This is me with my longtime friend Elizabeth Minchilli sitting in front of a bar in the central piazza in Todi. I can’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. Our friendship was forged through taking care of guests that I was squiring through Umbria twenty five years ago. She’s a big reason why Italy is my home away from home and our trips exploring villages meeting artisans of all kinds continue to be a primary joy for me, something we’ve been doing a couple times a year for decades.
Like you, I’ve never been more ready to get out of the place that was my refuge/prison for the past year+. So I’m thrilled to invite you on our journey to Abruzzo, the region east of Rome that stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic. Much of the area is protected wild lands and National Parks and craft is still alive here.
Our home in Abruzzo will be the famed Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a fortified medieval village located in the mountains of Abruzzo in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga national park.
Every one of these trips feeds my soul, my intellect and my belly. I’m particularly looking forward to Abruzzo because we can learn about it together. Elizabeth has been on the ground exploring and planning but because of the pandemic I’ll be seeing it all for the first time along with you. Yes I’m a food nerd/cook but I’ve been in love with all kinds of craft since childhood. The fiber arts and ceramics are another love of mine. And of course Elizabeth literally wrote a book about the ceramics of Deruta. So this trip goes beyond food (and wine) to explore weaving, ceramics, saffron, candy making and more. Always more!
If you’re interested in joining us or would like more information about our week in Abruzzo please send Elizabeth an email. She’ll send you the brochure which includes a detailed itinerary, as well as prices. elizabeth@elizabethminchilli.com
Meanwhile here’s an event I’m doing this week: