Eating is a necessity, but cooking is an art…

When you rent a villa in Tuscany one of the highlights is eating out, or having a feast at your villa rentals in Tuscany cooked, served and cleared up while you sit back and enjoy the view at your Lucca villa rental recently we scoured the area around La Collina del Sole and found that in addition to the restaurants highlighted in the Lucca villa rental website all of which are fabulous there is an exceptional “eaterie” in the midst of Villas for rent in Tuscany it is called Locanda del Mezzo and is situated in the heart of Barga a beautiful historic town and on the “MUST SEE” list when you stay at Holiday villas in Lucca Upon entering this charming restaurant you might think you have accidentally stumbled upon a newly launched, up-market restaurant in Soho, London, as opposed to a Locanda (Italian for an Inn) in the middle of Garfagnana. Run by a young and up-and-coming duo the restaurant offers a welcomed daring take on traditional Tuscan cuisine. It is clear right from the offset that these boys know their stuff. They know how to treat their guests with not only a feast for their taste buds, but also an aesthetical one. The food tastes delicious and is presented in the most inventive and artistic manner. The atmosphere is equally satisfactory as one is waited on by the warmest and most knowledgeable of waiters. The chef takes a "minimalistic" approach to his cooking. He specially selects only the finest local ingredients to infuse together, therefore adding a very rare depth to his cooking. These innovative dishes are light, therefore you will easily be able to sample a dish from each section (starter, first course, second course and pudding) allowing you to really enjoy the whole tasting experience from the very carefully curated menu. If you are looking for a dining experience with a wow-factor this is certainly a destination to add to your “to do” list. I would even go as far to say this is my favourite restaurant in the surrounding area of La Collina del Sole due to its fresh take on the old classics. (Current menu) ANTIPASTI -Selection of local cold meats -Cream of bean with mussels -Beef tartar -Liquid salad with marinated mackerel -Richly cured hams

PRIMI PIATTI -Three tomato pasta -Watercolour Risotto, accompanied by mullet caviar and cream of clam -Velvety broccoli and potato soup with rosemary croutons -Cream of chickpea and squid artisanal pasta -Hand-made ravioli stuffed with three-time-roasted spelt, drizzled with butter and sage

SECONDI PIATTI -A selection of cheeses chosen by the famous Luigi Guffanti -Merlot infused braised meat on a bed of red-polenta and onion -Filet of beef with sautéed aubergine and spinach -Over-baked hake with seasonal vegetables and saffron sauce

DESSERT -Chocolate torte with a melt-in-the-mouth vanilla core -Marsala (sweet wine) laced custard-like pudding, topped with pistachios and almonds -Baked apples with mascarpone cream and honey-comb truffles -Aniseed infused creme brulèe Eat, Enjoy, relax and dip into the saltwater infinity pool at La Collina del Sole to top off the perfect day !

His father was a wild boar, his mother was surprised…

In the forest that surrounds la Collina del Sole there lives the Italian wild boar…and whilst most of you may know what to do when confronted by a grizzly bear, a lion, a tiger or a scorpion, one might be less aware of the protocol for a cinghiale (wild boar). Cinghiale is a favourite dish in the local restaurants of this Lucca villa rental as like some other holiday villas in Lucca it is situated overlooking the Apuan mountains in Garfagnana. Unlike many villas for rent in Tuscany commands the most extraordinary view. The last thing on your mind when you rent a villa in Tuscany is to come face to face with a cinghiale, to be honest, it is a rare occurrence with residents of villa rentals in Tuscany however if you are very quiet while walking in the woods near La Colina del Sole you may find one.These beasts are actually quite timid. They have a sharp sense of smell, but poor eyesight, so once they smell your presence they may get a little closer to see you, however, usually upon realising that you are a threat they will just run away in a fit of squeals and grunts. And they can run fast…so don’t think you’ll be able to outrun one.

In the rare occasion that a cinghiale should feel threatened (perhaps you are hunting it… in which case, that is fair enough), a wild boar does have the strength to harm you. In which case you should either talk loudly or yell. The boar will most likely want nothing to do with you and scoot off. I recommend vocalizing a recipe for “papardelle con cinghiale” just to really drive home the message …well that is my theory anyway! You could also back away slowly and steadily, this prevents the animal from feeling further threatened which means it is less likely to charge at you. Some sources even suggest trying to climb a nearby tree, which in my opinion is easier said than done, especially in Northern Tuscany where the trees tend to have thin branches where are next to impossible to scale!

There is no need to panic about the likelihood of stumbling across a wild boar; you most likely will never see one. The most probable encounter you will have with one is when you sit down at El Pozzo restaurant down the road from La Collina del Sole about to tuck into a bowl of wild boar stew - a rare and deliciously intense dish that you must try if offered on the menu.

Chocolate is cheaper than therapy, and you don’t need an appointment...

Chocolate makes you feel loved! and if you are treating Mum to a holiday villas in Lucca and spending Mother’s day the glorious Lucca villa rental called La Collina del Sole then pop into the local town of Castelnuovo and seek out Antica Pasticceria, in our travels around villas for rent in Tuscany we have not found its equal, as being chocoholics; Chocolate is important to us whether we rent a villa in Tuscany for fun, whether we are at work or whether we are advising fellow travellers of the delights and places of interest around villa rentals in Tuscany Among the favourite experiences that we love in the Garfagnana area is the Bar and Patisserie called Antica Pasticceria …You may think that you have just walked straight onto the set of Charlie and Chocolate Factory as you drink in the heavenly fumes of freshly crushed roasted cocoa beans, and stare awe struck at the rows of finely crafted chocolate figurines, which range from chocolate-shaped Ferraris to chocolate-shaped crowns and frogs. Behind the glass tops a very beautiful woman (the wife of the chocolatier) will allow you to sample some of the mouth-watering chocolates on offer, they are all hand-made, and they all rival the chocolate at Fortnum and Masons…

