On a gorgeous autumn day Heather Jarman and I went to the beautiful Garfagnana village of Sillico to have lunch at the lovely restaurant Locanda Belvedere.

The chef, Roberta, cooked a delicious lunch for our group.

It was still warm enough to sit on then outside terrace.

The different breads were made using spelt and chestnut flour.

We began with a ricotta and leek torte.

And fried ricotta balls and pasta fritta.

There were 2 types of pasta…..with mushrooms and a ragu.

The waiter brought a tray of locally collected mushrooms for us to see.

And then we ate the cooked mushrooms as a side dish with our rabbit.

There was a selection of crostini to have with our coffee.

We then headed up the hill to see some of Sillico and to find the museum which was kindly opened just for us.

The museum is in a building beside the church and is full of interesting collections from the distant and not so distant past.

There is an enormous collection of clocks, including this replica of one designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Then is was time to stand at the top of the village to admire the view over the Garfagana.

You will need to book at Locanda Belvedere…..call Roberta or Clara……(39) 0583 662173

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