Hello,
I hope this finds you well and in good spirits.
Summer has just passed, and after enduring a relentless heat wave for over a month, we’re finally enjoying a milder climate. Fall is here, bringing with it new produce and new guests visiting for tours and cooking classes. Yes, I’m back in my kitchen almost full-time, and I couldn’t be happier!
At the beginning of the month, we had the honor of being invited to a special event, “La Cena dei Mille” (The Dinner of One Thousand), along the Viale dei Cipressi in Bolgheri. We were invited by I Greppi, one of the wineries we work with, and dear friends as well.
This spectacular avenue, lined with 2,540 century-old cypress trees, was the magical setting for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Bolgheri DOC designation. Over 1,200 guests dined along a one-kilometer-long table set on the famous Viale. Hidden behind the trees, four kitchens an impressive team of 140 waiters and 160 sommeliers made the event possible.
Wine served as the connection between everyone present—wine producers, journalists, artists, cultural figures, government officials, special guests, and people like us—coming together to celebrate and share the beauty of the Bolgheri region with the world.
It was a truly unique experience, and we are grateful to have been able to participate. Arnaud brought his drone to capture this special moment. You can watch his video here.
My recipe for you!
To keep the flavors of summer alive a bit longer, I want to share with you a perfect recipe for ending the season: Ciambotta, or Southern Italian vegetable stew. It’s a colorful blend of summer’s harvest, where all vegetables are welcome in one pot. This comforting dish brings together the best of what’s left in the garden. You can read or print the full recipe here.
Please, feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or suggestions. I hope to hear from you!
Love from Tuscany,
Chicca
PS: Want to try a live class? Check our live classes from this season here.
