It’s been a while since I last posted as I took a little (long) break at the end of the year to relax, re-energise and reflect on the direction of the magazine which I have to admit was a huge labour of love.  I was stretching myself too thinly between my main job, home, being […]

And one week shy of the end of the month, our November – December issue is finally available for download.  The hard-copies are at the printer and I am very excited about picking them up and delivering them next week! So what’s in this issue? Below is a copy of the contents & my editor’s […]

A Traditional Autumn Tuscan Treat With rain forecast for this weekend and as Monday 1st November is a public holiday here in Italy, why not spend some time in the kitchen making a traditional Tuscan slice known as Castagnaccio. It is very easy to make, a simple slice made with chestnut flour, pine-nuts, sultanas and rosemary […]

  Tell anyone who knows their Chianti Classico that you’re headed to a winery in the small medieval hamlet of Fonterutoli and they’ll know that you’re talking about the estate of Mazzei, one of Italy’s oldest family-owned wineries.  One could be forgiven for driving past this ancient town as you head towards the more popular […]

The next time you’re driving along the old ‘Strada Chiantigiana’ road now known as the Strada Regionale 222 (SR222),  take a moment to stop admiring the breathtaking Tuscan landscape and explore the charming town of Castellina in Chianti.  Offering a long history reaching back to the Bronze age, the city’s origins go back to Etruscan […]

A Traditional Tuscan treat using grapes from the Vine Schiacciata con l’Uva is a wine-grape slice and is a traditional cake made in Florence and the Chianti region during the Autumn Vendemmia – when the grapes are being harvested. You will see it in most bakery windows from mid-September. I love it and find it […]

My twin sister Toni Brancatisano is our guest blogger today.  She shares her delicious recipe for Torta Della Nonna, a classic favourite here in Tuscany which was also featured in our July/August issue.  You can read more about this traditional dessert on her blog. Torta della Nonna is a timeless Tuscan classic, typically served as […]

The coastal town of Viareggio on the Versilia coast has a certain charm that has always made me feel like I am stepping back into a glamourous past.  The boardwalk of art deco luxury hotels and designer boutiques set the foreground for the long stretch of beach that in Summer is lined with umbrellas from […]

There’s something about a good beer batter, especially when paired with fresh, seasonal vegetables like porcini mushrooms and eggplant! Here, Chef Arturo Dori takes a mix of the best veggies in season to make a quick and easy ‘Frittura’ that will be the perfect addition to your Summer Aperitivo.   INGREDIENTS 1 Bottle of Cold Beer-Pilsner […]