Why not try some of their truffles…They range from the amaretto, which is a bittersweet chocolate ganache with a nutty Amaretto liqueur and chocolate drizzle. Or a smooth dark chocolate with a red-hot explosion at the finish as it is dusted with hot chilli pepper powder. The chai chocolate truffle is a bittersweet chocolate ganache with a heavenly blend of exotic teas and spices, or the champagne truffle which gives the dark chocolate ganache a light, creamy flavour. For the more exotic amongst you, sample the flaky fresh coconut pieces swirled into an all-white chocolate truffle with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth centre. Or the Dulce de Leche chocolate truffle which combines Argentina's signature blend of milk caramel in a white chocolate and sweet cream ganache, enrobed in rich dark chocolate. For the decadents amongst you there is the Poire au Cognac, which takes the natural juices from the local pears added to a smooth white ganache, enrobed with dark chocolate. Antica Pasticceria has an impressive fan-following. Locals frequently pop in to eat their favourite cakes, biscuits, croissants, mousses and confections. One can even order a traditional Tuscan hot chocolate; the hot chocolate arrives piping hot, a deep caramel colour with cinnamon sprinkled on top, it is so thick and creamy that the spoon stands up straight in the cup! All their items are made with traditional recipes and choice local organic ingredients which gives their products a distinct and well-rounded flavour.

Scents and sensibility…

The history of perfume is as old as the existence of human beings. In the middle ages, the Royal House of Medici, whose legacy extends well beyond Tuscany was very fond of perfume. When you rent a villa in Tuscany you will be surrounded by many Medici buildings, including the medieval towns near La Collina del Sole that are nestled in the Apuan mountains, this beautiful Lucca villa rental overlooks the mountain range which has a perpetual source of ice, essential for keeping ingredients cool and making gelato, [itself invented by Catherine de Medici’s head cook] the woods and flowers found in this area with villas for rent in Tuscany are often used to make perfume, The woods around La Collina del Sole a jewel among Holiday villas in Lucca provide conifer resin, Violets and wild rose a flower commonly found around villa rentals in Tuscany are also used as are herbs like, thyme, rosemary, sage and basil which grow liberally in the verandas of La Collina del Sole Perfumes were initially used to appease the gods, they were considered to have divine value. In ancient times the skill needed to create perfume was considered a high-art form. People used herbs and spices, such as almond, coriander, myrtle, conifer resin, and bergamot, as well as flowers,  commonly found around La Collina del Sole The Arab chemist Al-Kindi even wrote a book called the “Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations”, which contained more than a hundred recipes for perfume-making! Today the perfume industry is one of the most dominant luxury industries in the world. The marketing strategies to appeal to such a large and demanding clientele are vast. It seems that almost every week a new pop star is launching their own sickly-sweet brand of perfume, from the likes of “wonder struck” by Talyor Swift to “our moment” by One Direction. The perfume industry blindly follows the fashion fads of the 21st century. Indeed, one could argue that this industry is fast losing the artistic side of the profession… the Medici’s would be surprised at “wonder struck”

However this is not the case with the shop AquaFlor found in Florence. This hidden gem completely takes your breath away. An intriguing perfumery set within a beautiful palazzo full of products crafted with passion. This is a space to be seen and smelt. The store harks back to a bygone era of Florence. Beneath glorious arched ceilings, large wooden cabinets contain rows of brown glass bottles filled with 1500 botanical ingredients. They take these sophisticated materials to create a small number of bespoke scents for clients to enjoy. To add an extra touch of luxury to this already decadent destination is their in-house laboratory, where new perfume concepts and individual bottles for clients are developed. They will create a bespoke perfume just for you should you desire a truly unique scent. When you enter Aqua Flor you experience the ambience of a true workshop dedicated to the fine art of crafting perfume. As Sileno explains, "perfume evokes memories and has a powerful effect on our senses", as did this truly remarkable store in Florence - a worthwhile trip to experience when you visit La Collina del Sole

AQUAFLOR at Via Borgo Santa Croce, 6, 50122 Firenze, Italia PHONE: (+39) 055 2343471 E-MAIL : info@florenceparfum.it

A sneak-peak into the decadent lives of Italy’s high society…

Paolo Sorrentino’s film La Grande Bellezza is an incredible film which I fully recommend. It is a compelling tragicomedy which focuses on Italy's upper class. It is an overload for the senses, with richness, strangeness and sadness all mixed into one film. However in a most vibrant manner the film proves that the middle-aged rich do hedonism better than the young with the party still going as the night sky pales over the beautiful Roman skyline through Sorrentino's favourite glassy electro-pop lens. We have a brief insight into Europe’s wealthy party scene with bronzed, botoxed women and sweaty, bejewelled men.  Italy is the "grand stage" of life that develops before your eyes when you stay at holiday villas in Lucca thankfully, there are few botoxed women, in Garfagnana where La Collina del Sole is located, however you do find that even the gardeners are elegant in the villas for rent in Tuscany How the Italians accomplish this “listless elegance” is a true Italian secret. Is it their posture? Which you can observe as you watch the world go by when you rent a villa in Tuscany - Italians saunter holding alternating wrists behind their back and gently pull, stretching their backs as they do this. Is it their innate sense of colour? Being surrounded by such classical beauty easily observable from your villa rentals in Tuscany Whatever it is “La Dolce Vita” attitude is the vital ingredient that makes a holiday in Lucca villa rental such an amazing experience.Going back to our film; La Grande Bellezza reunites Sorrentino with his favourite actor Toni Servillo. He plays Jep, an ageing man-about-town at the centre of Rome's fashionable nightlife, whose face is a mask of polite disenchantment whilst he enjoys beauty in all its forms. This could mean in the form of love, or sex, or art, or death, but above all it means Rome. The film is rich in incredible camera shots of hidden parts of Rome giving an air of mystery to the city. A dramatic sense of passion, unbearable melancholy, a sense of love and loss, and a sharp sense of the varying forms of power and prestige that enrich the film. Go on … Watch the film in the comfort of the Lucca Villa Rental and then, having watched it at la Collina del Sole take a day trip to Rome. In Rome you will be able to revisit some of the epic architecture captured on film and bask in the hedonistic, rich atmosphere that Sorrentino manages to capture in his film.

