If All Meat Was This Pretty . . .

I’d still probably be a vegetarian, but it’d be a lot harder. Just look at that lovely meat (both sliced and spread). I expect meat-eating pals will be drooling now:

PS: This plate was delivered (if I remember correctly) to pal Shane Farmer at a restaurant in Arezzo called Le Tastevin.

*See all Italian restaurants

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

Artichoke Risotto from Calagrana

Because some days I just like to make myself salivate:

And cause I miss those Calagrana folks and foods.

*See all Italian restaurants

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

This Pic Makes Sookie and Rory Tear Up

While we have a lovely Rainier cherry tree in our Seattle backyard, Sookie and Rory still dream of the days when they spent hours eating persimmon parts under the tree in their yard at Cielo Chiaro:

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

Gubbio Rooftops

It must have something to do with being built on a hillside, but Gubbio always provides great rooftop photo opportunites. It could also have something to do with the amazing old buildings and the particular roofing materials. Perhaps it’s the combination:

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

The Spina di Rosa Bottle is Empty

Aw, this picture is sad:

Though drinking this lovely rose’ from Donini winery was delicious (and, as a model of restraint, I drank it slowly over a few days), it was our last bottle. We were lucky enough to ship a box of Donini wines back (thanks to Keith and Tasha for the assist), and while we still have a bottle of frizzante white Brigante, this is it for the Spina di Rosa. That empty bottle is almost a reason to go back all on its own.

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

Nero con Fonduta e Tartufo Nero at Fiorintino

Yep, I’ve posted pics (and that does mean more than one) of the Nero con Fonduta e Tartufo Nero served up with relish at Sansepulcro’s beloved Ristorante Fiorentino. But you know, a dish this good (black risotto, black truffles, and a rich cheese fondue) can’t have too many pictures:

I feel a bit awkward admitting this, but just looking at the picture makes me salivate. Get me to a plane!

*See all Italian restaurants

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.

Close Up from Orvieto’s Duomo

I was talking to a friend about Italy yesterday (he and his family are getting ready for a trip, and I of course was happy to give opinions and things to do and see in central Italy), and it was a strange experience. First, I’m always ready to point folks in directions when they’re visiting Italy--directions of spots I like, that is. But secondly, it was hard (and always is) to talk to someone who is heading towards central Italy when I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Anywho, to get away from my maudlin meanderings, one of the places we talked about was Orvieto. If you’ve read my Orvieto post, you know I was blown away by the wild Duomo there (if you haven’t read the post, go here). The prismatic colors, the doors, and especially the sculptures are not to be missed. Of course, after we talked I went back and looked at all our pics taken when there, and just had to post this close up of one of the scenes on the Duomo, Cain and Abel's story:

It’s so textured, and life-like, and ruthless, like many of the scenes sculpted. Amazing.

*Note: We were on pre-tirement, and now we’re back. Want the full story? Start the pre-tirement journey here. Want to go backwards? Read the last pre-tired post here and scroll back. Or, just keep coming back for pretty Italy pictures.