. All of which looked good. Since everyone entered on a different side of town by the time we met up in the center everyone was raving about the gelato shop they had passed. Obviously this meant that we had to try a few. I mean it is italy. For my first round I decided to go a bit experimental and try the fig and ricotta. Totally worth it, and within the first bite it was my favorite flavor I had tasted so far.
To burn off some calories for our next gelato outing we decided to climb to the top of the town and see a beautiful view over a church and the valley. Slowly making our way up the top and stopping to catch a breath we were passed by four grandmas…. putting us to shame. They must be some fit four-foot tall ladies because they weren’t even breaking a sweat making the climb. After putting our bodies to work and resting at the top we traveled back down… much easier by the way, and took another gelato break. Why not?
And what to do after you eat desert twice well then its time for dinner. With sixteen people its always a surprise when you can come to a decision. This lead us to another small town which seemed to be the length of one street.
Now I’m not one to overeat but the formality of this restaurant required that we order in a required manner. First we select a wine. Then we are told the first plates…. we’re not allowed to hear the second plates until we’ve all ordered a first plate. This woman was serious and didn’t seem to amused by the two italian speakers making a translation after every plate was named. First and second plates ordered now comes time for table plates to share. About 20 minutes after orders are taken the piles and piles of food begin to come out of the kitchen. First comes the pasta faggioli soup, it was the creamiest soup I’d eaten. Really savory and just hit the spot, dabbing pieces of bread into it made it even better.
I thought I was full until my picci picante showed up. To be honest this was a fairly modest dish. Not a lot to it really simple and ok, so I decided to pour some spicy olive oil on it to take it up a notch. There was also a plate of frites and beans. The beans were killer, and I had a hard time not taking the whole tables portion.
Next were the desserts. At this point I’m really not hungry but we order a few panna cottas. Deliciousness ensues, especially the berry one.
The next day we made our way to Panzano, to see a famous butcher. This is the guy who Mario Battali’s dad, owner of Salumi’s in Seattle apprenticed to learn how to cure meats. It was a party. The guy has a table of snacks including bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with a salt mixture he makes. While you’re looking around he’s dancing to music and chasing you with a bottle of wine making sure you have enough. Sip on your glass a little and the next thing you know a giant guy is standing in front of you pouring you more. Even for being a vegetarian its a lot of fun.
Not only does Panzano know how to throw a party. It also knows how to make some nice clothes. I’m a slight sucker for fashion and we decided to stop in this little shop called verse x verse. They had this awesome coat and outfit…. unfortunately it was lacking in the mens department. If only they had an equivalent for these.
If only everything wasn’t 400 euro plus….