The miracle benefits of salt water swimming pools...

The miracle benefits of salt water swimming pools, a luxury available at La Collina del Sole Many of us have been told that salt water is good for us. We have been told that “the cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea”. All of us are made up of water. Our bodies are about two thirds water, and the only mineral that we can ingest is salt. All of us have elements of salt water within our systems, so why not reap the benefits of salt water by swimming in the salt water pool of La Collina del Sole as it counts an infinity salt water pool as one of its many facilities and is a jewel among the Villas for rent in Tuscany .First of all salt water is much softer on our skin than traditionally chlorinated water. This means less itchy, dried-out skin, and hair, you can keep your eyes open underwater when you swim in the pool of your Lucca villa rental not to mention, you don’t have the smell of chlorine or the burning eyes that also come with a traditionally chlorinated pool. Why not see the benefits of salt water while you rent a villa in Tuscany as salt water is a miracle treatment for acne and semi-permanent scars. Instead of using harsh chemicals that can damage pores and cause scarring the salt water rids the skin of foreign toxins and cures cuts in a gentler manner. Salt water also acts as a natural shampoo. Have you noticed that your hair is extremely dry after coming out of the water? This is because salt water cleanses all the oils from your hair. If you have a particularly greasy scalp, then salt water is an excellent way to strip those unnecessary oils from your hair making it more voluminous. Salt water even gets rid of dandruff because it acts as an exfoliant to your scalp. Finally, swimming in salt water helps you stay fit. This is perhaps the most conventional of the benefits of a salt water pool. When you are swimming, you use muscles in your shoulders, arms, and legs which aren’t used in any other activity. That’s why swimming is often recommended as a great way to exercise. Even treading water will burn 590 calories an hour! This way you can work off all those calories enjoyed while eating at one of the restaurants and bars recommended in the suggestions section of La Collina del Sole one of the best appointed Lucca villa rentals within Villa rentals in Tuscany There are also many experiences at La Collina del Sole which have been tailor made by the owners of this exquisite Holiday villas in Lucca

Let’s clean up our act!

With natural soap! At Lucca Villa Rental we show you how to make all manner of beauty products using vegan ingredients. First up the handmade soap workshop held at La Collina del Sole will keep you smelling fresh well after you have returned from your holiday villas in Lucca Using olive oils from our region, you will be reminded daily of your villa rentals in Tuscany the fun you had and all the experiences you lived at La Collina del Sole for example making soap as though you were making cake! using the same recipe our ancestors used and making sure you don’t use the same utensils! Otherwise the lovely gifts you bring back from your villas for rent in Tuscany might be a little more interesting than you bargained for. It is always a treat to bring home a souvenir when you rent a villa in Tuscany and what better than a soap which has been perfumed with flowers and herbs from the very hills you enjoyed walking in!Natural soap does not strip your skin of its natural protective oils due to its high glycerine content which itself has a deep cleansing effect and high moisturizing qualities, as such it is the best soap for people who suffer skin allergies or have sensitive skin. Another bonus point for natural soap is that it uses only natural vegetable oils, no animal fat, no detergents, no chemicals like phosphates, sulphates, chemical colouring agents or petroleum hence natural soaps are high on the eco-friendly scale with no animal testing and by using ingredients that don't cause any harm to the environment. What I love about the natural soap that is made at the La Collina del Sole workshop is that the colouring and fragrance ingredients come from dry plants and flowers from the very hills that you enjoy walking in, it is so special knowing that as you bathe with these soaps your skin is absorbing the flowers, and beauty that surrounds you. The workshop normally lasts for 2 hours and your instructor will bring all the materials, equipment, and complete instructions for soap making in hard copy. Some theory will be covered like the basic chemistry principles of soap making, the difference between commercial soap and handmade soap and the different types of soaps available for specific needs. The practical side gets YOU making soap from scratch, using basic kitchen equipment in a procedure rather like cake making, but with special attention to certain details due to the chemical reactions that occur.  Once ready the soap needs 7 weeks to  harden and season, particularly as the first 48 hours it is jelly-like hence not very practical for travelling, however our instructor  brings  a variety of soap bars which are seasoned and ready  to travel.  Such a treat to know that with this soap what you see is what you get! So if you would like to make olive oil soap that is particularly suitable for those with sensitive skins following a traditional recipe then book our soap making experience and create delicate soaps, the cost for this workshop is €30 for a group, it includes all the materials needed, equipment and complete instructions for soap making plus information on the difference between commercial and handmade soap, the workshop lasts for about 2 hours. The group also gets to take three 100 gram bars of soap home ... unless you would like more!

Tis the season to be jolly …

During the festive season the area surrounding Lucca Villa Rental bursts forth with different homemade liqueurs, because where you find villa rentals in Tuscany you also find an abundance of home grown fruits!  And as harvests are plentiful in the region where you find villas for rent in Tuscany the surplus fruit is used to make syrups and liqueurs, the recipe was given to us by the cook at La Collina del Sole it is simple and very effective judging by the feedback of guests that have stayed at this fabulous Holiday villas in Lucca they also have several experiences at this Lucca Villa rental with truffle and funghi hunting, the pizza experience, wine harvesting  and cookery classes where you could make a stash of liqueurs to take home with you when you rent a villa in TuscanyMany fruits are made into liqueurs using the base of grappa, which can be bought or home made by distilling wine that is surplus to requirements.

