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A very particular wedding in Tuscany

As we have a large wedding party arriving today, maybe this is a good time to talk a bit about the Tuscan weddings we occasionally host here at Podere Patrignone. Twice each year (and no more, see below) Podere Patrignone plays host … Read More

Great quality fruit and vegetables, most grown locally in Castellina in Chianti, near our agriturismo in Chianti, Podere Patrignone www.patrignone.com

Want the best fruit & veg at the best prices? Head to a market in Tuscany.

There are dozens of produce markets in Tuscany every day of the week. No matter where you are staying, there will be a daily market somewhere near you. And while the quality of the fruit and vegetables sold in the … Read More

Crostini with mascarpone, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatos at our Chianti Villa Rental in Tuscany

Our Tuscan Banquet. Not your usual Tuscan fare.

Once a week we cook for our guests. It’s a fun, informal dinner, with lots of chat, lots of wine, and lots of laughter. Everyone staying in one of our Tuscan villa rentals is invited, and we usually put everyone together … Read More

Where do Tuscans go for pizza?

Italians love pizza. It’s no cliche. They really do. But during the summer, you won’t find them in the touristy restaurants, waiting for a stressed waiter. No way. You’ll find the locals in places like this. This is the San Donato … Read More

Another great local Tuscan restaurant – La Torre, Castellina in Chianti

So, with a lot of family staying with us this last week, we’ve been eating out more than usual. And La Torre is another excellent local family-run restaurant where we know we’ll get excellent food at very decent prices. Any restaurant … Read More

An excellent restaurant near our agriturismo in Chianti

Le Panzanelle, near Radda in Chianti

This is one of our regular haunts. The food is very homely, well cooked, extremely tasty. No bizzarre food sculptures, plate-art, or flashy presentation. Just very good food, and at a decent price. The servings are generous, so sharing is … Read More

Chinese food in Tuscany? You’ve got to be kidding. Right?

Only, I’m not kidding. Yes, we all know Italian cuisine is the best in the World, and that Tuscan food is amazing, but when you live here, and you’ve come from the UK where we’re used to a million different … Read More

Drama, excitement, intrigue…donkeys…what more do you want?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDE4ow36PDQ You’ve seen the Palio, Senese-style, now see the Palio, San Donato-style. Intrigue, excitement, near-death accidents, flag-waving, this has it all. There’s great street-food, lots of stalls selling arts & crafts, games for the kids, processions, drummers, flag-throwers. We got … Read More

Tuscan Frosted Marmalade Cake

This is what you do with any marmalade you have left over from last year… ??????????? – 175g Butter 175g Golden Caster Sugar 1 large orange – zested and juiced 3 large eggs 75g Marmalade 175g Plain Flour 1 tsp … Read More

Ordering a good coffee in Italy is easy…and tricky

If, like me, you love Italian espresso coffee, then ordering a coffee couldn’t be easier. “Un caffè, per favore?” Job done. But if you’re from the other side of the Big Pond, and you’re expecting your usual pint of black, coffee-flavoured … Read More