What happens when 8 people get into a small van, for a 2 hour drive, down windy roads, after a 4 course lunch of beans and lentils? Well, that depends what kind of beans you’re eating!
25
Sep
What happens when 8 people get into a small van, for a 2 hour drive, down windy roads, after a 4 course lunch of beans and lentils?
Well, that depends what kind of beans you’re eating! According to Mario Agostinelli, his beans are “sans gas” because of their remarkably thin skins. Although he seemed like a pretty credible source, it did not keep our rowdy group from making more than one inappropriate joke at the table! Regardless, the beans and chickpeas were incredible and I can say hands down, they were the tastiest, creamiest that I’ve ever eaten. The packaging was beautiful and although the product was expensive, I assure you, if you’re a bean lover like me, you’ll never want to eat anything else.
In addition to the delectable dishes that Mario made, the restaurant also provided us with a beautiful buffet of local dishes. We also hit up a bakery that makes the most amazing brutti ma buoni (ugly but good cookies) that are made from hazelnuts. They remind me of pignoli nut cookies, but with hazelnuts instead of almonds. They will definitely be making an appearance at Palmer’s!
Although the beans were a pretty lively part of our day, the dinner was hands down the best part. After a tour of their olive grove, the owners of Azienda Agricola Badini invited us over to their spectacular home in the Tuscan hillside for an amazing dinner. Our hostess, in her designer dress and pearls, whipped up an incredible 6 course meal without missing a beat. Each dish featured their fruity extra virgin olive oil, including the dessert which was olive oil gelato with olive oil biscotti!!
Tonight we are staying at a beautiful Chateaux in Toscana. I wish we’re were going to be staying more than one night because the property is spectacular, with fruit trees and gardens galore!
Tomorrow we will hit up 2 olive oil producers, one in Umbria and one in Lazio. Tomorrow is also our last day with 3 of the buyers, who will be heading back to the states when we get to Rome on Sunday. It has been amazing getting to know them, and they will be greatly missed. The only thing I am excited about is upgrading to the front row of the van!!
Buonanotte,
Megan
After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America with her Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts Degrees, Megan joined the family business and opened Palmer’s Bakery & Palmer’s Catering. Megan loves cooking & entertaining, dancing, gardening, skiing, and spending time with her daughters and husband.
