Monday, March 29, 2010

Cantinetta del Nonno, San Casciano Val di Pesa

Arista

This cozy trattoria was nearby while we were out in the countryside tonight (Via IV Novembre 18, 055-820570). We made sure to grab a number of local Tuscan dishes, such as this arista roast pork, which was sliced so thinly that it was a bit like Japanese chashu, except that it was seasoned with rosemary and white wine for extra aroma. We also got some pici, which is a thicker version of spaghetti that they did in a surprisingly spicy sauce and also in a surprisingly firm texture.

It was also very relieving after so many heavy meals to get a fava bean soup that wasn't as mushy as bread-thickened ribolitta. Its taste and texture was a bit reminiscent of split pea soup, but topped with olive oil drizzled in the shape of a "C," which is a common practice in these parts. And yes, of course it was Chianti wine that went with that fava bean soup; Hannibal Lecter would have been proud. After all of this meat in the past week or two though, I'm really going to need some fish soon, and that isn't likely to happen while we are inland.

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