A new chef at Albergo Corona

The restaurant at Algergo Corona is in a beautiful setting over looking over the Lima River. In spring and summer it is especiially delightful when there are tables outside on the terraces. With the weather beginning to warm up the outdoor dining should begin soon..

We were invited last night to meet the new chef, Stefano Gallo, and try the new menu. Stefano has lots of experience both in Italy and overseas. This is evident in the execution and presentation of the dishes we enjoyed.
We chose a five course degustation menu and asked the chef to select them for us. Every one was delicious…take a look. 1. red mullet with pappa al pomodoro. 2.seafood soup. 3. cacio e pepe (particularly delicious) 4. cappelletti (another favourite) 5. cod with endive. The cheesecake dessert was a delightful extra.

I look forward to trying more dishes on the menu soon. I’m sure they will be every bit as good as the ones we enjoyed.

Pansies on the bridge

I braved the freezing wind today to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio. The bridge will be closed for a week from tomorrow so I wanted to get them in first.

The magnolia tree in the background will be in bloom soon.

I am expecting several plants to be stolen, it happens every year. Last week a miserable grub chopped off some lovely little daffodils and placed them carefully in the pot.

Anyway, I love to see flowers on the bridge…spring is on the way.

Ponte Christmas

On a cold and frosty afternoon Ponte a Serraglio was full of Christmas fun and frivolity.


Santa was there in a couple of forms.

Who doesn’t love a Christmas alpaca?

Fun for children.

Things to eat.

Happy faces.

Merry Christmas from Ponte a Serraglio. Thank you to the traders in Ponte a Serraglio for organising the Chrismas party.

Christmas delights at Ponte a Serraglio

Ponte a Serraglio is very lucky to have a wonderful fruit and vegetable shop owned and run by the lovely Piera. She and her husband come from Sicily where they still have a farm.

This Christmas they have selected some delicious treats from Sicliy to sell in their tiny shop. It is now brimming with great Christmas gifts or special things for feasts with friends and family.


Of course they still have their regular supply of excellent fruit and vegetables.

Christmas is not far away!

Sewing in Ponte a Serraglio

There is a small shop opposite the wonderful pre-loved emporium in Via Vittorio Emanuele in Ponte a Serraglio. For a small donation you are welcome to have small sewing jobs done, or get some help with your own sewing projects.

The very experienced Latifa is on hand with help and advice and there are sewing machines available for use.

When clothing items are donated to the Auser group some are past being wearable. In some cases the cloth is able to be used along with buttons and zips. The wonderful volunteers collect the usable pieces and put them to use to make new items.

They are making carry bags, other small items. There are also Christmas decorations available right now. Latifa is in the shop on Tuesday and Saturday to tell you all about what is on offer.

Tuesday…9.00 – 11.00

Saturday…15.00 – 17.30

Tractors on the move

I spotted tractors on the move from Fornoli and quickly grabbed my camera and crossed the bridge to wave them on. I’m not sure of the reason behind this event, but I like to think it might be a big thank you to farmers for growing our food. Where would we be without them???

I caught their return from my window.

Thank you farmers!

An interesting walk

You might have seen this box beside the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.


Or perhaps the one in the Villa Fiori park.

If you open the lid you will find a map.

The map has directions for a walk,with points of interest along the way, from Ponte a Serraglio to La Villa.

It is the initiative of the Pegaso walking group…well done!

Autumn

The heat of summer is behind us and the days are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. We have had rain and storms and I often wake up to mists rolling over the hills around Ponte a Serraglio.

The river is full of water after the low levels of summer. After heavy rain it turned brown with mud.

One morning I watched a fisherman hoping for a catch below my balcony.

Trees are beginning to change colour.

The magnolias on the bridge that didn’t do well over summer began to thrive once the weather cooled.

Bees and other insects love the flowers.

I hope the flowers last a bit longer.

All seasons are beautiful in Bagni di Lucca.