Pizza and more at dalle Padella alla Brace

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The friendly man from Pio X at Bagni Caldi has opened a new restaurant at Chifenti.

We arrived early one evening and were the first there, giving us time to look around. It is bright and colourful inside and the pizza oven was burning brightly.

We were able to watch our pizza dough being prepared.

The pizzas were great. They have a thicker base than at other places in the area. I like both, thick, and thin and crispy. Our toppings were delicious.

Next time I will try the pasta.

dalle Padella alla Brace

Via del Brennero, 15

Chifenti.

0583 1798188

Scacciaguai

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

I love this word. It means good luck charm, or chase / sweep your troubles away. This is a scacciaguai.

It is on the wall just around the corner from the entrance to a restaurant named Scacciaguai in Barga.

The restaurant is run by 2 brothers and I think it is very good. I have been a few times and have had delicious food and good service each time.

Now for the food.

They very kindly offer instructions on how to sweep away your troubles. Make the horns with your index finger and your little finger and poke the eyes of the Scacciaguai.

I should be OK now.

Scaccuaguai,

Via di Mezzo 25,

Barga. (39) 0583 711368

www.scacciaguai.it

For more on scacciaguai read My Kitchen Witch.

Eat at Villa Aurora

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Villa Aurora is in the most beautiful setting. There is an amazing view of Prato Fiorito and Pieve di Controne. On a fine sunny day it is great to sit outside on the spacious terrace. The owner proudly served us some of the most delicious prosciutto I have ever eaten. Their pasta is great. My friend Carla had the saltimbocca. Agostino and I enjoyed the perfectly cooked trout. I believe the pizzas are good here too…next time. Villa Aurora…Fabbriche di Casabasciana. From the SS12, follow the signs towards Casabasciana. The restaurant is not far along the road. Phone…(39) 0583 85600

Eat well at Trattoria Bonini

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Trattoria Bonini is to be found along the old pilgrim road to Castelnuovo at Monteperpoli. The place has been in the same family for a very long time, and it became their main activity from the 1950s.

The interior is very charming and there are shady outdoor tables.

Bonini is well known for its good food, especially mushrooms gathered in the area. In the 1990s the family decided to upgrade the restaurant and have sought to provide quality meals using the best produce. They do an excellent workmans’ lunch, but I really like their A la Carte Menu.

I have been a couple of times, and intend to return to work my way through the menu.

My primo piatto of anchovies was delicious…served with buttered bread and sweet peppers.

On another visit I had the porcini mushrooms with fried polenta.

The trout with pistachio sauce and fried asparagus was excellent.

I had seen the ravioli stuffed with burrata on a previous visit, so I had to try that. The photo was taken outside under a coloured umbrella, which has reflected on the ravioli, giving it an unnatural colour. I can assure you, it was heavenly and may become a regular choice.

My ricotta and pear tart was light and delicate…and absolutely wonderful.

Trattoria Bonini has been voted the best restaurant in the area by many and I am not surprised.

Trattoria Bonini,

Via Monteperpoli 147.

Phone (39) 0583 639425

www.trattoriabonini.it

Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

This is a great place to eat not far from Bagni di Lucca, on the way to Castelnuovo. Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano is a Slow Food restaurant at Ponte di Campio. The chef is Mauro Bertolini and he prides himself on providing delicious local food in season…special tastes of the Garfagnana. The food is both traditional and innovative.

I discovered it one wet, cold day on my way to Castelnuovo. The entrance doesn’t really give any idea of what you will find inside. The restaurant is quite large and well set out.

The workman’s lunch is one of the best in the area, and amazing value at 10 euro.

I ordered the pasta arrabbiata, fried trout and peperonata.

I didn’t leave much.

There were some very delicious looking desserts available, but I couldn’t fit anything else in, so I just had a coffee.

I have been back for dinner, which is also excellent. The prices are a little higher, but worth every centesimo.

There is a small parking area on the side of the road on the Gallicano side of the restaurant.

www.osteriaalritrovodelplatano.it

La Torre

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

La Torre features in the background of many of my photos of Bagni di Lucca. It looks wonderful perched on a hill overlooking Ponte a Serraglio.

La Torre is an agriturismo. It has rooms and apartments where you can stay and a lovely restaurant for everyone.

We had a great time on a warm summer evening at one of the outdoor tables. There is also a cosy place for cold winter nights.

The food was excellent and the service is very friendly.

La Torre is above Fornoli.

www.latorreagriturismo.com

Email…info@latorreagriturismo.com

Telephone…0583 805297

Meet one of the delightful owners.

The Eagle’s Nest

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Orrido di Botri is a rocky gorge with steep walls, dug by the cold waters of the Rio Pelago torrent in the Apennines. Some of the walls are as high as 200 metres and it is one of the few natural canyons in Italy. It is open to walkers in summer. You need to be accompanied by a guide and to wear protective clothing and a helmet as the walk is a bit dangerous in parts.

I haven’t been, but I have been to the restaurant at the entrance to the Orrido di Botri. We were there on a cool, slightly damp spring evening and the area is lovely. I can imagine that it would be even better on a hot summer day.

There are outdoor tables near the little rocky stream that runs beside the restaurant.

Because it was a cool evening we sat inside.

The food was delicious and very reasonably priced.

The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Orrido di Botri, which clearly needs a visit.

There are also picnic grounds nearby and if you are really lucky you might see the local goats coming down from their foraging areas in the mountains.

…or cheese being made in the little farmhouse beside the entrance.

Whenever you go I’m sure you will enjoy it. The restaurant has wood fired ovens for pizza…a good reason to return on a sunny day.

The only way into the area right now is via Montefegatesi as the road on the other side of the valley is being repaired, hopefully before summer.

Il Nido dell’Aquila, Localita Ponte a Gaio, 11
http://www.ilnidodell-aquila.com

Telephone…0583 800022

Email…info@ilnidodell-aquila.com

Paolo is back

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

It is no secret that Paolo is one of my favourite Bagni di Luccans. We were all saddened and worried when we learned of his recent accident.

I can happily report that he is back at work and on the mend. His back brace will stay on a bit longer, and he looks a bit battered and bruised, but he should make a full recovery.

Drop in to Catene Cafe in Fornoli and wish him well…and have a coffee or one of his delicious gelati.

Welcome back Paolo.

A good reason to stop at the Devil’s Bridge

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

You don’t really need an excuse to stop and admire this gorgeous bridge, but there is another reason apart from the sheer beauty of it.

Catia from Giocondo has opened a wonderful shop where you can buy products from her agriturismo in Lugliano. It is opposite the bridge and there is parking beside the bridge.

Click here to see more about Catia…she is a very busy woman.

www.agriturismogiocondo.com

Al Laghetto…the food is good

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Al Laghetto sits beside the river on the way to Fabriche di Vallico. We were there not long after the disastrous storm which caused lots of damage in the area, so it the setting wasn’t as picturesque as usual.