For example to make BLUEBERRY LIQUEUR Clean the blueberries and put them in glass jars along with a couple of tablespoons of honey, then cover them with grappa and let them stand for a few days, gently agitate the glass jars from time to time, the liqueur will be ready when the grappa takes a bit of color from the blueberries.

Using this same recipe you can get creative and use many kinds of fruits such as strawberries raspberries, cherries, pears, figs, oranges and so on as long as you have a surplus. Herb Grappa is also very special you can use any aromatic herb. Add grappa to mint , juniper berries  or gentian with honey in fact any other herb can be used as long as it is aromatic and you like the taste. Add a few sprigs to a liter of grappa and leave to fully infuse.

You can also make other fruit spirits with alcohol here is the recipe for ALCOHOLIC BERRIES   Place 1 kg of various types of fruit ( redcurrants,  blueberries,  blackberries,  raspberries , etc. ) in a glass jar and add 250 grams of sugar which has already dissolved in half a glass of water, fill the jar with alcohol at 45 ° Close the lid and leave for at least 3 months before consuming. There is a HUGE variety of fruits that you can prepare in this same way.

Enjoy the variety of Tuscan tastes in liquid form too !

Awesome Autumnal Activities

One of the most beautiful seasons in the area around La Collina del Sole is AUTUMN the chestnut forests around Lucca Villa Rental turn rust read, deep burgundy and gold. The virginia creeper often found in villas for rent in Tuscany is a cascade of reds and burnt oranges, the walks you can access  when you rent a villa in Tuscany are full of promise with black truffle finding, funghi porcini hunting, chestnut gathering,  a delight for those who wish to have an active time while they enjoy Villa rentals in Tuscany and when you return home a log fire awaits you, you can put your feet up as you are served a glass of the home grown wine; the best treat while you relax in the holiday villas in Lucca and await a gourmet feast from the suggested menus at La Collina del Sole as the photographer for wedding magazine who stayed last year found having followed our suggestionThe weather is cooler and therefore ideal to go for long walks exploring the Apuane mountain range which attracts visitors from around the world for fabulous walks, at La Collina del Sole you can book the most wonderful accredited walking guide who can take you for short 3 hour walks or 4 day expeditions. If long walks are not your thing then how about seasonal food or autumnal shopping trips Fosciandora has delightful local shops and a bar or you could go to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana our local town or further afield to Lucca voted in 2013 the most beautiful place to live by Forbes Magazine or even Florence an important historical and fashion centre in Italy. You can sample the best local cuisine in the handpicked restaurants near La Collina del Sole with wild boar, truffle, porcini mushrooms and chestnuts taking centre stage in the menu,  alternatively you can cook this fabulous dried Funghi Porcini risotto. A once in a lifetime experience as you can pick them and dry them in the superbly appointed kitchen at Lucca villa rental  LIFE IS FOR LIVING !

RISOTTO AI FUGHI PORCINI  for 6 people INGREDIENTS 300 grams of rice 100 grams of dried mushrooms 1 clove of garlic a sprig of mint a spoonful of butter extra virgin olive oil which is VERY GOOD FOR YOU salt and pepper

Soak the mushrooms in hot water for about 2 hours, drain and keep the water . Sauté in a pan with olive oil the crushed garlic and mint. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for few minutes, add the salt and pepper Cook by slowly adding the water in which the mushrooms soaked to the rice and keep stirring, once cooked  add the butter and serve while enjoying the view out of the window as seen below !

Tis the season to be harvesting tra la la la …

At Lucca Villa Rental the Grapes have been picked and the organic wine  production of La Collina del Sole has started, the 2013 vendemia is on its way. The Area around Holiday villas in Lucca is bursting with ripe chestnuts, wine grapes, Funghi Porcini  Black Truffles and Ripe Olives so if you would like to have a different experience when you rent a villa in Tuscany we suggest you choose a once in a lifetime harvest during the autumnal Special dates at Villas for rent in Tuscany where you are guaranteed several exceptional only in Garfagnana and particularly only at la Collina del Sole experiences which are definitely worth sampling while you check out the  Villa rentals in Tuscany Italy is known for its fabulous food which includes a olive oil rich diet, homemade pastas with a variety of sauces from Putanesca with  tomatoes, olive oil, olives, capers and garlic, to the simple pesto made of crushed garlic, basil, and pine nuts blended with olive oil and Parmigiano cheese to the even simpler black truffle steeped in Olive oil treat. A word of caution though ... do not buy truffle oil “off the shelf” as most of these oil have never been near a truffle but why not make your own ! buy a black truffle and finely chop the untidy hard exterior and leave them in extra virgin olive oil for 3 weeks and then taste the difference! Or if you are in Garfagnana go to La Casa del Pescatore one of our favourite restaurants and order the angel hair handmade pasta with truffle shavings,  your will automatically be served with warm fresh bread liberally sprinkled with real truffle oil !  YUM Italian Wines have a worldwide reputation and they go from Super Tuscan labels like Brunello di Montalcino to the humble vino sfuso otherwise known as homemade wine like the organic wine produced at La Collina del Sole which is free from added chemicals so you can drink as much as you like [ till you are totally legless ] and it will not give you a headache the next day! If you would like to try the many varieties of Vino sfuso in Garfagnana the Festa del Vino will be held at our neighbouring village in Riana on the 3rd of October during a Festa,  another great Italian tradition! Are  you are mad about chestnuts ? one of the very garfagnese ingredients la Festa della Castagna is held on the 2nd of November at Lupinaia our neighbouring village going North where you can sample ll things made with the humble chestnut, from bread and pasta to jam and cakes. BUON APETITO!

