Tuscany, Italy

Photographs from my meal in  Italy , at Tuscany on  September 13, 2011.

Casarecce with Parmigiano-Reggiano, black summer truffle, smoked pancetta

Chicken roasting on a bed of sage, rosemary, and lavender

Peach Salad Straciatella, aceto balsamico, basil, parsley, rosemary blossoms, pistachio oil, and Prosciutto San Daniele.

Chef Curtis Duffy preparing casarecce with Parmigiano-Reggiano, black summer truffle, smoked pancetta

Squash and string beans, summer pe

Fig Custard Tart Mascarpone, acacia honey, rosemary blossoms. and roasted chicken

Chicken roasted on a bed of sage, rosemary, and lavender

Fig Custard Tart Mascarpone, acacia honey, rosemary blossoms.

Summer Peach Salad Straciatella, aceto balsamico, basil, parsley, rosemary blossoms, pistachio oil, and Prosciutto San Daniele.

Fresh figs from a nearby tree

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Chef Curtis Duffy quartering some roasted chicken

View from our villa in Bolgheri, Tuscany

Chef Curtis Duffy plating his fig tart with a dollop of mascarpone, al fresco

Arrival at the villa

The perfect reading spot, like a dream

Villa in Bolgheri

Swimming pool overlooking the vineyard

Sunset in Bolgheri

The guest house (where I'm sleeping)

Impromptu al fresco dining

Peach, strachiatella, basil, vinegar

Greek peasant salad

Red Vespa

Sunset in Siena