Summer lunch and a walk in the Valdelsa (De Gustibus 30/08/09)
Here’s an event announcement from my friends at De Gustibus, the FOODIES who host these amazing eat-fests. This sunday there’s a late summer lunch near San Gimignano with a whole lot of saffron on the menu. I am really really tempted to go. It’s almost vegetarian!
Here’s the details – sorry for the last minute notice, but if you can make it, rsvp right away to Donato! If you don’t speak italian, don’t worry – tourists and anyone else are welcome. These events are a great experience.
Incidentally, the new De Gustibus website is really nice, check it out: http://de-gustibus.it/
Event time: Sunday August 30 2009, noon
The Agriturismo Il Castagnolino is just a few km’s from San Gimignano; a recently renovated casa colonica (farmhouse) that belongs to the family of Carmela Cristiano. It has an amazing view of the Valdelsa region from amongst its olive groves. It’s a eco-conscious building with renewable energy sources for its water and heating, and natural paint on its walls.
As a working organic farm, Il Castagnolino produces extra virgin olive oil and certified San Gimignano saffron. They also grow Certaldo onions (a slow food presidio) and various other herbs.
You are invited to arrive at noon to visit the property before lunch which will be served at 1pm.
Later in the day, around 15:30 there will be an optional excursion in the nearby natural reserve of Castelvecchio, with its ruins of the same name from which there is a wonderful view of the area. Your guide will point out plants and trees of interest. The cost of the guide (70 euros) will be divided amonst the participants of this excursion.
The second afternoon option is more relaxed – hanging around the agriturismo’s pool (as if you would not sink after that lunch!).
Here’s the menu for lunch.
:: GLI ANTIPASTI ::
- Crepes with Certaldo onions
- Crostini with saffron creme
- Crostini with fresh greens alle erbe dell’orto
- Panzanella (bread salad)
- Frittata with herbs: melissa, lemon thime etc.
:: I PRIMI ::
- Farfalline (pasta) with herb pesto
- Gnocchetti (small potato gnocchi) with saffron
:: IL SECONDO ::
- Chianti tuna with “cipollotto” (cooked onions) and fresh greens
:: IL DESSERT ::
- saffron gelato
- water wine and coffee
Price:
30 euros members, 35,00 euro non members (price includes 2009 membership).
:: IMPORTANT RSVP ::
There are only 25 spots available, so book now by contacting Donato before Sat. 29 at noon: Donato Iozzelli – 335 1535965 – donato@de-gustibus.it
Directions: Google map it!
