Five days in Tuscany and I'm considerably heavier, happier and have reached a new level of foodie enlightenment. I visited the Chianti wine region, Florence, Siena and Lucca. This part of Italy has Michelin star gems tucked away in the stunning hillsides and equally good small family-run restaurants next door giving them a good run for their money. One evening you'll sample small, delicate dishes that are so incredibly refined, the next, you'll find yourself in a traditional Tuscan osteria eating a large, hearty meal packed with flavour - and usually a lot of meat!
The secret is definitely the pride they have for their creations and the quality of the ingredients - vegetables from their own gardens, olive oil bottled an olive stone's throw away, handmade pasta topped with truffle and delectable desserts.
All of this is accompanied by the local wines which means you always have a smile on your face!
Time to go to Tuscany!
Recommended restaurants:
Osteria di Passignano, Chianti : http://www.osteriadipassignano.com/en
La Torre, Chianti: http://www.castellodelnero.com/dineandwine/torregourmetrestaurant-en.html
La Toppa, San Donato: http://www.anticatrattorialatoppa.com/
Buca di Sant'Antonio. Lucca: http://www.bucadisantantonio.com/
