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"Experience Italy" Introduction
Tuscan Nights is always looking for special opportunities to share with our clients. We’ll keep you posted on those we discover in Italy, whether its a new museum, exciting cultural activity or just our new favorite restaurant or hotel. Visit us often to hear about what’s new!
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A Holiday in the Italian Alps!
After many years of talking about skiing in Europe, we finally did it, booking four nights in Bormio, a small medevial village east of Lake Como. Unlike the Dolomites, the Valtellina area where Bormio is located is a bit more laid back and rustic - delightfully family-friendly without all the 'glitz'. Over the four days we were in the area, we tried skiing three areas - Bormio, Santa Catarina and Livigno - and were impressed with all. The runs are wide open, well marked with plenty of groomed options. Each day we stopped on the mountainside at one of the many small 'huts' for a fabulous lunch overlooking the slopes.
Highly recommended is the wonderful Bormio hotel we stayed in - Albergo San Lorenzo. Run by a delightful family, San Lorenzo is warm and welcoming. As you enter the lobby, you notice the beautiful knotty pine paneling in a lovely, large sitting area warmed by a huge ceramic woodstove, as well as a small lobby bar to enjoy a glass of local wine or a coffee. Rooms are spacious with all the expected amenities. Breakfast in the morning includes fabulous fresh fruits, home-baked pastries and eggs cooked to order. And, if you are lucky enough to book a room, go for the 'Half Board' option. You will be treated each night to a five-course gourmet dinner that features local cuisines and ingredients. Our hosts at San Lorenzo really made our visit to Bormio the highlight of our two-week Italian adventure!
Albergo San Lorenzo Hotel, Via San Lorenzo, 2, Bormio , Phone 39-0342-904-604, www.sanlorenzobormio.it email info@sanlorenzobormio.it
L'Ombricolo - A Delightful Country House!
After a long flight from the States to Rome, I was ready for a glass of Italian's finest, a great meal and a cozy inn for the night. After a 45 minute drive north of the airport, I arrived at L'Ombricolo, a beautifully-restored country house in northern Lazio quite close to Orvieto and Viterbo. The proprietress, Dawne, greeted me with her 'secretaries' in tow, two friendly dogs who I'm sure would have carried my bags to my room if allowed.
From a rustic kitchen with a wood-fired forno, Dawne presents her guests with authentic Italian homecooked meals that rival some of the best restaurants I've visited. The five rooms at L'Ombricolo are each appointed with antiques, beautiful linens , private baths and views of the hills around the area. Its location is perfect for exploring Umbria and Tuscany, with the incredible Etruscan site of Civita di Bagnoregio within minutes of the property as well as the world-famous gardens of Bagnaia and Bomarzo. Don't miss this if you find yourself thirsty, hungry or just ready for a wonderful respite!
L'Ombricolo, 01020 Civitella D'Agliano (Viterbo), Phone39.0761.914735, www.lombricolo.com, email dawne@lombricolo.com
  
New Suggested 'Not to be missed' Restaurants!
On my latest visit, I discovered several new favorite dining spots that I wanted to share with you. Enjoy!
In Florence: Quattro Leoni, 39.055.218562. In the Oltrarno area just across the Ponte S. Trinita, this legendary trattoria offers classics and inventive variations on traditional Tuscan cuisine. Lovely outdoor area for dining alfresco in the warmer summer months.
In Cortona, Tuscany: Hosaria la Bucaccia, 39.0575.606039. Beautiful 'cave-like' ambiance, lovely wine list! A cozy, romantic setting inside the walls of one of Tuscany's most famous cities!
In Mensano, Tuscany: Osteria del Borgo, 39.0577.963911. Casual dining, deliciously-simple Tuscan fare! Great spot for lunch and a walk around the beautiful hamlet of Mensano, in the hills south of San Gimignano. Worth a side trip!
In Certaldo, Tuscany: Ristorante Latini, 39.0577.945019. Same family as the famous L'Osteria di Giovanni in Florence (see below). Some of my very favorite dishes include their game meats. The restaurant will keep you yearning for your next trip to Italy! Convenient location on the way from Florence to San Gimignano, with clean accommodations for overnight stays.
Hard to Break' Habits - Our Favorite Restaurants in Florence
L'Osteria di Giovanni: Somehow I find myself back for dinner time and again - this lovely restaurant run by Giovanni and his two daughters never fails to put out some of the most consistent and imaginative while traditional Tuscan cuisine in the city. The ambiance is elegant, warm and inviting, almost as special as the smiles and welcome you'll receive when you arrive to dine. Open for dinner on Sunday - a great spot on an otherwise quiet day of the week. 39.055.284897.
La Giostra: I've been coming to this incredible Florentine trattoria for over 10 years now, and have never been disappointed! Located very near the Duomo, its kitchen produces some of the most authentic Tuscan cuisine with an Austrian twist, utilizing only the freshest of ingredients that the daily markets are offering. My favorites?? Don't miss the Buratta Tortellini with White Truffle Sauce (expensive, but well worth the investment!) and the Branzino in Brunello Wine (I know, sounds crazy but just trust me!). Ask if they're offering Zucchini Fiori Fritta - just delicious! These three dishes will lead the way to a memorable evening! 39.055.241341.
Sostanza: When you are next in Florence, don't miss Sostanza, a typical Italian trattoria near Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Borgo Ognissanti. I've enjoyed this Florentine favorite for several years - I can't get enough of the place! There are two sittings a night - reservations are a must! Food is simple; price-point is reasonable; dining style is 'family' . Don't miss the "Petti di Pollo al Burro" - just order it and you'll know why it gets our Five Star Award! Also famous for its Bistecca Fiorentina. Go with a group or be ready to meet your new best friends! 055.212.691. No credit cards.
I Latini: OK, it's a bit of a 'show', but the roasted meats are perhaps the best in Florence. And, it's noted for its Bistecca Fiorentina - honestly, I've met tablemates who have traveled from miles away to dine on their famous Tuscan beef. Share a table, relax in a warm family setting, meet new friends and have a great time! One of the few great spots open for lunch on Sundays - lots of Italian families take advantage of a more relaxed dining experience rather than fight the line for dinner during the week. You can make a reservation, but that doesn't mean you will not have to walk the gauntlet with wine glass in hand to your table!
Trattoria Il Caminetto: One of my favorite lunch spots, very close to the Duomo. You might shy away from a restaurant so close the tourist center of Florence, but this lovely dining spot has both outdoor dining for the warmer months of the year as well as a warm, welcoming interior. While it generally isn't on the menu, ask for the Zucchini Carpaccio, thinly sliced zucchini dressed with a very light olive oil and lemon juice dressing, fresh parmesan cheese and pine nuts - exquisite! 39.055.2396274.
Shopping Tips
So each trip to Italy will result in a "Shopping Tip of the Trip" - here's the first one!
Leather in Florence: Don't miss Calzaiuoli Leather Factory on Via dei Calzaiuoli very near the Duomo. Owner Joe Redi will take care of you - his pieces are of the highest quality and just exquisite in design. You will find so many temptations for leather products in Florence, but quality can vary widely. Be careful shopping in any of the markets as you will over-pay for lower quality skins. Joe will work within your budget and help you understand options of style and color. Find the 'jacket of your dreams' here!
A Delightful Tuscany Day Excursion!
Business took us to Anghiari, an incredible, medieval town east of Arrezzo. We so enjoyed walking through the small piazzas and narrow, hillside streets of this village. It is rich in history and a special jewel off the beaten path! If you're in Tuscany or northern Umbria, it's a must! Check out their website (English link on the upper right side of the page) at www.anghiari.it.
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