Food Fest with Funghi Porcini

Well it is official the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few!  And if you love Funghi Porcini  check Lucca Villa Rental as  La Collina del Sole is surrounded with this delicacy,  Funghi Porcini appear around the location of villa rentals in Tuscany and this year is a bumper crop! You can book your forestry guide for the experience of a lifetime foraging for Funghi Porcini at La Collina del Sole you can also read the feedback from past visitors who collected 3 kilos in one walk.  Funghi Porcini are a delicacy worldwide and are used in the local cuisine of Holiday villas in Lucca year round. Funghi Porcini appear approximately 10-12 days after rainfall when there has been gentle wind for the dissemination of the spores to take place. It is such a special experience to have in the autumn when you rent a villa in Tuscany that we highly recommend it ! Particularly if you are dreaming of a holiday around the special dates of September and October in a villas for rent in Tuscany alternatively you could find them at the local delicatessenAnd after you have found kilos and kilos full you will need to either preserve them by drying them or keeping them in oil as seen in the collinadelsolewordpress blog or cook them in as many ways as your palate will enjoy, the secret is to have a base that will absorb as much of the Funghi taste and aroma as possible like Polenta or pasta,  to help you on the way we share a few of our favourite recipes:

FARRO E FUNGHI or spelt with funghi porcini  for 4 people INGREDIENTS 300 grams of barley or spelt 300 grams of fresh Funghi Porcini 2 cloves of garlic Fresh parsley 6 tablespoons of olive oil salt and pepper 1/2 cup of dry white wine 2 ripe tomatoes Broth either vegetable or chicken 1 knob of butter 6 fresh mint leaves Clean the mushrooms and cut into small pieces, mix with the chopped garlic and parsley and place into a pan with the olive oil to brown. Add salt and pepper and leave it to cook for about 10 minutes having added the wine, allow the wine evaporate. Add the diced tomatoes, and allow the flavours to mix together as they cook for about 6 minutes then add the spelt or barley which has been properly cleaned , stir for 5 minutes then begin to pour in broth until fully cooked , which will be about 25 minutes. Finally in the last minute add the butter and mint leaves.

PAPPARDELLE AI FUNGHI  or “Butterfly” shaped pasta with Funghi Porcini for 6 People INGREDIENTS 400g Butterfly or “bow tie” shaped pasta 300 grams of funghi porcini 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil mint chopped 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese Beef broth salt and pepper

Place the oil, garlic and chopped mint in a pan and fry, add the mushrooms well washed and cut into slices. Cook for a few minutes, add the broth, salt and pepper and let it evaporate over low heat. As you are cooking the funghi porcini boil the pasta in plenty of hot water, once cooked drain and dress with the funghi porcini sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This shape of pasta is preferred for this recipe as the openness of the shape will allow a generous quantity of sauce to be on it and as it is eaten the pasta will be more exposed to the taste buds and hence intensifying the flavour of the funghi porcini.

AND in case you wanted an alternative way of preparing Funghi Porcini in oil here it is: INGREDIENTS Per kilo of mushrooms: 2 cups water 2 cups of wine vinegar salt peppercorns fresh herbs like thyme and parsley garlic extra virgin olive oil

Clean the mushrooms and cut into medium-sized chunks, boil the water and add the vinegar, salt and herbs. When the water re-boils put the mushrooms in and boil for 3 minutes. Strain the mushrooms and place them to dry on a cloth for one day. Put the mushrooms in glass jars with garlic, peppercorns and thyme then cover with extra virgin olive oil close the jars and keep them in a cool, dark place. BUON APETITO !

FANCY A MEDIEVAL TUSCAN TREAT?

One of the highlights of choosing a Lucca Villa Rental when you browse through the many Villa rentals in Tuscany is that the area is very proud of its medieval ancestry, in fact the region of Holiday villas in Tuscany had its Golden moment in the middle ages and as such re-lives their ancestry at every conceivable opportunity, a short distance from La Collina del Sole you find the newly and brilliantly restored Fortress of le Verrucole this fortress has just opened an attraction / experience guaranteed to appeal to young and old alike when they rent a villa in Tuscany  As while enjoying villas for rent in Tuscany is about the sun, food , recreation and relaxation it is also about culture.La Fortezza delle Verrucole  has not only been lovingly and painstakingly restored and commands the most spectacular views that have been enjoyed for centuries and been fought over by Florence and the Medici family,  the marquises of Malaspina of Massa and the Dukes of Este from Modena. The Fortress of the Verrucole was often a centre for battles. The last battle was in the 1520 when, under the Estense control, in the second half of the 16th century it was besieged by the Florentine army. A couple of weeks ago a group of young Italian theatrical entrepreneurs has taken the fortress under their wing and created am “archeopark” For a modest fee you can see and feel what life was like in the middle ages, the group is dressed in typical costume, they also have recreated the feel of the times with food, medieval methods of cultivation, sewing and craft making they have started a Facebook page so you can follow them, all the feedback has been very positive. Now onto FOOD truly worthy of a medieval feast we recommend you go to the Osteria Vecchio Mulino one of the restaurants we love. It is on Via Vittorio Emmanuelle 12 Telefone 0583 62192 you do not need to dress in medieval garb, this place is perfect for a grown up foodie snack, If you do not want a full meal, but still fancy  tasting a variety of typical Garfagnana food then we suggest you try the “Degustazione” of local cheese and cold meats at this historic Osteria, the cheeses are all topped with local sauces that enhance their natural flavour, the cheses here are mainly goat milk based, the cured meats all come from nearby farms and curing houses, from sweet Parma like cured ham to Biroldo the local Black pudding to coarse and fine salami and a delicious aniseed tasting salami you can also try the local wine or feast and try one of the many excellent wines that line the walls.

Foodie Treasure Trove Found !

