The end of the European holidays...

And so we have reached the final days of the holidays...

After a last week in Toscana, I find myself again in a fresh and sunny Paris, with 19°C, with everyone getting ready for the rentrée: the arrival of those who were on vacation, the back-to-school preparations and the return to work. Yesterday I did some window-shopping around Faubourg-St. Honoré and the Fall-Winter 2010/2011 collections are ready in store!

But before flying to Buenos Aires for a couple of weeks, I would like to suggest to you the best addresses and spots in my hometown and beloved Toscana, specially those of Montepulciano, which has lately become a trendy and touristic destination.

There are few hotels around and many "agriturimos," which are a whole new concept. They are basically old country houses, restored into farm hotels or Bed&Breakfast. The best one is definitely Dionora. Giulio is its manager and will gladly attend any request. Other options, midway between Montepulciano and Pienza, are La Saracina and Villa Poggiano. Around the area of the Cortona, another jewel of Tuscany, is Il Falconiere.

To try the wonders of the Tuscan cuisine, mi favorite restaurant is "La Grotta," just in front of the Church of San Biagio, work of Il Sangallo... a true must, specially during sunset.

In town, if you want to taste the "pici," Montepulciano's typical pasta, the "Trattoria Diva" will not disappoint. 

For a lunch with the best view on Earth, go to "Pulcino," which is a Polizian classic, where you'll find the best Italian "cantuccini" and Gabriella's unique panello...

As for dinner, don't miss "La Porta" in Monticchiello, a few miles from Montepulciano and in front of the Val d'Orcia, an amazing landscape... at least for me!

If you are looking for something more sophisticated, but still true to the essence of Tuscany, "La Chiusa" in Monteffolonico is perfect.

Ciao, Toscana...

The Dionora