Tuscany, Pretola Inn

While we stayed in Tuscany, we were able to stay at the Inn that my husband's family owns and what an experience it was. This inn offers the most spectacular views and the food. I could go on about the food for days.

We were able to stay in the upstairs in a quaint room with a nice sized bathroom and a queen bed. It was exactly what you think of when you conjure up images of a stay in Tuscany. There is so much history here, as the building was originally a farmhouse built in the 1600's in the medieval village of Gragnola.

The location is an easy drive to Pisa, Cinque Terra, La Spezia and Parma. You are able to gaze upon the Apuane Alps while taking a dip in the pool. You are close to castles and also the small village of Gassano. Which happens to be where our family is from and so many still reside.

On our first day at the Inn, we were celebrating the 80th birthday of my husband's great uncle and the food came and came and came. and somehow, each new dish brought about a new explosion of flavors.

We stayed up late in to the night drinking wine and the men enjoyed some Tuscan cigars. As I sat there, I was almost in dismay that I was actually experiencing this particular moment. It was as if it was a dream.

And each morning, Roberto created us a breakfast that you would be pleased to experience just once, much less five days in a row. Fresh toasted bread with homemade butter. Honey and jams. Cappuccinos. and my favorite part of each morning, omelettes with pancetta. And the pancetta is from their very own hogs!

Our last night there, we had another amazing meal with the most succulent dishes. The meats and cheeses seemed to never stop. Fresh pasta made that afternoon and a homemade chicken soup with cheese raviolis. Best soup I ever thought of having.

And the night ended with an amazing tiramisu.

If you are ever looking for a spot that is both relaxing and will tempt your taste buds, I fully recommend Agriturismo Pretola.

The Holly Inn

On our last trip to Pinehurst, we had lunch at our usual spot, the historic Holly Inn. Established in 1895. This is where we usually stay when we are in Pinehurst overnight, but for this trip, we were only there for a few hours. 

I love the old bar and how they serve you house made chips as you sit down. I haven't quite figured out what seasoning they use, but I am addicted!

Wiki went with a burger and I chose the prosciutto, havarti and chicken sandwich on focaccia. Perfect choice as it is one of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted. The flavors pair so well together and, other than sourdough, I would choose this over a bun any day. Crispy bread just lends itself to a better sandwich.

Booth Bay Harbor: The Lobster Dock

The only thing that makes a delicious meal even better is the view from which you eat it. And this place serves up both. 

Last summer, we found ourselves in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine and after walking around this captivating town...all I had on my mind was food. There was no shortage of choices and on our walk, we came upon The Lobster Dock. 

I am not sure if it was the smells emitting from their kitchen or the view that beckoned us, but whatever it was that landed us there...thank the good Lord. Delicious!

Tony got a scallop po boy and a cup of chowder and I got the fish nuggets. I think it was fried cod.  We waited in line for what seemed like forever and then you give your order that you have studied from the chalkboard menu. We scouted and spied a couple getting up and had the perfect view to drink our beverages while we waited for food. 

OTT: Richmond- Tazza Kitchen

For my foodies in Richmond, I have a new place for you guys to check out; Tazza Kitchen. We were in Richmond for my sissy in law's birthday and while the eats in Downtown Richmond are a plenty, we ventured out towards Short Pump for dinner the second night. They only opened last Wednesday and we left quite impressed. 

I loved the ambiance but not as much as I loved their white pizza. Oh. my. word. People. 

Prosciutto pizza with arugula.

 a perfectly made mojito

and as a {self proclaimed} bourbonista I am more than pleased to say the my Manhattan was pretty much close to perfect. As you already know I normally prefer my bourbon neat, but this way(if done correctly) can please my palate nicely.

I definitely recommend hitting this spot up. You can tell the owners are proud of the product they are putting out and since we had absolutely nothing left on our plates, I can say they have a pretty good reason to be pleased. If only I hadn't forgotten to take pictures of our small plates;)