Back to Tuscany we went almost 2 weeks ago. Stayed in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana in a stunning villa, dined in new and old places, went back to Lucca to shop and eat, went to Forte dei Marmi to splash about at the beautiful beach.  Foodwise, tomatoes out of this world. I mean, my Mum’s tomatoes are fantastic, but they’re home grown, while In Italy it seems to be a standard- every packet in a supermarket I’ve bought was full of sweet, delicious and flavoursome tomatoes.

We went back to eat at Marco’s in Bagni di Lucca, the place is now called Keep Calm.  Simple menu, messy and a bit random place, great host. We sat by the river on the terrace and enjoyed 3 lovely meals there.  Marco brought out once something we’ve never tasted before, a farinatta; chunky fried polenta with chopped vegetables                          ( cauliflower), herbs, all well seasoned  and deep fried. I will have a go at it one day, I think. Very filling.

Iz particularly enjoyed tagliatelle al ragu.

Then, in Lucca I had some beautiful gnocchi with an ok gorgonzola sauce and then, a great place of spaghetti alle vongole.  Tasty, simple, lovely clam flavours.

Florek’s favourite pizza this time was at Ponte di Maddalena, best dough, he decided.

And finally, what does one find, when one picks a lemon at a supermarket? A lemon from Amalfi coast, no less. It smells and tastes truly luxurious.

Italia, ti amo! xx