On our latest escape to the land of “ Villa rentals in Tuscany “  we have discovered two AMAZING FOODIE  finds just a stone’s throw from La Collina del Sole our favourite among Villas for rent in Tuscany the first is the “Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano” so named because  Giovanni Pascoli - arguably the greatest Italian poet writing at the beginning of the twentieth century - met his literary friends here at the grocery store / bar near where his sister Maria lived.  This area is filled with lovely Holiday villas in Lucca and gastronomic hotspots like il Vecchio Mulino which incidentally celebrates Slow Food day in Italy today 25 of May 2013 with a feast of Tuscan delicacies and wine tasting, Andrea the owner is a great friend of  the owners of Lucca Villa Rental and Mauro Bertolini,  the owner the above mentioned Osteria. Andrea with his affable personality is a bit of a celebrity in Garfagnana and hosts wine and olive oil tastings; so why don’t you meet him when you next rent a villa in Tuscany it is WELL WORTH IT. So let me tell you a little more about the wonderful Osteria al Ritrovo del Platano, well it has THE MOST AMAZING FOOD at unbeatable prices, do not be put off by the photo of a very smart looking chef on the website, or the advertising, he is very friendly and serves a “working” lunch menu on weekdays or “menu di lavoro” which for €10 gets you starter from a choice of 4, a main course from a choice of 4, water, wine and coffee ! and a jolly good one too ! for €20 you can choose the menu turistico which consists of a selection to choose from and for which you get antipasto, homemade pasta, main course, pudding  [ SO YUMMY ] water, Wine and coffee, unbeatable really  …  the A la Carte is fabulous and SO reasonable you would pay 5 - 10 times in a metropolitan restaurant .  Here is a small selection of our favourites, boiled egg with truffle, polenta with game topping, puff pastry with cheese and black truffle sauce, wild mushroom maccheroni, Goose Ravioli with truffle, Chestnut pasta with walnut and fresh Ricotta sauce, Bison meat Tagliata [grilled so the meat remains succulent]  Guinea Fowl breast with mustard and green pepper sauce, Duck in Leek sauce, FAB veggies like roasted onions and sformato di verdure [a vegetable and potato mash],  with a selection of cheeses and honey to top it off or a warm … yes warm tiramisu AMAZING  so if you,  like me are hungry at the thought of such delicious food, we recommend you go to the 445 that runs between Aulla and Lucca,  and at the Ponte de Campia be  prepared to stop in a hurry as it is ON THE EXACT fork where the road goes north to Castelnuovo / Aulla and right to Barga, blink and you miss it  so … don’t miss it. The Osteria still has the two banana trees that gave it its name in Pascoli’s days, dating from this time too,  you find a table that Pascoli used to sit at, many photos of the era and amazing food. Their address is Via Provinciale, Ponte de Campia, Gallicano, 55027, Lucca Tel 0583 68 99 22 Rock on in and give Mauro our very best wishes, he is super friendly  !

Useful Italian to go...so you don t get a donkey instead of butter!

When you rent a villa in Tuscany it is a good idea to learn a few basic Italian words to get around the Villa rentals in Tuscany  or the area surrounding  Holiday villas in Lucca unless you would like to end like my friend whom,  with a smattering of Spanish and staying at Villas for rent in Tuscany became perplexed,  when he was told it was impossible to get what he thought was butter, turned out he was asking for a donkey! Not the best introduction to an idyllic stay in Lucca Villa Rental  We found that at La Collina del Sole there is a dedicated Italian language teacher whose charming services you can engage from €20 per hour and who will make learning Italian the most wonderful experience ever ! If you are pPlanning to travel in Italy, the railroad system is very good and extremely reasonable, you must remember to not only buy your ticket before you board the train but to validate it too,  otherwise you could face a on the spot €50 fine. So let the train take the strain, Italian trains are 99.9% on time, there is not hassle, no parking,  you are taken to the centre of all important towns,  it is clean and great fun. A few useful phrases to help you on your way are:

Where is?     Dov'é     Doh-vay The train station     la stazione    Lah Stat-zee-o-nay A ticket     un biglietto     Oon Beel-yet-toh two adults    due adulti    Do-ay Ahdool-ti one child    un bambino    Oon Bam-bee-noh one student    uno student    Oon-oh Stoo-dent-ti one senior    un pensionato    Oon Pen-see-o-nah-toh How much is it?     Quanto costa?     Kwan-toh Cost-ah

First class     prima classe     Pree-mah Clah-say Second class     seconda classe     Say-con-dah Clah-say

One way     solo andata     So-low Ahn-daht-tah Round trip (return)     andata e ritorno     Ahn-dah-tah Ay Ree-torh-noh track     binario     Been-ar-ree-yoh train     treno     Tray-no information     informazione     In-for-ma-tzee-oh-nay departures     partenze     Par-ten-zay arrivals     arrivi     Ah-ree-vee the bathroom     il bagno     Eel Bahn-yoh Luggage storage    deposito bagagli     Deh-poh-zee-toh Ba-gah-lee thank you     grazie     Grat-tzee-yay please     per favore     Pair Fa-vohr-ray yes     si     see no     no     no the museum    il museo    Eel Muh-zeh-oh the church    la chiesa    La Khi-e-za the cathedral    il duomo/la cattedrale    Eel Du-oh-moh / Lah Ka-te-drah-leh When is it open?     Quando apre?     Kooh-ahn-doh A-pray When does it close?     Quando chiude?    Kooh-ahn-doh Key-ooh-day Do you speak English?     Parla Inglese?     Pat-la Een-glay-zay I don't understand     Non capisco     Non Ka-peesk-koh Do you speak English?     Parla Inglese?     PAR-la een-GLAY-zay I don't understand     Non capisco     non ka-PEESK-koh I'm sorry     Mi dispiace     Mee Dees-pee-at-chay Goodbye   Arrivederchi   Ah-ree-veh-dehr-chi ROMA!

