Tuscany seems to have perfected not only the cuisine itself but even more so, the overall eating experience. It’s quite different than in some other countries where people are often rushed out of a restaurant and end up paying their bill while still chewing their last bite of food!

I’m so sorry to hear that you can’t drink wines anymore because of your allergy. Perhaps enjoy a good cocktail before dinner instead 🙂

I love how many Italian restaurants ask you when you sit down, “Sparkling or flat water? Red or white wine?” So simple and so easy. That’s the great thing about Italian food – a focus on quality and simplicity.

@Theresa: It had been about five years since our last visit to Italy and we probably would have put it off a few more years, but when the anniversary opportunity came up we decided to go. We were pleasantly surprised at how the region didn’t disappoint.

@Shannon: The scolding from the restaurant owner in Pitigliano was a reminder to try everything before putting cheese, salt, pepper, etc. on it. The freshness of the ingredients almost jump out at you and sometimes the cheese compliments that and other times it covers it up.

@Margo: It’s hard not to want to jump on a plane when reading about Italian food! Fortunately, we can find more ingredients in the States these days at Italian delis…but it still isn’t exactly the same.