Lunch at Cappuccetto Rosso

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Cappuccetto Rosso is quickly becoming one of my favourite restaurants in the area. The food is well presented and delicious and the service is very friendly and efficient.

Their recent lunch special was too good to resist.

Before the first course there was an arancino amuse bouche.

The plate of mussels was very good. Fortunately there was plenty of bread…the sauce was too delicious to leave behind.

Spaghetti vongole is one of my favourite Italian dishes. This one is a little different, it has tomato, but I liked it a lot.

Even though I was quite full I did manage to eat the third course of mixed, fried seafood.

There was no room for dessert…pity.

Cappuccetto Rosso is not far from Bagni di Lucca in Gioviano.

Pretty Ponte sky

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

I was up bright and early this morning…in time to see this lovely sky over Ponte a Serraglio.

The resident heron was up early looking for breakfast.

When I returned this evening the sky put on another good show.

…and the heron was looking for dinner.

I hope he caught something .

Giuliana’s new shop

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

I told you a while ago about a great new accessory shop in La Villa opened by Giuliana. She has now joined with a friend and moved the shop to Fornoli.

The shop now sells clothes and accessories for men and women.

It is a great addition to Fornoli, and La Villa’s loss. Drop in, say hello and take a look at the excellent selection.

Pinocchio returns

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The Pinocchio festival returned to Bagni di Lucca on the weekend.

It was opened by the mayor and a band.

Thank you to Rosi for the photos above, I missed the start.

The band played and some young spectators were keen to try their dance steps.

There were stalls selling all kinds of things and the stall owners got into the spirit of things by dressing up.

It was fun to see some wool preparation, old equipment and some serious knitting and crochet.

…and some wood sawing.

There were stilt walkers and magicians to entertain the crowds.

…a slide for the children.

Best of all are the children playing old fashioned games with their parents watching close by.

This little girl looks very pretty with her painted face.

This is is one cool dude.

I like the mode of transport.

Even Pinocchio needs a rest.

This festival is excellent. I have been to a couple now and it is a fun weekend in La Villa…long may it continue.

Porcini mushrooms

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Now is the time for porcini mushrooms in our area. It has been very dry, not good for mushrooms, but some have been gathered in Garfagnana and have appeared at Ristorante Del Sonno in La Villa.

…just perfect for a delicious mushroom risotto.

The recent rain should have more growing in the forests…we wait patiently or impatiently as the case may be.

Local news…

Don’t miss the Pinocchio festival in La Villa this weekend…it is always a lot of fun.

Vendemmia…time to pick grapes

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.

The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.

The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.

Time to pick grapes.

Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.

Guzzano

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

My previous post on Guzzano was in late winter. The village looks great in all seasons, but I thought some early summer photos would be in order.

Guzzano is just 10 minutes drive from La Villa on the road up to San Cassiano and Montefegatesi. The views are stunning from the village.

A walk along the narrow lanes reveals some lovely houses and gardens.

The little church is dwarfed by the gorgeous tree in front of it.

The budding fruit on the trees and vines would have ripened by now and some of it already eaten…delicious.

Another visit in autumn is in order.

Antique market in Lucca

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

If you are looking for antiques, or interesting old things for your home, garden or wardrobe head off to Lucca on the third weekend of each month for the Antique Market.

The vendors are spread over the streets surrounding Piazza San Giusto, Piazza Antelminelli, San Giovanni and more. There are around 230 vendors in the second oldest market in Italy you can find all kinds of treasures.