What an embarrassment of riches! I've clicked on everything, printed out poems, recipes, and essays, bought books, and am contemplating the applications for writing workshops. Whew. You two lead full and stimulating loves (that was a typo - should be "lives" but I thought "loves" is more accurate).
Love this post. Here are two really weird things involving it. I was reading Laura Lippman's comments about what she'd been watching lately, and she mentioned her late friend Terry Teachout. I'm not familiar with him, and I made a mental note to read up about him. Then I put my laptop down and moved a small pile of library books to see what I would like to read next. The top one was The Dud Avocado which I borrowed after someone online recommended it. Was it you two? I read it a million years ago and remember liking it so I thought I'd try it again. On the cover, below the title, were the words: Introduction by Terry Teachout. So crazy. I couldn't believe it.
The other weird thing is that I recently came across a Substack called The Oldster by Sari Botton. Yesterday I read a great piece by Laura Lippman called I Don't Know Why #2: "I don’t want to cook anymore, and I don’t know why." It says exactly what I've been feeling lately, (except for the last part about her sister). I've been an enthusiastic cook since I was a kid, but, at 72, I have very little interest in it. So I guess maybe Laura Lippman is my spirit animal?
I am so happy that you and Ann found a lovely new area to explore! I adore Firenze but not at this hotel price you listed. Insane. Wonderful newsletter Michael and Ann!! As always it's a joy to read and always fascinating!! A treasure!! Be well!
Tour de France was probably why Florence was so crowded. Spello sounds lovely. Done some geneology research recently on my Italian roots and found my great grandparents town just east of Amalfi and other grandpa's town near Catania on Sicily. I hoping when I manage to travel there that those towns are just as unexpectedly wonderful.
Also, would love a meet up for subscribers in NYC!! Since we'd have to travel from San Diego, the timing would have to be right, but sounds like it would be a blast!!!
I see Lemon Drop cocktails often on menus but have never ordered one, thinking it seemed a bit juvenile. Well, with your endorsement, I just made one at home . . . LOVED IT! Just the right proportion of sour and sweet. Serving it in a well-chilled martini glass is a must, in my opinion. Thanks for the recommendation. Oh, and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of your newsletter as well . . . as always!
Given that the Tour de France began today - stage 1 from Florence to Rimini - Italy is on my mind so thank you for the delicious description of Spello. Curious if you have visited San Marino?
Saw a comment about a book regarding a place visited and it reminded me of a book that everyone should read "Many Beautiful Things: Stories and Recipes from Polizzi Generosa" written by the actor/author/chef Vincent Schiavelli. It will make you want to get on the next plane to Sicily. I'm smiling just thinking about it. Just a great read for anyone who enjoys travel and food.
Loved your writing about a small town in Italy. We spent a few weeks in Colmurano (population about 1,300) which is an hour from Spello. Absolutely relaxing. Mornings spent at a 7-11 type truck stop with the locals eating incredible pastries that were less than $1 US and drinking cappuccino. Virtually no one spoke English (and we didn't speak Italian). Amazing how well you can communicate by pointing! Incredible Roman ruins nearby in Urbisaglia. The coliseum there was built with the plunder from the siege of Masada. We were never bored. Such a treat to get away from the craziness that is Florence.
My friends loved Spello so much they named their dog Spello. Montefalco is also a nice place to visit. And it’s worth going back to Assisi to see the cathedral, but the town is pretty touristy in general. I love Umbria. Generally, a little less crowded than Tuscany and lots of good food and places to visit. Orvieto is also lovely.
A few years ago an American Michelle Damiani also found Spello and she was so delighted she spent a year in Spello with her family and then wrote the book "Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center" about it. Readers of this column might enjoy reading it for even more stories about Spello.
Hi Michael, this newsletter convinced me to become a paid subscriber....I especially loved your story of Spello since we learned that those small hill towns and villages are the real Italy while visiting my maternal and paternal grandparents home towns of Sant'Eufemia a Maiella in Abruzzo and Ascoli Piceno in LeMarche last fall.....looking forward to more of the wonderful content as a subscriber.
if u ever get back, go towards the Adriatic coast of Pescara region....there is a small town there called Sulmona surrounded by mountains, one of which my maternal grandparents were born
Loved this, Michael! We went to Assisi in the fall, fell in love. Spello sounds wonderful! Look forward to seeing you and Ann at the Wequassett in August ❤️
What an embarrassment of riches! I've clicked on everything, printed out poems, recipes, and essays, bought books, and am contemplating the applications for writing workshops. Whew. You two lead full and stimulating loves (that was a typo - should be "lives" but I thought "loves" is more accurate).
The valuable typo. Many thanks.
