Drive twenty five miles south of Florence, IT, you will arrive in the small historic town of Panzano, where an intriguing "macelleria"(butcher shop) is located. Dario Cecchini is the owner, also the chef and quite the entertainer! As you step through the doorway you are immediately treated like one of his best friends and offered a sample of his local wines and meats. An aroma of fresh herbs overtakes your sense of smell while your mouth waters as you spy the incredible display of rosemary-stuffed pork displayed on the massive chopping block towards the back of the store. While we were standing next to a side table, draped with various cheese, breads and sausages and unusual meats, additional visitors were entering making it feel more like a reunion of wonderful friends rather than strangers from across the globe. I can't tell you when I had more fun in a butcher shop.....
11 comments:
what a wonderful experience, I am just drooling over all of these photos!
Gosh Jan that the butcher you want to spend time with. So long since we've been to Italy. You raise my longings.
These are the kinds of experiences that make travel so memorable -- much more than just passing through town, you really, for this short time, became part of the place.
K&s~Great to hear from you! This was by far some of the most delicious pork I have had in years-
My Kitchen~Dario's better half, of 20 years, Kim- is from Seattle!That helped break the ice some!What a dynamic couple they are.I was doing one of my tours, not necessarily the food tour, but had to take the girls here to see this place!Put this on your list!!
Lydia~you are so correct about that! Fortunately on the tours, we have had many memorable experiences that continue to draw us back!
Mmm, meat. And not just meat, pork! Love it.
peabody~This was wonderful,what a treat to be able to sample meats before you purchased! You will notice he has his special sauce to accompany the pork,also very good! He would slice off whatever amount you desired, then shrink wrap it and you were on your way!
Jann-
I just found your blog through links from other blogs, and I LOVE it! Travel and food... what else do you need in life?! I was in Europe a few months ago, and posted a few entries in my blog.
I just finished the book Heat recently, so it was fun to see a few pictures of the infamous Dario. Maybe I"ll make it there some day :)
Erin
Erin! Thanks for stopping by. I visited your site and you are really cooking up a storm in Chicagoland! I need to read that book~Heat. Will do very soon.
I just love the different markets and shops in Italy. That rosemary stuffed pork looks so amazing!
Wow wow wow that looks incredibly delicious.
AAHH Jann....I haven't visited in a while and just reading and seeing the pictures...I am ready to go again. So much to learn from you. Love, Cari
Post a Comment