I love planning trips online. You never know what adventure will pop up. This year we found a centuries-old farmhouse, Il Bellini, recently updated on a hillside in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Anticipating a culinary adventure, the farm’s spectacular view of olive trees from ancient chestnut-framed windows (and updated kitchen!) were the first hints that expectations would be soundly satisfied. Forget the complimentary toiletries–a cruet of fresh olive oil harvested from olives picked on the farm graced the kitchen table.
Tuesday was market day in the medieval town of nearby Figline Valderno. We were astounded by the outdoor stalls, groaning beneath springtime’s largess. We skipped the local trattorias–the market inspired dinner. Selecting two lovely fish, fresh fennel and asparagus, we chose a local Spalletti Chianti. We purchased baby artichokes, proscuitto and freshly baked bread for a simple antipasto.
Dining “al fresco” was a given on this beautiful evening. We started a fire on the grill and bathed our fish with recently pressed olive oil. Stuffing the fish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs picked nearby, we grilled the seafood with fennel and asparagus. Canopied by an inky night littered with twinkling stars, we devoured the simple feast with gusto; tossed the fish carcass to vagabond cats, and slept like farm animals.
