Podere il Casale

Beautiful place near Monticchiello in the Southern Tuscany. My parents, together with Mutti and Sofia went there whilst Kim and I were in Corsica. They raved about it, stating that it was Swiss owned and they met the couple who owns and runs it. They are actively involved and so are their children. Their food is produced on the farm, they are famous for their Pecorino cheese. They also offer Pizza and bread courses, camping etc etc....in fact i was really looking forward to visiting this place. They have outdoor and indoor seating but i must say the outdoor seating cannot be compared to the indoor hall. The outside is quaint, picturesque and has breath-taking views.

There is quite a long dirt road following up to Podere il Casale....its not so easily found. The sign at the entrance is also not too good. Once we parked a beautiful sign welcomed us....let me share a pic...

Podere il Casale

As mentioned the place was quaint and picturesque with beautiful laid tables....and a fabulous view....let me share a pic....

Tables

Views

There were 7 adults, Ben and Sofia, so we decided to order a platter for starters, two pecorino platters, 2 salumi platters and two crostini platters....wow.....what arrived took my breath away....stunning...and the owner, Sandra, came and explained. I absoloutely loved that. She informed us that all salumi was cinta senese which means a pig from Siena and it is a black and white pig. Also Tuscan salami is known to be fattier that other salamis. The pecorino and goat cheese was also explained, fresco, semi staggionato and staggionato, then walnut, wine and chili flavoured. Then various goat cheese including a camembert style cheese and also a feta....very wow....let me share a pic....

Bread basket

Platter

After our platter we all chose a main course....ranging from mixed salad to gnocci to pork chops and sheep meatballs with rosti...everyone was happy...except for the mixed salad...i expected more....it wAs leaves, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes...i expected a dressing...yes, in Italy you do not have dressings but in Switzerland you do, so yes, i expected dressing...but there was none...anyway...food was good...let me share a pic of the meatballs....

Sheep meatballs with potatoe

Dessert..no one was really hungry expect for Mutti, who chose the apple cake with vanilla sauce...not what i expected, i must say, i would not have it again....i would have expected more fruit....more apple...let me share a pic...

Apple cake

So yes...we had an amazing lunch....it was relaxed...chilled and so nice. We enjoyed a long, relaxing lunch. Would i go back, most definitely. Now....i am tired, tomorrow we leave for Finland and now i need to sleep....goognight....have nice Sunday.....chat soon.

 

Posted with Blogsy