Cafe Citti Our Next Chapter

More random shots of our special little town, Borgo a Mozzano, this time at the northern end of the main street. I will never tire of taking photos or marveling at the random staircases, alley ways, water fountains, statues or benches you can find along the way. I’m feeling so grateful to be in such a beautiful place that is so rich with history and that generations of families and friends have lived in. Now if only the walls could talk….

This is Borgo a Mozzano, where we are living right now. The town is about 25 minutes north of Lucca and where Luca grew up. The population is about 6,500 and most of what you need can be found on the main street which is less than a mile long. The first records of the town go back to the 10th century! We had a nice walk through the cobblestoned streets with Luca recounting some childhood memories along the way. How refreshing it is to be able to walk to town and to find so many familiar faces along the way! To be surrounded by so much beauty and history everyday really fills my soul! It really feels as though we have stepped back in time. Being here with my love in this beautiful place with our family and friends is exactly what retirement is all about!❤️

Today we did a little grocery shopping at Ilredelgustosiciliano Nicolapierapignataro in Diecimo, just a few minutes from our house. What a gem of a place! They have everything you need from A to Z to make a traditional Italian meal. The focus is on local ingredients and what people actually eat here. Of course we left with some amazing Pecorino cheese, some fresh Ricotta cheese, fresh fruit and of course some delicious biscotti! The produce is only handled by the proprietor, so no squeezing the fruit! 😜. In other stores, you must weight and tag all your own produce using the disposable gloves provided. As with all grocery stores here, you must bag your groceries yourself while the cashier scans your items and you must also pay for the bags you use. Additionally, carts need to be unlocked with a euro coin which you get back upon returning the cart to its place (what a concept!). Most Italians shop daily, which explains why most home refrigerators here are so small! The whole experience is a chance to see your neighbors and friends and stop for a chat along the way. Italians take their food seriously, therefore grocery shopping is a joy not a chore. Rest assured, we will be back soon!

I recently spent the day in Lucca with my sister in law, two nieces and my cousin and it was a great time! Fall was in the air, the temperature was perfect and spending time there really warmed my heart. We started off with espresso and a few delicious baked goods and of course a bag of Cantuccini Toscani Pasticceria Pinelli. Next we spent some time in Pelletteria Allegrini Filippo. A shop that is over 100 years old that sells authentic Italian leather goods such as purses, belts and gloves. Their selection of unique bags and quality leather was intoxicating! Next we had to make a stop for some of the best focaccia in town Forno a Vapore Amedeo Giusti, luckily we were there early enough to also score some of the sweet focaccia with raisins, it was delicious! We continued walking to Piazza del Anfiteatro, a circular piazza and one of Lucca’s most special places. A historical landmark, used by the Roman’s in the first century. Also not to be missed are the beautiful churches, one of my favorites being La Chiesa di Santa Zita in Piazza San Frediano. Along the way, we found a fabulous shop Zazzi dalla Mano, where every morning a woman hand weaves scarves on an old loom, many of which are designed from the owner’s watercolors. So many to choose from! Not to be missed is my favorite gelato in the city, Gelateria Da Pietro. This husband and wife team use old family recipes to create artisanal classic gelato flavors, but then also create monthly specials with local seasonal ingredients. This month’s special is ricotta and green figs, so good! We finished the day with an Aperol Spritz and a delicious panino Ciacco Bistrot, where we sat outside looking out to Piazza Grande and people watching. It was a perfect day!❤️

There’s nothing scarier than getting your haircut in a foreign country when you have been spoiled your whole life by the the best hairdresser ever (my sister Laura ❤️). From the moment I walked into Desidé Parrucchieri I felt reassured. The Salon is spotless, cool and modern. Silvia immediately made me feel relaxed and taken care of. Thank you, Silvia for brightening my day and giving me a great touch up! PS this is what the CRAZY humidity will do to your hair - who knew I had waves!😜👍🏻

Today I visited my father-in-law’s grave. Not only do Italian families take great care of their loved ones and elders, but they continue to show their love and respect long after they are buried. The graves are manicured and well kept. Family members visit weekly to keep flowers fresh and graves swept and washed. This is a ritual I enjoy when I’m here, it’s always a very special and reverent time for me❤️. He is greatly missed by us all. Thank you Olesia Fiori ad Arte for the beautiful selection of flowers!

Nothing makes a chef happier than fresh produce! My brother-in-law has planted and tended to this amazing garden all season, the way his father did and the way his father’s father did… Luca has enjoyed giving a hand while we’ve been here. Generations of sweat, labor, and love have gone into this earth, and now we are the recipients of its glorious bounty! Thank you, Claudio Citti for all of the delicious fruits and vegetables… You truly are our favorite ‘Contadino’!❤️

It’s not everyday that you get to meet up with a childhood friend of more than 50 years! These two guys were getting into all kinds of trouble when they were just 6 years old! What a wonderful evening spent talking about great memories with special friends with delicious food in a gorgeous setting! Osteria di Valgiano is a special place that serves typical Tuscan cuisine. They have one seating at 8:00 pm with a prix fix menu that is served family style. Everything was delicious from beginning to end and the sunset was spectacular! Highly recommend if you’re in the area! Thank you Paola E Stefano Palagi for a truly memorable night!

Surprise birthday adventure, highly recommend if you’re in the area! Lucca rafting - Toscana was such a fun and memorable way to celebrate my day! Simone our guide, was so patient with me and so much fun! Special thanks to my honey for a wonderful day!

Lunch date with my honey at a local trattoria. Delicious food for such a reasonable price! If you’re ever in the area, it’s a great stop at Quadrifoglio in Salita. Simple, tasty local cuisine. We had a lovely conversation with the owner and commiserated over the woes of owning a small restaurant! Turns out it’s hard work no matter where you are. However we had all this food, a liter of still water, half liter of house white and a slice of almond cake for a total of 56 euros out the door!