tuscany travelz: August 2011

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

How to get around in Tuscany

Dear friends,

Since so many of you send me emails asking about the best way to get around in Tuscany, I�ve decided to write a post on the subject.

The first thing I want to say is that Tuscany is a region that has a huge number of towns and villages of great historical, cultural and aesthetic interest that, being so small or with such small populations, dispose of very little in the way of public transport.

Because of this, if on your travels you are focusing on visiting the pretty, lesser known spots in the region it is essential to have your own vehicle.

In the case that this might be your first trip to Tuscany and you are staying in one of the larger cities like Siena or Florence it�s important to bear in mind that both are well connected with the towns in the provinces via a bus network.

Likewise, Florence has a notable train station well connected with the other main cities. In such circumstances you can avoid having to rent a car but should ensure to consult public transport timetables.

On another note, it should be emphasized that taxis are fairly scarce and very expensive.

In short, my advice would be to travel in your own car or to rent a car on your arrival in Tuscany, since, without this means of transport you will miss out on seeing so many of the pretty places this beautiful region has to offer.

Monday, August 1, 2011

3 light and simple Tuscan recipes for summer

When summer arrives it can be a chore spending too much time in the kitchen when you want to be outside making the most of the sunshine. These Italian dishes are quick, easy, tasty....and healthy too!

Caprese Salad

The classic Caprese, this delicious salad always looks stylish on a lunch table

3 vine-ripe tomatoes,1/4-inch thick slices

1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices

20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil

Extra-virgin olive oil and Balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Salt and pepper

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Grilled Zucchini & Summer Squash

(By Stefano Coppola)

A simple enough recipe, this grilled zucchini is positively bursting with flavour from the marinade and a quick char from the grill. This makes a fabulous side dish, hot, at room temperature, or the following day cold. You�ll have leftover marinade too which you can re-use to grill more vegetables or drizzle over salad.

2 zucchini, cut into 1 inch cubes

3 summer squash, cut into 1 inch cubes

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 sprigs rosemary, chopped

1/2 tablespoon crushed red chile flakes

1 sprig oregano, chopped

3 lemons

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

salt & pepper

2 red onions

Make Marinade: combine garlic, herbs, chile flakes, lemon juice and zest, and vinegar in a mixing bowl. Whisk in oil. Place zucchini and squash into a large re-sealable plastic bag, pour marinade over and seal. Allow to marinate at least 30 min, preferably for a few hours.

Preheat grill to high. Remove zucchini and squash from marinade. Cut unpeeled onions in half and place on grill, turning occasionally. Remove and place into a bowl, covered with plastic wrap to steam. Meanwhile grill the zucchini and squash until slightly charred. Peel and slice onions. Toss all vegetables together and season with salt and pepper.

White Bean Dip

Dips always go down well with adults and children alike and this one is tasty and healthy, especially if you serve it with crudit�s.

1 can 450 g Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or other white beans, but cannellini are traditionally used)

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tsp olive oil

2 Tbsp basil, fresh, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp rosemary or sage, fresh, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Good pinch of salt

Ground black pepper

In a large bowl, mash the beans with the back of a fork or a hand-held potato masher. Stir in the vinegar, olive oil, chopped herbs, garlic, and pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with ciabatta or focaccia bread and crudit�s.

Hope you enjoy these summer recipes wherever you are in the world. Don�t forget to leave a comment if you try any of them.

What to do in Tuscany: Events in July-August 2011

Dear Friends,
Today I want to highlight some interesting shows and events taking place this summer in Tuscany, geared to both adults and children, especially for those who are just about to set off on their holidays in the coming weeks.

- The first event I�d like to mention is the classical music concerts taking place in Siena in the beautiful Accademia Chigiana in one of the most beautiful theatres of the Italian Renaissance. For the concert program see the following link: http://www.chigiana.it/

- Another popular event in Tuscany is the prestigious Festival de la M�sica de Radicondoli which begins on the 29th of July and continues until the 7th August. Here you will be able to enjoy pleasant evenings with music. Please visit the following site for more information: http://www.radicondoliarte.org/

- Another interesting festival is the Teatro Povero di Montichiello, where actors and musicians improvise to create a typically Tuscan scene. See the official website: http://www.teatropovero.it/

- I�d also like to recommend another interesting music festival, at San Galgano (see the above photo), an impressive roofless church situated in a spectacular enclave in Tuscany. Over the next weeks in this unique place various musical performances and operas will take place. A couple which particularly stand out are Carmina Burana and Swan Lake. For more information you can see the following webpage: http://www.festivalopera.it

- For something a bit different, from the 24th of July up until the 7th of August, in Siena, the jazz concerts are taking place. The Jazz school of Siena is one of the most important in the whole of Italy. For more information and the concert program visit the official website: http://www.sienajazz.it/

- Other notable musical events include: the Music festival of the Valdorcia (1st-16th August), the festival of the Crete Senesi from the 14th to the 22nd August and the Sarteano Jazz Festival from the 24th to the 26th August.

There are also events not exclusively devoted to music and particularly appropriate for children as well as adults.

- The Pontassieve: Summer in the Park festival overflowing with concerts, cinema, musical theatre, children�s events and dance takes place from 26th July until 13th September (Florence Province). See the following link: http://www.estatealparco.it/default.asp

- Finally, a 10 day festival of music, food, dance, markets, entertainment and shows to celebrate the Patron Saint of Borgo, San Lorenzo, will take place in the Borgo itself (Florence Province) from the 7th to the 15th August. Tel: 055 845 6230 / 84966229.

As always, I hope that this information is useful to those planning their upcoming holidays and that you enjoy any of the events you go to.

Emma.