Dinner at Tenuta La Fratta

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

I visited the delightful restaurant at the Agriturismo La Fratta in Fornoli for the first time recently. The setting is lovely. I look forward to going back during the day when we can sit outside. It will be a great warm weather venue. Right now is is very cosy indoors.

We arrived early so I was able to take photos before all the tables filled up.

The menu made me want to order everything on it.

My friend and I chose well. Every dish was delicious. All ingredients are sourced locally and the wine is their own production.

We met the charming chef, Nicola, when he came out to chat to guests.

The owners and hosts and our waiter all offered friendly service. It was an excellent evening.

We have driven past the sign on the road leading out of Fornoli, towards Garfagnana, for years, not knowing such a great restaurant was so close. The road up to Tenuta La Fratta is narrow and not well surfaced, but it is well worth the effort. I know we will be returning often.

Agriturismo Tenuta La Fratta

Open for aperitivo and dinner Thursday to Monday and Sunday lunch.

Phone and WhatsApp…348 2931199

Email…info@tenuta-lafratta.com

New name for supermarket

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

The Carrefour supermarket on the Brennero has changed ownership. It is now Famila Market.

I looked inside and it appears to be the same. I have no details about the reason for the change…any thoughts?

The road opens

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

The road between Ponte a Serraglio and Fornoli is open! The repair happened amazingly quickly.

The walking bridge is open again too.

Well done to all involved in the repair.

Road repair update

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

The repair of the road in Ponte a Serraglio is moving along quickly.

I walked to a position opposite the road work to have a look. It is quite amazing how much work has been done already.

The new retaining wall is growing rapidly. It should not be too much longer before the road is open again.

Road closure in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

Part of the footpath in Ponte a Serraglio has fallen into the river.
The footpath is now closed, along with the pedestrian bridge. The road between the Granaiola turnoff and the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio is also closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians.

This is obviously going to cause traffic problems. Let’s hope work, which should start soon, will not take too long.

Circolo dei Forestieri opens

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

On Saturday night the new incarnation of Circolo dei Forestieri welcomed its first patrons. The evening was a great success and lots of people attended.
The restaurant is in a beautiful setting.

Of course there was delicious food and wine to try.

Attendees had a great time and I’m sure they will all become regulars.

The menu looks excellent. My favourite, pasta fritta con crudo e stracchino, is there, along with lots of new things.
Battuta di Manzo su misticanza, hummus di carote arrosto, ravioli di farina di castagne ripieni di ricotta, guancia di manzo pure di patate e carotine all origami are just a few calling me.
I look forward to seeing and tasting in person when I return to Bagni di Lucca soon. I’m sure everyone in town will be delighted to see Circolo dei Forestieri continuing to be part of the community.

Thank you to the team for sharing the photos with us.

Good news for Circolo dei Forestieri

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

Just as we were getting used to the idea that we had lost Circolo dei Forestieri comes the news that it will reopen with a new owner. The best news is that it is a Bagni di Lucca local.

Giuliano Grub’s family has owned the Ristorante da Marina in Casoli since 2008. Following his studies Giuliano spent 3 years honing his culinary skills in Switzerland. After that he worked for a year in northern Italy and 2 years in Grosseto.

He came back to Bagni di Lucca to work in the family restaurant in 2019 with great success. Then came the opportunity to take over Circolo dei Forrestieri, a wonderful new challenge.

Like the previous team at Circolo dei Forestieri, the new people will serve Pranzo di Lavoro, an open evening menu and pizza. The previous chef, Stephania Crisalli and her daughter Rita Barsellotti, with help in the kitchen and front of house. Giuliano’s mother, Marina Freddi will also be on hand.

Opening celebrations will be held on Saturday 7th February from 5.00pm until 7.00pm.

I am sure everyone who loved Circolo dei Forestieri will be as delighted as I am with this news. It has been an institution in Bagni di Lucca and a vital part of the community. I know everyone will join me in wishing Giuliano and his team the very best.