"Alpine Settler": Where's the sunshine????

Monday, May 01, 2006

Where's the sunshine????

Monday 24th April 2006

Well this morning we were greeted with an overcast sky and no signs what-so-ever that things were going to improve. But 'what to do and where to go' with this seeming threat of rain hanging over our heads?

So without more ado we set off up the Val Chiavenna to explore the small villages and find somewhere 'a bit off the beaten (tourist) track for a genuine mountain fare lunch!!!

We found a small village with one bar/trattoria and just a couple of workmen having lunch. The owner explained that we could eat there but would have to wait while she cooked for us (now THAT I can live with....so unusual these days).

We ordered simple food....Paddy wanted to try a 'Val d'Ostana' - veal steak with ham and melted chees on top...this was accompanied by grilled zucchini and peppers. We both chose to 'waive' a starter and pasta as we wanted to try the 'local village cheese' afterwards.

While we were waiting the daughter (about 18yo) bought us a slice of hot flaky pastry filled with cheese and zucchini - explaing that her mother thought we 'may like to taste a slice of this as it had just come out of the oven.... It was delicious! Well having enjoyed the main course we went on to the selection of mountain cheeses. There was so much we couldn't finish it and 'Mama' wrapped the remainder in a serviette for us to take home (a big mistake as it turned out....). We were then given a T shirt each (with the trattoria name on - right size too - both XXL for us - LOL). A friendly place, with excellent food and service. No 'airs and graces' to be seen - certainly a place to visit again I think...

So back to the cheese....once home I put the cheese, still in the paper serviette, on the table and we both went off to get changed - mistake or what ?????? Yes you've guessed - Ciccio (who has refused all temptation to try ANY cheese to date), thought it would be fun to get on a chair and see just what was in the paper.... and yes, you've guessed - he suddenly a liking for mountain cheese (rind and all). AND he had the cheek to wag his tail and lick his lips when I returned to the kitchen to 'put the cheese away'....Soon wiped that smile off his face I can tell you! I just hope the extra extra mature Bitto BURNED HIS TONGUE - the little sod!

4 Comments:

At May 01, 2006 9:34 AM, Annika said...: Well that ought to have taught you a lesson, right? :D Never, EVER, trust a dog around food.
Sounds like you had a delicious meal though!
At May 05, 2006 2:35 PM, Stelle In Italia said...: wow--sorry about the cheese! how depressing! the meal sounds wonderful though. i love those sort of places, and you're right: they are hard to find! next time you are in le Marche, visit the tiny town of Montefalcone, where there's a similar place that we've been to a good three times now :)!

-Jackie
At May 05, 2006 10:17 PM, nikinpos said...: I love that first photo. Sometimes i forget that there is actually flat land and grass in Italy...because there sure isn't anything like it in these parts! My daughter has hardly ever hed the oppurtunity to run on grass. Running on a stoney beach is harder!!
At May 26, 2006 7:53 PM, Troy Worman said...: Awesome photos!