We started this morning's activities with a long breakfast and discussion about the hospitality business with our host, Marla. There are so many things that have to be done right, and even then, the odds of successfully running a restaurant or B and B are extremely low. We are thrilled that their business is succeeding in the midst of this economy....in large part, I think, to their outgoing, friendly natures, their great teamwork, and the wonderful family feeling they instill at all times. Oh yeah, breakfast ain't bad either:
Along with fresh fruits and homemade yogurt, we enjoyed (unphotoed) fresh eggs and Nutella filled Croissants. Those were eaten by Danny so quickly I only had time to capture their sugar shadows:)
For Nick and Dan's sake, we also photoed the brick oven and implements that will be great to know about as they build the Miners Meadows Ct installation:)
Our small hike and drive took us about 10 miles due west towards the ski town of Sestriere...We paused along the way to visit the longest fortress in Italy, Fenestrelle,
Up the road we ran into some beautiful wildflowers, talking about Dan's education future and the meaning of life:
Our discussion was so interesting, even a herd of purple butterflies wanted to listen:
The walk downhill returned us to the lovely muraled village of Osseaux
The beauty of the local villages, as amazing as they were, didn't surpass the flowery glory maintained by our hosts, Fabrizio and Marla at their Bella Baita...
Owning the hillside around their B and B,Fabrizio's mom goes mushroom hunting, and yesterday discovered some fresh Porcini's, which were flash frozen:
Along with fresh tomoatoes, together they made for a delicious starter and primi piatti. The starter was a focaccia bread covered and roasted with these sun dried and fresh tomatoes. It's hard to describe the sweetness and textures that danced joyfully over the awaiting buds.
I know it's hard to believe that they are tomatoes, and not garlic, but just imagine the caramelized, roasted sweetness of those gooey veggies...Jeff??? And the the Porcini risotto...as Fabrizio described, perfectly al dente. There were some tiny mushrooms of the ??? variety, and they added to the smoky flavor...amazing!
The main course included a classic Piemontese favorite, local beef "meatballs" glazed in olive oil and the juice from roasted green beans and peppers. The entire dish is liberally covered in aged balsamic vinegar to balance the sweetness. This too was delicious.
Homemade tarts with raspberry coulis, a few shots of Genepe (a local digestif) and a massive Scrabble win with a last minute bingo to defeat Dan and Peggy, and you have for a great finish to a great meal.
Time to rest up for tomorrow's long hike, straight up to Cucetto...the peak just beyond the B and B. We'll need that hike as Wood Fired Pizza was promised for dinner tomorrow....can't wait! Ciao Bella!!
No comments:
Post a Comment