STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The allure of summer vacation stories often lies in their blend of reality and nostalgia, crafted over years of retelling. After three decades since traveling to Italy with my parents on a tour bus, I returned, this time alongside my husband and our teenage sons, eager to create new cherished memories—enhanced by the delight of being able to truly appreciate the local wines.
In July, we embarked on an adventure in Italy with 15 family members, expanding our family lore with fresh experiences. Our journey led us to a tranquil town just outside of Lucca in Tuscany, where English speakers were few and the region’s natural charm flourished. The rare encounters with fellow Americans stirred a sense of warmth, like hearing familiar dialects in an unfamiliar setting.
Upon our arrival, my husband, brother-in-law JD, and I set out on our first objective: stocking up the house. We navigated a winding 10-minute drive down a serpentine road to the Penny Market, a local grocery store reminiscent of a calmer version of Aldi back home.
Armed with shopping carts, we divided up tasks in the store. While our Italian skills were limited, we treated this visit as a crash course in the local culinary landscape and currency conversion. My husband gravitated toward the fresh produce, herbs, and artisanal bread, while I selected main meal ingredients, including various types of Tuscan sausage and fresh pasta. JD, however, couldn’t resist heading straight to the wine aisle, where bottles priced around €4 proved to be exceptional. Our meal was practically prepped and ready to enjoy.
The house’s caretaker guided us to a spot in the adjacent olive groves where we collected wood for grilling. This newfound resource infused our dinner with robust flavors and a delightful smokiness. It was there, under the starlit Tuscan sky with the aroma of wood smoke in the air, that my eldest son proclaimed the meal as the highlight of our trip, surrounded by family.
With Florence on our itinerary, we sought out dining recommendations embraced by friends eager to share their favorites. Among the suggestions were I Fratellini, Trattoria Garga, Gusta Pizza, Osteria del Cinghiale, and Vivoli, known as a must-visit for affogato.
I made just one reservation, prompted by a caterer friend’s enthusiastic endorsement. Consequently, our family gathered at Antica Locanda di Sesto, where we indulged in exquisite meals comprised of beef, wine, and olive oil harvested from their own farm. Housed in a building dating back to 1368, connected to the De Nobili family estate, the ambiance was magnificent.
However, the spot that felt most like home was a charming restaurant we discovered in Florence, Osteria dell’Olio – Ristorante Toscano Firenze Centro. Our host, Nico, greeted us with warm hospitality, including rounds of limoncello and captivating stories. One tale struck a chord: he pointed out how some student tourists who had studied in Italy failed to use a single word of Italian during their time abroad, noting, “Every time you ask for something, you need to say ‘please.’”
We found ourselves returning to Osteria dell’Olio twice for Nico’s signature bistecca fiorentina, where the sizzling griddle danced with salt. His charm and inviting demeanor left a lasting impression. So, per favore, make sure to visit Nico when in Florence.
As I reflect on this fantastic trip, I hold tight to the wonderful memories made with family, hoping one day to revisit Italy once more.
image source from：silive