Focus on .... SIENA

Tuscany is FULL of amazing sites to visit when you rent a villa in Tuscany today we focus on Siena which is situated on the far south of the area when you are looking for Villas for rent in Tuscany Siena is well known for the Palio held on July 2nd and August 16th each year. It is a daredevil,  world famous, bareback horse race which lasts around 90 seconds held at the heart of Siena located a  2.5 hour car ride from La Collina del Sole The Palio races are run in the Piazza del Campo, a fan shaped town square which has a steep incline making it a death trap for many a horse and jockey who ride bareback. The race is FULL of passion and Italian bravado,  so after the excitement of the day it is good to retreat to the tranquillity of a Lucca Villa Rental with a view of the Carrara marble hills  in the heart of the best Villa rentals in Tuscany  if you would like to see the Palio it is well worth booking now as spaces to watch it go fast, Siena is well worth a visit when you explore while staying at  Holiday Villas in Lucca here are 4 secret treasures to find in Siena, if you woudl like more contact us at Lucca Villa Rental Siena is not only famous for the Palio as described before where each horse and rider represent a district or ward of Siena or “contrade” there are 17, each one is named after an animal or symbol,  each with its own long history and complicated set of heraldic and semi-mythological associations. Other marvellous sites are Torre del Mangia, from where you get THE MOST amazing views of Siena. Other important sites are the chapel of St Catherine and the Duomo, which is set to one side and on a hill within Siena. The following reccomendations are 4 hidden local secrets in  Siena, that deserve a visit when visit this beautiful town. The Candle Shop, in Via dei Pellegrini, 11, Siena, Province of Siena, Italy. Where they hand carve and create intricate designs in front of you, explaining the process as they go and even personalising your candle for you if you wish.

The Tea Room, is a quirky place with a relaxed atmosphere which is great fun for tea and cakes, live music and even a game of cards or a board game, enjoy it in Via di Porta Giustizia 1, Siena, Italy

Il Pomodorino, is a haunt for Pizza recommended by all the locals of Siena, so you can’t go wrong. They even do gluten free options and are in Via Camporegio, 13 - 53100 Siena

Ristorante Enoteca Millevini is a gourmet restaurant set in the old wine cellars of a Medici fort. The food looks incredibly experimental, the taste is EXQUISITE and will please even the fussiest diners, you will find it within the Fortezza Medicea, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy

What IS it about Tuscany?

Is it the light?    The beautiful rich terracotta quality to the sunsets that you perceive when you rent a villa in Tuscany ?    Is it the View? That reminds you a still serene moments as you savour your holiday villas in Lucca ?      Is it the Tuscan food?  That brings the tinge of pleasure as you remember your beautiful Villas for rent in Tuscany when you next taste Funghi Porcini in your home town?     Is it the culture? That surrounds you at every step when you get acquainted with the surrounding area of your villa rentals in Tuscany ?  Is it the kindness of all the help you get when you stay at La Collina del Sole ? is it the amazing experiences you live when you stay at Luca Villa rental ?Well we would like to think it is a combination of all the above, without doubt Tuscany has the most amazing colours for those who are artistically sensitive you cannot fail but to appreciate the crisp morning light so beautifully captured by the gifted photographer Rebecca Jenson on her last visit,  to the deep terracotta sunsets pictured by every guest at La Collina del Sole  the surrounding heritage is also astounding from the most amazing ruined fortresses surrounding  La Collina del Sole to the seat of civilization in Florence and the home of pageantry in Sienna.  From the delicious Funghi Porcini and Black truffles that are indigenous to the countryside around Lucca Villa rental brought to your table at the excellent food found at Boninni’s  or at Casa del Pescatore  to the fine Tuscan dinning  found both at Ristorante Millevini in Siena [Fortezza Medicea, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy  tel +39 0577 247121] our new favourite with specifically Tuscan cuts of Beef and Tuscan vegetables they have one thousand wines on display in their excellent event cellar below the restaurant, the wines here are wonderful and the food is to die for, and in one of Pavarotti’s favourite eating stops Antica Locanda di Sesto in Via Ludovico in Sesto Moriano, telephone 0583 578181  & 0583 406 303 where we can guarantee you an unforgettable meal with excellent wines. The friendliness and inclusiveness of the Tuscan people and in particular the people around Lucca Villa rental is exceptional, this warmth is testified in the tripadvisor feedback whcih La Collina del Sole has attracted, where with one halting Grazie you open the doors to the special Tuscan smile, and their extreme goodwill, it is not unusual for people to accompany you miles out of their way to make sure that you arrive at the right place, and this they do sharing their knowledge and love for the area, and then of course there is the views…….. which are outstanding, peaceful and have a historical charm about them When you are in Tuscany you are WELCOME indeed !

Chocolates, Roses, Underwear must be St Valentines …

Ring the changes this year instead of giving the same old gifts ... surprise your loved one with a five day break at La Collina del Sole the beautiful Lucca Villa Rental featured in this issue of Wedding Magazine  This gem among Villa rentals in Tuscany is tucked in the Carrara Marble hills with commanding views of the area. With the only award winning infinity pool in the entire list of villas for rent in Tuscany and romantic walks  - an essential requisite when you rent a villa in Tuscany for St Valentines with the most beautiful clean lined interior designed bedrooms available in the menu of Holiday Villas in Lucca

Once you are at La Collina del Sole this idyllic getaway get the low down from the Villa' s concierge as to the romantic walks and picturesque villages, consult the villa handbook to find the best restaurants in order to enjoy a candlelit dinner,  and the preferred shops to buy the red rose which is so iconic at St Valentines and for those with a fun sense of humour why not visit the Antica Pasticceria and splash out on a chocolate spanner or hammer or a chocolate liquor glass in which to sip your favourite drink together by the fireside or …

Offer a trout fishing day at the Casa del Pescatore in Isola Santa  … finished off with a gourmet meal of Black truffle laced linguini, grilled local Capella Mushrooms or battered and fried funghi porcini served alongside a delicious wood grilled beef steak Or the very different experience of Funghi hunting day trip in chestnut groves so romantic ! How about a romantic weekend with nothing much else to do but sunbathe, read, sleep walk, explore, enjoy and RELAX

