Fresh market and pasta making

Montecatini morning was cloudy, rained a bit on our way to the fresh market in Florence. Met Chef Libero and Rosa. We broke into groups of 5 or 6 and were given a list of a few items needed for our cooking lesson and lunch- in Italian.... they did give us Euros to purchase the items. Once we translated our list consisted of red onions, bunch of Rosemary and Sage. Mission accomplished. We the wandered through the market looking at all their fresh meats, cheeses, breads, and fruits. After enjoying bread and stuffed sun dried tomatoes we got back on the coach to Libero's restaurant & estate vineyard. Warmly welcomed with a glass of blue champagne! Yes, blue, hint of raspberries.
On to pasta making. Donned in apron and hairnet sous caps, we got to work making ravioli for our lunch. Also made a panzinela salad, zuppa and biscuits (what I would call biscotti).
Amazing wine tasting with starters of fried squash blossoms, crostini & fried polenta.
Rained while we ate and drank then the sky cleared and we had a beautiful drive back to the Hotel Columbia.Read more