Monthly Archives: July 2011

Elton John in Lucca 2011

Summer is a great time to be in Italy as there are no end of Festas, Festivals, Fieras. We have managed to visit quite a few and despite being in love with Piemonte have even ventured further afield to Lucca in Toscana (Tuscany) which hosts a Musical Festival in July. The artists are always top names and the open-air concerts take place in the small atmospheric Piazza Napoleone in the centre of the walled historical City.

B.B.King

This year was no exception and we were lucky to be able to see Sir Elton John, B.B. King and Joe Cocker in that order over a couple of evenings. It’s a great venue and only holds an audience of a couple of  thousand or so people. Much more personal than a huge arena or stadium. (more…)

Darryl Baldwin and chef Davide Odore

View from the terrace

There are no shortage of classy restaurants in Piemonte and the best quite often  have prices to match but every now and then we stumble upon a gem that provides exceptional cucina without breaking the bank. Davide Odore is a talented chef and Io e Luna in Montebello a frazione of Guarene is a must for visitors to the region. (more…)

Orlando Pecchenino

Dolcetto is the everyday wine of the Langhe and it is usually light and fruity and drunk young. At most of the tastings I attend I usually think “OK, pleasant but not for me”. Occasionally that indifference is shattered and our visit to the family-run Pecchenino winery (recently featured in Wine Spectator)was just such an occasion. The winery has been handed down from father to son since the end of the 18th century and since 1987 has been managed by Orlando and Attilio. The current cantina was completed in 2000 and further reconstruction has been taking place culminating in the opening of an Agriturismo in October (2011).  There will be 5 rooms and the location is stunning, perched on a hilltop with 360° degree views of the surrounding countryside. (more…)