Does this sound like a good idea  ? well what are you waiting for Contact us and check out all the goodies that come when you choose to be a guest at La Collina del Sole

Think … Fun & Food in the Sunshine

With grey leaden skies above me I cannot WAIT to go on my holiday when I rent a villa in Tuscany and find foodie treasures while feeling sun kissed, my favourite Lucca villa rental among villa rentals in Tuscany is La Collina del Sole a beautiful Holiday Villas in Lucca situated in the heart of the main area for villas for rent in Tuscany at  La Collina del Sole you find an award winning salt water  infinity pool amazing staff, a fabulous Villa handbook stuffed full of ideas of where to go, what to do or not and where to eat so without further ado let’s get down to FOOD and where to eat like a king and pay like a pauper. The nearest restaurant is Claudios ‘Il Ponte di Ceserana, located at the entrance to the cluster of villages where La Colllina del Sole is located, close enough to villages but in a secluded spot.  Their number is 0583 66 20 05. The owner/cook, Claudio, comes from Ayr in Scotland. He has recently started offering a delicious and incredibly well priced Fish Menu served every Friday lunchtime. Our guests have highly recommended it in fact they have even written about it, the menu changes according to the best fish available on the day, one of the favourites is a “Fish and Chips” with a twist of elegance, the menu is €10 per head a bargain for the quality and quantity of food and the amazing locally made grappas of different flavours which Claudio produces at the end of the meal. His wife Clementina and children help run the restaurant and bar.  Booking preferred Monday is his day of rest.

Our gourmand choice has recently had a facelift so looks elegant and the food is still spectacular it is Trattoria di Bonini Pier, in Monteperpoli, his number is 0583 639 425, During all working days there is a very good lunch Menu for around €10, excluding wine. There is also the a la carte dining which is spectacular, roughly €25 plus wine. The menu changes with the season but if you see Tagliatta of Beef with Grilled vegetables or game do indulge they are exceptional. Pier the owner has an impressive list and knowledge of wines which are well priced. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Il Pozzo in Pieve Fosciana is also a favourite, very popular for weddings and other large celebrations their number is 0583 66 63 80.  It has a delicious antipasto [mixed starter] dish in the area. Giordano and Maurizio founded Il Pozzo in 1985 and have formed part of the “Slow Food” movement from its inception. They are passionate about the origins of the food they prepare and have won several awards. They also have a “menu del giorno”, the restaurant is usually busy but capacious. Their wine list includes some from Lucca, Tuscany and further afield. They close on Wednesdays apart from August when they open seven days a week.

Our next Foodie Heaven is Casa del Pescatore in the village by the Lago Isola Santa, their telephone is  0583 639408. This is possibly the BEST kept Foodie Heaven secret of all time, if you like Truffles and Funghi Porcini, local cheeses and open wood fire grilled meat you cannot get better and it is ridiculously cheap affordable. In the heart of the Marble Hills a 50 minute drive from La Collina del Sole . Gabrielle Matzei set up his own small restaurant in Isola Santa a small village part of which he has restored and brought back to life. He also can dispense the permit you will need to buy if you want to fish for the succulent local trout of the lake. He is one of the most gifted cooks of the area and has had extensive write ups in gastronomic magazines including “Bon Apetit”. It is TRULY worth the winding drive through the hills.

A new re-discovery is La Bottega dell Fattore in Castelnuovo on Via F Azzi on the corner facing the Carabinieri station their telephone is 0583 62179.  This restaurant has been taken over by the daughter and her husband the food was always good with an excellent wine selection, the food is now excellent and the wine selection is still fabulous. The daughter has also newly enlarged the restaurant and added an outside terrace for al fresco dinning. We last had a fantastic beef with a reduced balsamic vinegar sauce… incredible.

The most spoiling and fabulous gourmet experience is the Feast selection in the suggested menu available at La Collina del Sole,  or the Pizza Experience  all our guests have LOVED these and come back for more … So when you come to La Collina del Sole leave diets at home … enjoy the best food that Tuscany has to offer.

Let it snow …Let it snow … Let’s think of the sun !

If you, like me, are sitting looking at the snow gently falling from a leaden sky; although I  admire its beauty,  my heart longs for those lazy summer days soaking in the gentle late afternoon sun.  So feeling like a little escapism I searched for Villas for rent in Tuscany and in particular Holiday Villas in Lucca and alight on La Collina del Sole a beautiful Lucca Villa Rental with every facility you could want; from an award winning Salt Water infinity swimming pool,  to a floor plan that allows you to  plan ahead and bag the best room !  This Villa rentals in Tuscany has it all from Experiences like trekking along the Carrara marble hills to learning how to cook like Mamma, learning how to make a Pizza from scratch,  joining in the Wine making,  learning Italian and watching the swallows have the bedtime drink, when you rent a villa in Tuscany you really want it to be like this ! So here is what impressed me they have a list of favourite restaurants with feedback testimonials that back the choice and even give further suggestions, all the people who have stayed at La Collina del Sole have left heartfelt and happy reviews.

They also have a section we love Bars Patisseries and Ice Cream right up my street with places to laze with a glass of prosecco and watch the world go by in the summer,  or as I am jolted back into the reality of snow,  a fab warm Ponche de Mandarino a warm alcoholic beverage that tastes like rich mandarins in syrup when added with a spot of exotic cinnamon and a slice of lemon perfect !

There is a section devoted to we love Food where directions are given to find the best local Italian Specialities like Funghi Porcini, TRUFFLES and a truly local speciality all things made with Chestnut, like chestnut pasta, chestnut bread, chestnut flour, chestnut cake even Chestnut marmalade  all especially delicious setting by the roaring fire with a nice tumbler of Ponche al mandarino

Hey Italy is good in summer AND winter  !