Love this post. Here are two really weird things involving it. I was reading Laura Lippman's comments about what she'd been watching lately, and she mentioned her late friend Terry Teachout. I'm not familiar with him, and I made a mental note to read up about him. Then I put my laptop down and moved a small pile of library books to see what I would like to read next. The top one was The Dud Avocado which I borrowed after someone online recommended it. Was it you two? I read it a million years ago and remember liking it so I thought I'd try it again. On the cover, below the title, were the words: Introduction by Terry Teachout. So crazy. I couldn't believe it.
The other weird thing is that I recently came across a Substack called The Oldster by Sari Botton. Yesterday I read a great piece by Laura Lippman called I Don't Know Why #2: "I don’t want to cook anymore, and I don’t know why." It says exactly what I've been feeling lately, (except for the last part about her sister). I've been an enthusiastic cook since I was a kid, but, at 72, I have very little interest in it. So I guess maybe Laura Lippman is my spirit animal?
I must thank Claudia Young for proofing the electronic version of this! Hoping they're all fixed now!
What a lovely experience of joining Ann and her kids at this amazing restaurant! It sounds amazing!!
I am so happy that you and Ann found a lovely new area to explore! I adore Firenze but not at this hotel price you listed. Insane. Wonderful newsletter Michael and Ann!! As always it's a joy to read and always fascinating!! A treasure!! Be well!
Tour de France was probably why Florence was so crowded. Spello sounds lovely. Done some geneology research recently on my Italian roots and found my great grandparents town just east of Amalfi and other grandpa's town near Catania on Sicily. I hoping when I manage to travel there that those towns are just as unexpectedly wonderful.
Also, would love a meet up for subscribers in NYC!! Since we'd have to travel from San Diego, the timing would have to be right, but sounds like it would be a blast!!!
I see Lemon Drop cocktails often on menus but have never ordered one, thinking it seemed a bit juvenile. Well, with your endorsement, I just made one at home . . . LOVED IT! Just the right proportion of sour and sweet. Serving it in a well-chilled martini glass is a must, in my opinion. Thanks for the recommendation. Oh, and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of your newsletter as well . . . as always!
thanks!
Given that the Tour de France began today - stage 1 from Florence to Rimini - Italy is on my mind so thank you for the delicious description of Spello. Curious if you have visited San Marino?
Saw a comment about a book regarding a place visited and it reminded me of a book that everyone should read "Many Beautiful Things: Stories and Recipes from Polizzi Generosa" written by the actor/author/chef Vincent Schiavelli. It will make you want to get on the next plane to Sicily. I'm smiling just thinking about it. Just a great read for anyone who enjoys travel and food.
I will def check it out Ed
Loved your writing about a small town in Italy. We spent a few weeks in Colmurano (population about 1,300) which is an hour from Spello. Absolutely relaxing. Mornings spent at a 7-11 type truck stop with the locals eating incredible pastries that were less than $1 US and drinking cappuccino. Virtually no one spoke English (and we didn't speak Italian). Amazing how well you can communicate by pointing! Incredible Roman ruins nearby in Urbisaglia. The coliseum there was built with the plunder from the siege of Masada. We were never bored. Such a treat to get away from the craziness that is Florence.
Thanks for another wonderful newsletter full of travel and food adventures.
Re your comment about a zoom or NYC meetup - yes to either. I'm newly retired and need a push to get my butt traveling and NYC could be easy/fun.
I'm going to try this tomato pie recipe as the ones I've attempted have never turned out the way I hoped.
Last, a Lemon Drop has been my go-to evening cocktail lately, adding a few mint leaves in the shaker to spice it up.
thanks for all your great comments!
And so happy to see the reference to the marvelous Judy Witts Francini!
My friends loved Spello so much they named their dog Spello. Montefalco is also a nice place to visit. And it’s worth going back to Assisi to see the cathedral, but the town is pretty touristy in general. I love Umbria. Generally, a little less crowded than Tuscany and lots of good food and places to visit. Orvieto is also lovely.
A few years ago an American Michelle Damiani also found Spello and she was so delighted she spent a year in Spello with her family and then wrote the book "Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center" about it. Readers of this column might enjoy reading it for even more stories about Spello.
Thx for the heads up!
Hi Michael, this newsletter convinced me to become a paid subscriber....I especially loved your story of Spello since we learned that those small hill towns and villages are the real Italy while visiting my maternal and paternal grandparents home towns of Sant'Eufemia a Maiella in Abruzzo and Ascoli Piceno in LeMarche last fall.....looking forward to more of the wonderful content as a subscriber.
Yes, the small hill towns and villages are jewels!
if u ever get back, go towards the Adriatic coast of Pescara region....there is a small town there called Sulmona surrounded by mountains, one of which my maternal grandparents were born
Thanks, John. I’m very grateful. Feel free to email me any time.
Loved this, Michael! We went to Assisi in the fall, fell in love. Spello sounds wonderful! Look forward to seeing you and Ann at the Wequassett in August ❤️